photo credit: whisperwolf
“When all is said and done, you are part of me. That’s the way it was meant to be. People are brought together for a reason, everything happens for a reason. I believe the reason that you and me were brought together was because we complete one another. We fill in each other’s missing spots with love. And if someday God decides to tear us apart, I trust that there is a reason. Cause if there is a reason for love, there is a reason for life beyond it.” ~ Author Unknown
Taking a step back in time, and to something that happened. Something….which left me questioning.
Those college years…a time for many things.
But this?
It all started simply enough. A visit to my sister at college, to celebrate a birthday. I was home for the weekend, and would ride up with my parents.
It was all good. Then, later in the afternoon… time to go back home. A couple of hours. I would drive, on this nice late winter day.
And in an instant, everything can change.
Looking back, it’s so easy to think about how it could have been different.
There I was, driving down the freeway. Out in the wide open spaces, light traffic. Sun shining in. And I felt myself getting tired. (has that ever happened to you?) I could drive through it, though.
And I continued on down that highway.
Except.
Except, I wasn’t becoming any more awake.
The next thing I remember…
Well, it’s kind of a blur, especially after all these years.
I was leaving the road. Jarred back to the present by the sounds, then by the world flying by me. What a scary feeling. Not knowing exactly where I was headed, driving way too fast, especially at that moment.
(perhaps our life is sometimes like this…)
As it turns out, it was a flat, grassy median. We came to a stop. Everyone was okay. And we were able to drive away, everything intact. No one hurt.
Perhaps, except for my dignity.
And I couldn’t help but notice, as we drove the rest of the way home, how much worse this could have been. Spots where there were steep drop offs. Other roads. Groups of cars.
Why me? Why was I spared? Why did this moment which could have been so much worse – why wasn’t it? And what does that all mean? Is there some purpose I have here, which hasn’t yet been fulfilled?
All thoughts that came up right after all of this happened.
Perhaps we’ve all had these moments. Maybe more than we even realize. Where a few seconds have made a complete difference – and yet, we never know what could have happened. Where our doing one thing has completely altered what might have been.
Life is precious. We each have good within us - amazing good that we can give to the world.
And we don’t always realize this. I haven’t always realized this. For a few moments, nearly twenty years ago, I did. And off and on throughout the years — there have been moment of this clarity. Clarity of purpose.
Does it always have to take moments like this, though, to really make this settle into our souls? Or can it become a part of our being, of our soul, of our living?
Life here on this earth is a wonderful and amazing gift. I do not take that for granted today — this beautiful gift called life.
My hope for each of you.…as you read this.…that you take a moment to reflect on you, and on the amazing gift it is be here and traveling through this journey of your life.
Your life…is an extraordinary life. You are an extraordinary being.
Much peace, always.
This article is part of the Life Lessons series, created by Abubakar Jamil.
Beautifully written my friend! Beautiful indeed.
Tabitha,
Thank you so much for your support…
Much peace,
Lance
I had a moment the other day while walking in the forest with the dogs. I remembered a part of my past. A part of my past when I was a different man — a better man. It was like waking up and realising you’re not where you think you should be ~ you’re actually somewhere better.
Dave´s Last Fabulous Post ..Keep Your Money– I Don’t Want It– I Just Want You–
Dave,
There’s something very soothing about a walk in the woods.…and one that can also bring up some really good stuff. I find it to be very reflective, and there is much good in those moments. Good stuff, my friend…
Lance,
Lovely to read you and thank a lot for being a good sport and participating in the Life Lessons Series.
I love this line of yours, “Life is precious. We each have good within us — amazing good that we can give to the world.”
A post well written bro.
Abubakar Jamil´s Last Fabulous Post ..If you register your site for free at
Abubakar,
Thank you, my friend, for starting this series out…and really giving so many people a place to think more deeply about how life if viewed now. Life is indeed precious.…and I am honored that our lives have crossed in these journey’s we are both on.
Peace,
Lance
Hello Lance,
I agree with Tabitha. You’ve done a wonderful in writing this post.
As wonderful as your writing is, the message your sending out is even more amazing. The precious gift of life, so easily taken for granted and so fragile. Like you , I’ve wondered if it takes almost losing that precious gift in order for us to experience the “awareness” you speak of. An awareness of our purpose, and we all do have a purpose, even if it is yet unrecognized.
Lance, I just had this thought. Perhaps one can experience that awareness and clarity by being reminded, through example, by an article just like this one. I know it brought me back to awareness almost instantly. I thank you for that.
