A result of having so many visitors is having a lot of varied conversations observing not only styles of communication, but also hearing and seeing responses that reflect one’s personality and view on life.
One of my recent ponderings, that is somewhat related to conversations I’ve witnessed, is the question – At what point does an individual feel that something is enough to change their habits for the purpose of having a better life?
When I asked a recent guest this, his response was that it is when one is faced with a sense of mortality. Basically, a near-death or exposed to death kind of situation.
I feel that this is still an inadequate answer because I have not had this kind of experience, yet I have a strong desire to reflect upon myself to adjust my habits so that I am not prohibiting myself from living the best that I can whether it be with my health, my safety/livelihood, or my relationships. While I have long accepted that I do not think like the majority of people, I also have never accepted that I am alone in how I think nor that I might be wrong…. π
Obviously, people who do not want to die before they are ready – if they are ever so – will make adjustments to their way of life, if faced with their mortality, until they begin to take life for granted again and return to their “normal” way of life.
As an example, I think back to my grandpa H, who had a heart attack due to a lifetime of unhealthy living. When he came out of the hospital, he temporarily vowed to change his habits. In the end, it was too late as he was taken from us by an aneurysm after being lazy again with his walking and eating. While, on the one hand, we could say that he enjoyed his life and that it doesn’t really matter when one goes; on the other hand, we could argue that he could have continued to enjoy life for many more years than he did. Who is correct? Does it matter? π€·π½ββοΈ
Personally, I am OK with death. It is a part of the life cycle and when one’s time comes, it is what it is. For me, I am ready anytime as I am very content with the life I have led and the one that I lead. Still, I do not live recklessly nor do I want to have a suffering kind of death – like with cancer. So, I take care of myself and I generally ensure that I do not cause others to worry about my behaviors leading to untimely death (for the living). To be honest, I don’t really know the reason why I think this way, which is why I am curious about those who don’t.
Still, if it is true that most people are not ready to die right now, then why do people continue to smoke when they obviously have bad health; text while driving; drive too fast at the risk of hurting not only themselves but others; drink to excess regularly; etc.?
Now, I’m not questioning one’s desire to have a good time, drown out sorrows, avoid facing personal or external issues, and various other reasons that one might choose to do any or more of the above. I am questioning at what point would it take for someone to want to change their life or to see that such behaviors might not contribute to a longer-lasting and fulfilling way of life? Or, maybe the question back to me is what is a fulfilling way of life and why can’t it be doing the above? π€
Anyway, I am honestly not judging nor condemning. Mostly, I’m curious and pondering. π€― These are the kinds of conversations I like to have…. π¬π€ͺ
~T π₯πβοΈ
