You read this hackneyed old saying that “Life is worth living,” which many songwriters, writers, authors, and laypersons use as an expression of their perspective and analysis of life. It is indeed a very interesting topic worth discussing and reflecting on.
Each of us has our own journey in life. A journey where we must overcome all trepidations and challenges along the way. At times, we are besieged with problems, and we start to be confused and begin thinking of the doom and gloom of the world around us, hence could escalate into having a mental problem. A few years ago, I nearly succumbed to this path of uncertainty and fortunately, I soon realised that these are the four reasons that changed my life. And I’m happy to say that “LIFE IS WORTH LIVING” based on these reasons.
Connection with God
If you have a strong relationship with HIM, you know that you are not alone in your journey.
Your faith in “HIM” will give you the inner strength to fight and be strong. Through prayers, you can connect and find peace within. Thomas Merton, a priest monk, and spiritual writer, said, “To seek God perfectly: to withdraw from illusion and pleasure, from worldly anxieties and desires from the works that God does not want, from a glory that is only human display.”
Many are obsessed with glory and success hence they are disconnected from reality, thus seeing themselves as superior to others. They don’t need God, at the end, when things have gone wrong, they begin to despair, falling into the dark pit of obstacles in life. If we could only practice half of what Thomas Merton said, I believe we can lead a positive life and see the world as a beautiful place to live.
Loved ones
Children’s laughter, and the noisy sound of small children playing in the room, especially from your children and grandchildren, will always bring joy and smiles to everyone. Connecting with friends and, enjoying moments with them, sharing beautiful memories with one another are the many reasons why life is worth living. Indeed, loving someone has its own rewards.
Chasing and following your dream
Life will be monotonous and meaningless without goals and purpose. Stephen Benet, American poet and novelist said in one of his books, “Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand small uncaring ways.”
Very true indeed, time will be wasted by doing nothing. Chase your destiny, explore your potential, and soon, you will perceive that life is interesting and worth living. People in the twilight years of life became very successful by discovering their potential. Frank McCourt started writing at 62; he wrote Angela’s Ashes, which won him the Pulitzer Prize and the National Critics Circle Award. I started writing in my 70s and, to date, have published seven books and three Ghost Writing books. There are people who find purpose in life by joining community activities with the goal of helping those who are needing the most.
The beauty of nature
When I was a little girl, I asked my mother the reason why there was a rainbow in the sky, and my mum said, “it is a miracle in the sky”. Until now, I always gaze in awe each time a rainbow appears in the sky. I do appreciate now more than ever the beautiful dazzling colours of flowers from different varieties of plants, especially the breathtaking colours of roses. You must look around and witness the beautiful creations bestowed upon us.
All these things I mentioned gave me a reason to smile and appreciate all my blessings. As the saying goes, “Smile and the world smiles with you, cry, and you cry alone.”
EXCERPT FROM MY BOOK THE REALITIES OF LIFE
Loving your life
Love the life you live
Appreciate the things you have
Be it small or big, wake up each day with enthusiasm
Full of hope and determination that today
Will be better than yesterday
Make tomorrow another day of joy and bliss
(Visit www.lornasbook.com to see the published work of Lorna Ramirez)