Keith,
Thank you so much for your kind words. They really are meaningful, as this was a challenging post for me to put “out there”.
You know, I think there is clarity that can come for all of us…in letting the thoughts of another enter into our being. I know I’ve felt this way in reading certain things, in being around certain people. The key in all of this.…is to keep that clarity alive even after you have moved on. I know that can be a challenge for me — and yet, when I do — I just feel that much more connected to who I truly am.
Keith, thank you for all these thoughts — they have me thinking even more deeply about what this article means to me…and to the meaning I draw from all that I read.
Peace,
Lance
What a lovely piece of writing. Life is an extraordinary gift.
Lady Fi´s Last Fabulous Post ..My chocolate fix
Lady Fi,
Thank you. Life is truly extraordinary…and I’m glad to have this life today!
Beautiful reminder… I love your question
Does it always have to take moments like this, though, to really make this settle into our souls? Or can it become a part of our being, of our soul, of our living?
I think when we stop making it a part of our being, that beautiful thing outside of us, the BIGGER force sends us moments like this to wake us up!
Jules — Big Girl Bombshell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Declare Your Independence
Hi Jules,
Wake up calls. They sure can be scary, sometimes dangerous, and even tragic. Yet, when we let these moments awaken our senses.…and especially our sense of “being”.…what a beautiful place we are moving toward…on this journey in our lives…
Much peace,
Lance
I had an experience once in which I was driving on a mountain road and hit a patch of ice. My car slid and slid to the edge and it stopped just at the edge. I was close to tumbling off the side of a mountain. It was if the hand of God was there to catch me. And I’ve never forgotten that moment — that I was spared and my life flashed before me. A little more precious after that.
Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Mountain cool– wisp and mockingbird
Hi Lynn,
As I read your story, I’m remembering a time I was on a patch of ice, too — and slid. While there wasn’t a mountain to slide off of, it was still a scary moment as it happened. I can only imagine what this must have been like with mountain drop offs all around. So glad you are okay. And it sure is a reminder of how precious life really is. Thank you so much for sharing this part of you…
Much peace,
Lance
> settle into our souls
I like that. It dives deep.
It reminds me that legacy is a by-product of living your life, testing yourself, driving from who you want to be and the experiences you want to create.
J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Accelerate Your Career with a Rapid Growth Field
J.D.,
Our soul really is a deeper part of us…and a place I truly savor. We all have a legacy within us…if we’ll just let that inner fire in us burn brightly…
A truly gripping and inspiring post, Lance. It gave me chills.
I’m glad your trip continued *with* you, so you could cross my path. We just never know what is up ahead. Good reason to stay awake so we don’t miss a thing. Cheers!
Davina,
So good to have you here, my friend. And it’s been a blessing having our paths cross out there in this great big world. Your support means the world to me.
Peace,
Lance
Too often I don’t take the time to appreciate how great life is. I know that my life is great, but sometimes I need a wake-up call. It can be my own wake-up call or someone else’s. Thanks for a wonderful wake-up call. Time to kiss my wife and kid and tell them how much I love them.
Karl,
Ahhh.…taking life for granted. Perhaps we all do this, to some extent. In our day to day living, it can become quite easy to assume we’ll work another day, have an opportunity to do that “thing” we keep putting off, see our spouse at the end of the day, etc, etc.
Keep on sharing your love with those special people in your life, my friend. (I think you are already doing this quite well, too…)
Much peace,
Lance
I’ve had such a moment too, Lance. When I was a victim of a hold up some years back. The one who stole my mobile phone had a very long knife pointing towards me. All I could think of was that I’d give him everything I possess that moment except my life! Life is so precious, but it could be taken in an instant. It’s frightening to experience such situations, but it is also liberating because it gives us a new perspective about life.
Joyce at What Would You Do In Heaven?´s Last Fabulous Post ..Quote About Heaven 070510
Joyce,
Having your life flash before you…it really can be terrifying. And in that moment, if we truly want to live, we’ll do anything to keep that life of ours. What a scary place to be — help at knife point. So glad that you are okay.
And in that, too — the perspective you’ve taken from that is one that does remind just how precious this life we are living — how precious it is.
Joyce, thank you for sharing this here.
Much peace,
Lance
Lance,
Beautiful!
I think about that sometimes. What a gift this life is, today is and how easily we all take it for granted at times. This is kinda off topic, sometimes when my hubby and I are having a disagreement I think what if. There’s no guarantee that he’s coming back at the end of the day. Anything can happen. It puts things into perspective and reminds me that the fact that we’ve lived here for 4 years and he doesn’t know where the colander goes, in the big scheme of things is not important! Seriously, it makes me realize that the day to day stuff we all get bogged down in at one time or another is not important. It’s about living our lives to the fullest and loving those around us and showing those around us that they are loved is what matters most!
Lance you write beautifully! Thanks for the reminder that we are extraordinary! That life is extraordinary! !
Natalia
Natalia,
You are so super kind and supportive…and I really want you to know how meaningful that is for me. Your words lift me up…thank you…
Hey, guess what? I know where out colander goes!! Now, about that cake pan…hmmm.…not quite so sure on that one! (or a few more things, too!)
It can be easy to let these little things get to us — something that seems so simple to remember. Still, in the end of the day — these little things really are just that — little. If we still have that someone who cares, if we still have love.…that’s enough. Natalia, I think you have summed this up beautifully…and it really does touch me, what you have written here.
Love always,
Lance
Hi Lance:
Haunting post. You are right…sometimes when we are driving we are just a moment or inches from danger that could change everything. I’ve driven home plenty of times very tired, but thankfully I never fell asleep. But I also know that my situation could have easily been different. Like you, I feel blessed to have survived these moments and it does make me pause and reflect about the deeper meaning of why I am here. Thank you for this post, which is a great reminder of how amazing and precious life really is.
Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Rock Star Innovation– Thomas Edison
Hi Tim,
We all have a purpose here. We have been given this life for a reason, and it really is a precious life. Always. Perhaps we sometimes miss seeing that in our daily living. And then, moments like this — and like with you — these moments help to bring us back to what really matters.
Peace,
Lance
Thank you for sharing this, Lance. Like Tim said, this is a really haunting post. I think about this kind of thing often, mainly because of my own near-death experience that I had when I was 19. Since that time, I have often wondered the same thing: Why was I spared? What unique gifts can I bring into the world? How can I make sure the world is a better place just by me being in it?
I wish I could say that I *always* keep this in mind, but I don’t. I forget it often, that I was given a precious, rare, second chance at life, and that I should make the most of every moment, every interaction. Thank you for writing this post, because it helped remind me of that just when I needed it the most.
Jay´s Last Fabulous Post ..On The Dark Side
Jay,
I recall reading about your near death experience — and that is one that really and truly was even more haunting. We can easily wonder “why?”. Why me? or Why was I spared? or a myriad of other questions. Perhaps it is all just chance. Or perhaps there is some Higher Being that had a hand in all of this. I know only that I can’t say 100% for sure.
Still, whatever the “why” behind any of this — you are bringing up another very wonderful point. It’s easy to get back to our daily living. And in that — do we remember who precious and wonderful our life is? Or do we “forget”? That “forgetting” is easy. And still.…it changes not the fact that we are indeed special and loved and amazing beings.…each one of us.
Jay, thank you so much for sharing as you have here. Your words always lead to even more understanding for me.
Much peace,
Lance
Lance,
Wow, this has happened to me once, but someone else was driving and I did not know the driver was so sleepy, it was scary first then sigh of relief and like you said, you wonder why you survived, what is the main purpose for it, what if I did not find it, what happens then?
You have written wonderfully inspiring post on subject that could be very scary, that takes a cake, bow to you for it. Thanks for sharing your life lesson with us.
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s Last Fabulous Post ..No Spend Month Challenge– Update 1
Preeti,
Our life is a precious one. However we might come to our own “seeing” of that — there is good in those moments of clarity. Sometimes it really is a scary moment like this — or like what you’ve experienced — that really help us to focus on what matters. Preeti, thank you so much for being here, and for your support.
Much peace,
Lance
Beautifully written and what a lesson. It reminds me of this song…the pertinet part is about a third into the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1jdlsw08p0
You reminded me that there was a time in my life that I was doing way too much. I was on my way to a church retreat and was running late to meet up with my ride, so I was driving much faster and in and out of lanes which is quite unlike me. This has been the only ticket that I have recived in my 30 years or so of driving. I was reminded just as there are consequences for speeding that there are also consequences for going to fast in life.
ClinicallyClueless´s Last Fabulous Post ..Past Journal Entry– Mother Hitting Part II
Clinically Clueless,
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful song. Angels watching over me.…mmmm.…it really is a comforting feeling to think about this. We may never fully know — at least here during our time on earth — how the hand of God plays a role in all of this. Or that God works in mysterious ways.
And that’s okay. It’s all part of this human experience we are having here on earth. Guided by angels…it’s such a sweet, sweet thought.
And thank you for sharing a part of your own personal experience, and how that led you to revisit your life.
Much peace,
Lance
WOW! That is some post Lance & it really makes us think! The key is to learn from these times.. like when we lose loved ones to early & we say, I will learn from this but then we go back to our every day life after a month or two.…
Thank you for this!
Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..How Do You Use Your Time
Jody,
Such a true statement you’ve said. When something happens that makes us really re-think life — is this something that stays with us? Or do we all too easily slip back into our normal routines of living? It’s when we can really take something from these moments — and apply them to our life — in meaningful and real ways — and in lasting ways — that real change occurs. And that’s a change toward us living more in line with our soul.
It’s a beautiful place to be. And one that is so worth it…
Peace,
Lance
Hi Lance! Wow, scary moment indeed! I think we are all given some “wake up” nudges — they come in all shapes and sizes — and we are so blessed to have learned something from them. They serve us well as reminders to honor, love and respect the life we have been given — and wow, YES, to do something good with the opportunity called life!
Thank you for sharing this story so beautifully, Lance! I’m REALLY glad you are still with us!
hugs
suZen
Suzen,
I love that you’ve touched upon the “size” of these nudges in our life. It doesn’t have to be something BIG always. These can be little nudges, too. If it’s something that helps us to better align our selves with our own “true north”, then that nudge has been so good…no matter what “size” it is.
Thank you so much, Suzen, for your caring words.…they have landed upon my heart today…
Much love,
Lance
Hey, Lance, I think that with people like you who are always striving to improve their relationship with others and the Higher Being, you will always be seeking answers — always “staying awake” to new possibilities. Good for you!
Live IS precious indeed.
Let us sing to the day.
xo
Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Little Loves a poem
Jannie,
Life is most definitely precious. So is knowing you, dear friend. Let us sing and dance…and celebrate the amazing-ness of life and all it’s wonders!
Love always,
Lance
Hi Lance,
I’d like to think I settle into my soul a little deeper daily or I’m not growing. I think each day we live we’ve been spared. Now it seems there is no time to waste. If we can accelerate our growth in any way possible it’s our responsibility to do so…and as I’m typing this I’m getting a big message on something I need to change about myself. Yikes Lance will you quit giving me so many opportunities to stretch!
Tess,
I love that thought.…that of settling a little deeper into our soul every day. What a wonderful and beautiful place to “be”. And I think you are right — we are perhaps spared every day that we continue life here on earth. We just don’t know what one small thing — either by us or by someone else — can completely alter that. It’s hard for me to even comprehend fully — just how grand of a scales even the tiniest of actions can affect. Such deeply wonderful thoughts Tess. Thank you.
Much peace,
Lance
Hello Lance
What a moving piece. Is it not amazing how all the moments of life shape us, and define us and if we just stop for a moment and reflect, allow them to expand our perspective of all that is, and all that can be.
Your experience was transformational. So many moments in our life can do that for us, IF we only take that moment to reflect… what was that bigger idea? meaning? picture? purpose?
You found yours in that moment, and thank you for inviting us to do the same, with the numerous moments in our life, to realize just how precious life really is.
Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..An Invitation to Think Brand New – The Time is Here
Hi Evita,
Yes, every moment of our life shapes us in some way. Are we allowing ourselves to fully “see” that? Or do we all too often just blindly travel on this journey of our life? And then — perhaps it’s something much bigger which finally jars us back toward a clearer understanding of our life.
And it’s there…in our every day living — not just in these “big” moments. I think that’s such a key, that you have highlighted. If we can begin to see our life as moments that all help in guiding us in some way — in providing a light on this journey — what a beautiful place to be.
Life is precious…
Much love,
Lance
I’m glad you were all okay. My neighbor wasn’t so lucky — he skidded on the freeway on his motorcycle and is in ICU.
Still. He’s alive. You’re alive.
Makes me grateful for all the little things and all the grand things Heavenly Father blesses each of us with.
Have a grand day!!
Jewel Allen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Seriously Not–
Jewel,
So scary — moments like that you’ve shared about your neighbor. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
And these moments — when they are so close to “home”, they land upon our heart in even more precious ways. We live in an amazing place…this place called earth. And just our life — it is such a wondrous thing. Should we not live that way, too — filled with wonder and love for all that is here.…
Jewel, thank you so much for sharing what you have.
Much peace,
Lance
Hi Lance, close-calls are a good reminder of stopping and finding clarity of the moment. Just this morning at 5:15am I was driving to my cycling class and I didn’t calculate the turn into the left street quite right — I didn’t clear the median. Lucky me, there were no cars, and I backed and entered the road again but I was wide awake, filled with fear, and thankful to have been spared and lucky.
I like the story telling.…..I really do! Thank you for sharing!
Farnoosh,
Moments like you’ve shared — they awaken the senses. In that moment — there is clarity, even if just seconds before we might have been in some sort of a “fog”, just waking up to the day…to ourselves…etc. I’m glad you were okay!
And along those lines — I also personally find a lot of clarity in the moments in which I’m exercising my physical body. It’s as if there is also an exercising of the mental body too. So, nice job getting out there, starting your day by being awakened in your cycling class.
Peace,
Lance
Lance, the cycling has been fabulous…I am up to 4 times a week and 3 of them is at 5:45am — It is kicking my butt hard but I need it.
And by the way, I like the reply to each person format that you have here a lot more than the other reply to comments in one big comment format, Lance.….It makes it so much more personal and it fits right there with your personality (and mine!)!
Lance,
This post is very inspiring. It provides a great example of those moments in life where we can finally reflect and recognize how much a miracle just being here is. We really have an opportunity to make the most of our time here, and It may take a profound and impacting experience to begin to realize the importance of that. I know I’ve had my close calls, and it does make me reflect on my purpose.
Joe,
It really is a miracle to be here! Just think (and this one’s hard for me to fully grasp) — had we been conceived just seconds earlier or seconds later — our whole life would be different — we would be a whole different person. So hard to imagine…and yet also so touching on the beauty of LIFE itself, and the miracle of being alive.
Peace,
Lance
This is a beautiful post, Lance! Each day we have on this earth and each minute we get to spend with our loved ones are precious.
Hanlie,
Thank you! Our moments are precious.…and so worth remembering that.
Much peace,
Lance
Great writing, I really thought the story was going to end different, and that is the mark of good writing. You took us on a journey and then provided an applicable life lesson with your authentic heart. Thanks to your post, we don’t have to wait for a heart stopping moment to give clarity to life. Your hope in us is a beautiful thing Lance, thanks for always encouraging us.
Audra,
So good to have you here, dear friend. And, thank you so much for your wonderful and caring support.
Clarity can come now…if we are ready and open to explore what that means for each of us. All part of the journey we are each on… Audra, hope is a wonderful thing, and this that you have shared is reminding me how much I truly do connect with the hope others give me. Thank you.
Much love,
Lance
Oh dear Lance, This is soooooooo simply beautiful, and yet dazzlingly powerful, unforgettable. I too had MANY times like this. They are like stepping stones across a river that beckon us to awaken and to step through life more fully awake, aware, and alive.
I feel this little memory so captures you love of life and humanity. It personifies so well how so many of us “fall asleep at the wheel”. and most are not even in a vehicle. My immediate thought as to your question, “Why me? Why was I spared?”, was that you were definitely NOT meant to die, but to only be awaken so that you can give all the Love, abundance of spirit that is sooooooooo YOU dear sweet, Lance. As I’ve told you from the start, there is greatness in you, GREATNESS OF SPIRIT. The world needs this right now and you are one who moves through the world with your arms and heart wide open. I soooooo relate to that, we are the same in that way. There are others who love and are wise and have much to give and teach, but YOU dear soul are like the warmest sunshine of a cold winter day, or like a reminder of who we all REALLY are. The world NEEDS this. Needs YOU.
May you continue to awaken for the rest of your life to the BRILLIANT shinning soul that you ALREADY are. I send you so much love and encouragement to always be just who you are. It is beautiful.
Love,
Robin
Robin Easton´s Last Fabulous Post ..Have You Become Your Dream
Robin,
Your words always land upon my soul…and touch me deeply. It’s hard to fully express how much this all means, everything that you have said here, and always. Know that you are such sustaining good in this world…in my world. And when there are moments when I wonder if it’s all worth it — this giving of LOVE.…I am drawn back very much to your always wise, deeply caring, and personally touching words. And I know, without doubt, that LOVE is so worth it. And that’s you, dear Robin, expressing so openly, your soul.
Figuratively “asleep at the wheel”.…so well said. It’s easy to let this happen, just kind of going through the motions of life. Yet, when we breathe LIFE into our being, and let LOVE become a part of our deep being — we awaken to this living life we are experiencing. And that is so, so good.
Robin, thank you so much for being here…especially today…
You are a dear and caring friend.
Love always,
Lance
Lance, this is such a great reminder! Thank you for sharing this today.
I remember the time I flipped my car on its side and missed a tree, and it all happened so fast.
I know that we are all definitely here for a reason… to Love and to experience the gift of life.
I appreciate you very much, and I just wanted you to know that today.
You add so much value to others and are so “naturally you!“
Thank you for giving back to life a portion of what it gives to you..
and challenging each of us to do the same.
xx Jenn
Jenn´s Last Fabulous Post ..When the Blossoms Start– a New Journey Begins
Jenn,
Thank you for sharing your story — and how this has added meaning to your life.
Love. It’s a wonderful thing. And when we let that LOVE become a deeper part of who we are, and we live from that place in our soul…openly…what beautiful happenings awaken to us.
Jenn, know that I am deeply grateful for you in my life, too. You make all of this easier…this being more open, more real, more true to my core. Thank you, sweet friend.
Much love,
Lance
Such a beautiful post — thank you for writing, sharing and reminding me how precious and unique we all are.
Elaine,
So good to have you here, thank you! We all are precious gifts in this world…each on of us…in our very own unique ways. And that IS wonderful!
Peace,
Lance
Hi Lance:
Seems that something divinely significant happens when we completely lose control. People who have had a brush with death often exude an aura of goodness. You seem no exception.
No matter how many years ago it happened, insights keep bubbling out of the memories. As much as I do not want to repeat my experience, I am grateful for having it. If you are curious: — http://souldipper.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/i-knew-i-was-going-to-die/
– Amy
Amy MacLeod´s Last Fabulous Post ..Empowerment in Action
Amy,
I’ve just read your story — and thank you so, so much for sharing that here. What an almost surreal experience. And what a beautiful sign that there truly is a God, a God that loves us very much! Maybe even more — was what I’m sure you’ve taken from this experience, from what seemed like near death — to LOVE and CARE from a heavenly Father.
Amy, you shine of that aura of goodness, and I am so glad our paths have crossed.
Much love,
Lance
“Does it always have to take moments like this, though, to really make this settle into our souls? Or can it become a part of our being, of our soul, of our living?”
I believe it does, unfortunately. It is not until we experience some trial in our lives, or in your case spared one, we realize what we have and could have. I guess that’s life, eh!
Colleen´s Last Fabulous Post ..1504 Potter Avenue, Richland Washington, 99354, Central Richland Home For Sale
Colleen,
Those moments when we have something happen to us — or even to someone very close to us — these can be moments very much of clarity. Does it always take something like this for us to gain that focus? Perhaps. It definitely makes it all very much more personal — and in that, there is something that can make it all just “click” for us. When we read about someone else — that personal factor just isn’t as strong. I think we can still get something from this — it’s just much more of us intentionally focusing on what matters. (and that is most definitely not always an easy thing to do)
Colleen, thank you so much for this very candid answer — it’s making me think more deeply about all of this, what it means for me, and what it means in all that I take in.
Much peace,
Lance
Beautifully written!
Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Aint That America
Kelli,
Thank you so much for your support…
Oh Lance, you are so gentle and so generous and yet so ‘normal’ .
You know where the colander is but NOT the cake tins (and I believe you and yet you are a healer and a great story teller.
Yes, some of us are lucky to get a wake up call and stay awake, some are getting many and never get the message.
I am pleased you got the message and are sharing it with us;
“Life here on this earth is a wonderful and amazing gift.“
It IS and may we all soon live as if we know this.
Much love, Wilma
Wilma,
You know…and that’s the truth (and my wife can attest to it). There are some things I just have never figured out where they go (and yet…that doesn’t stop me from eating the cake!!). Hmmm.…maybe it’s time for me to step up to the plate here, huh!
Wake up calls. Do we always “get” them? Sometimes so…sometimes not. When we do, though, these moments can provide real clarity. And if we fully realize just how precious our time here is, our LIFE…I think we touch upon what matters more, in our living.
Wilma, you have such a wonderful way of expressing all of this here… and really in all you share. You are a shining light in our world…
Love always,
Lance
Incredible Lance. Amazing insights on something you could have just shrugged off as being tired. Instead it opens a new realm of possibilities of living life in the moment.
I had a moment driving on the highway in torrential rain. There was hail coming behind me and no protective underpass to stop in that wasn’t filled with cars. Home was just a few miles away. As I crossed over a highway next to 18 wheeler, my car hydro-planed. I was off the road with no traction, an 18 wheeler on one side, a railing bridge on the other. As I floated towards the edge of the bridge, I could do nothing, my tires had no traction. Moving in slow motion unable to breathe, I did glimpse my life pass before my eyes and in that second my tires caught the road. I made it home, but I never forgot that moment. It was then — I knew — I’m here for a reason.
Angelia Sims´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Puppy Named Brownie
Angelia,
What a scary moment for you — as I sense very much a sudden feeling of helplessness. I know I would feel that way. And yet, we are always protected.…protected by a God that loves us very much. Maybe that’s really a part of this — surrendering to that, to allowing God into our life. And if our time here on earth is up, then there is a greater purpose elsewhere for us.…and that is good and right. And if our time here on earth continue, there is much beauty here for us yet to experience.
Know that having you here shines much beauty into my life.…
Much peace,
Lance
Hi Lance .. yes .. like you — just managed to hang on — and have thought why me? — especially now — and I realise perhaps this is why .. who knows — but life is precious and we need to live every minute and savour every moment. There is a link there .. there is the highway of thought/telepathy .. we are each reading this and realising there’s more to life — it is to live for .. to be safe in, to care, to bring light in .. it’s good to be here .. Hilary
Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Hotspur– the Duchess and The Poison Garden
Hilary,
Yes, there is very much to this life each of us are living. We can each be beacons of light out into our world, and into the preciousness of it all. Every moment counts…are we truly experiencing that? Something so worth us each exploring, on this journey we are on.
Hilary, thank you so much for all the light you shine here…
Much peace,
Lance
Lance,
So absolutely beauty filled! Thank you!
I almost wrote that I had a near death experience, but reality is there is a time in life we’ve all had something close..either physical, emotional, spiritual death..the day that you discovered the world is not as you thought it to be and you made the choice to embrace life fully exactly as you are exactly as it is presented…(or perhaps some make the choice to give up…)…
Each and every day is a gift; each moment in that day is a gift, and we can choose to navigate on autopilot, eyes half open, barely seeing what is around us…and hope something wakes us before we crash…or we can choose to live alert and awake ready for delight as it is presented. As in your story, we can choose to bring others along with us..all half awake.. or to join community all alive and embracing…Just as you looked over the side and saw remnants from others who crashed..we may use that as reminders and then look to the sky and realize we can all soar together…
Joy,
Choices. Such a good word, here. We all have a choice in how to respond to the environment around us and to the moment we are in. Always. What choice are we making? And are those choices making us more connected to our moments, or not?
If our life is truly extraordinary (and I believe very much that it is for each of us), then what a beautiful thing to soar together.
Joy, your words are deeply touching. Thank you so much for sharing.
Much peace,
Lance
Wow Lance — What a scary thing to happen but it taught you a powerful lesson. It’s so easy to forget how fragile life is.
Cath,
Yes, perhaps sometimes the hardest thing to remember.…just how fragile life is. And how quickly it can all change.
Peace,
Lance
Whew,
I’m getting goosebumps and the shivers while reading this story.
Brought me back to the night when my pregnant wife and I got rear-ended and the car was a total right off.
Life is indeed precious my friend.
And now we have a 3rd little member (baby girl) to find help us find joy and love in our life.
Thank you for the lovely story Lance,
Beautiful reminder of how we should cherish and have gratitude for being alive and living each moment with enthusiasm and energy.
Vincent Nguyen´s Last Fabulous Post ..INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE Reynaldo Ojeda
Vincent,
Scary moments…when things like this happen. It really goes to show, just how life can change in an instant. Life is a precious thing…
Enjoy all the moments with that little girl of yours!!
Wow Lance, I can’t believe all the comments here. It seems to resonate with everyone because it’s a story we can all relate too. It’s so great that this was a life changing experience for you. I imagine that’s why it happened as it did, so you’d learn a lesson you were meant to learn. I’m glad everything turned out ok, it’s so scary dozing off while flying down the highway.
Eric | Eden Journal´s Last Fabulous Post ..There’s a Turd in my Nest
Eric,
I’m glad everything turned out okay, too. And I think we relate in the human-ness of it all, and in connecting at that level…we understand…we’ve been there (to some degree). Thanks so much for your thoughts.…
From the moment one ceases to question why things happen, one begins to feel that reality unfolds without any prompting, without any exertion on our part. To recall the essence of being is the witness shifts vantage point and expands experience in ways that are beyond words, even beyond the mind.
Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..Feel the impact
Liara,
Reality unfolding. Thank you. Wonderful thoughts…
Wow…Lance. Thank you for opening up and sharing this. When you asked if anyone had ever felt tired at the wheel…I had instant tears and realized that I had forgotten about a very similar experience in which I fell asleep and my car was totaled yet I walked away unscratched. All I remember from it was yelling as the car spun around and around was, “I’m FINE!” over and over. It was as if it was a declaration of how much I wanted this life. How unwillingly I would let go…and maybe that is all life is asking of us is to declare our love for it…with passion, with gratitude, with meaning.
Thank you for giving this story to all of us as a reminder.
Hugs
Katie
Katie,
Life. It’s so hard to sometimes grasp how quickly it can change, be taken away, altered forever. I can go through my days — and all too quickly let this moment in time fade into the background.
Life is precious. And it is what we make it to be. I really love the word GRATITUDE you’ve used here. It reminds me how thankful we should be for this life we’re living.
Katie, and know that I am deeply grateful for you.…and for your being here…here in this space, and even more than that — here on this earth. Your words today, especially, land upon my heart…and touch deeply to my being.…
Much peace,
Lance
A few seconds can change everything — something to think about, perhaps, when spending huge amounts of time struggling, worrying, controlling etc. — perhaps as quickly as things could change for the worse, they can change for the better. Best to stop struggling and just being.…..who knows where the next few seconds will take you!
Happiness and Wisdom´s Last Fabulous Post ..Review– The Habit Guide
Happiness and Wisdom,
Yes, so good to let really soak into our soul — this idea that a few seconds can change so much. And that’s a great reason to truly “be” ourselves…deeply…lovingly…
Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Great blog post, Lance. The small wake-up calls, when heeded, prevent greater wake-up calls. Obviously, you got it the first time! Thank you for MY wake-up reminder. Back on the road heading toward my destination.
~Michelle
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Michelle,
May your travels be filled with experiences and moments that ring true to your heart…
And thank you so much for visiting this piece…it’s one of those that was so hard to write, yet felt so “right” when I finished…
it is great to know other people out there are also trying to help people feel good about themselves. Everyone should value their life and be greatfull for other’s peoples help.
Life Improvement,
Thanks so much for your kind words.
The help we get from others…what a gift that truly is…
Hi Lance,
Hopped over here from #bbtl & I’m so glad you are okay… here.
This must of been tough, I’m so glad you hit publish, it’s beautiful.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks so much for the visit today (and especially to this particular piece).
This was really difficult for me, because it felt like I was showing a side of me that others hadn’t seen before. And yet, the thing is — I was supported in ways I could never have imagined, just by opening up and letting this out.
Again, thank you for your sweet words today — they hold much meaning for me.
wow…your post brought back terrible memories that i’ve tried to get over of a resent car accident where i fell asleep too…i just wish mine had ended as well as yours…altho no one got hurt, thank god! i am eternally grateful for that and my life!!
Hi Kathryn,
I’m so, so sorry for stirring within your soul these memories from your more recent car accident. Life is indeed precious, and that’s such a big take away for me, from this. For me, this has been many, many years ago — and something that was so difficult to share. In sharing, though, there was a release for me — as if there was a bondage holding onto me until I wrote this.
Know that I’m thinking of you…
Lance
So beautiful Lance. So much to remind us all of. I actually had an incident recently that really got me thinking about what could have been and why it was not. Love your words of inspiration so very much!
Hi Shannon,
First off…it’s so, so great seeing you here today!! (I’m smiling…because of YOU…)
Those moments that get us thinking…they can be pretty powerful. And I’m reminded, as I sit here tonight, that these moments are all around us — and we don’t even fully grasp that (I sure don’t), in the moment. Who knows what could have happened if I left a minute earlier to take my son to school today? Or if went outside to check the mail an hour later? Or if I had stopped at that yellow light instead of rushing through it? And all the other myriad of choices that brought me through my day…
…life is precious…
Thanks again, Shannon, for your presence here, and in my life…
Hi Lance.
when I saw your post on Twitter. Little did I know that I had already commented last year! I had forgotten reading this post. And it’s a powerful one too. It’s a good reminder to reflect on our lives because as you say, things can change in an instant. I think part of the joy is the “remembering” and gently tugging yourself back to what is here now. As I said in my comment last year, I’m truly glad that this ended positively.
Lol, I’m back to comment just as I said I would
Davina,
It is always so good to have you here (thanks for making the trip over…and for leaving a second comment here).
…life is precious…and I’m grateful that our paths have crossed on these journeys each of us are on.
Thanks so much for being here…