Johnstown Relationships- Cycle of life
I am slowly coming to terms with the cycle of life, as I reach a milestone (some would say) by turning 40 years old next week. It makes me unwillingly reflect on my 40 years on this Earth during this lifetime. I think I should start with letting everyone know that I am a believer in Reincarnation, so when I say `this lifetime’, I know I have been around much longer. I consider myself to have an old soul, I have been told that even as a child I was more grown-up and mature than I should have been.
Having this time to reflect on my life thus far has given me pause. I think about the things I have not accomplished yet, the people I loved that have passed on, and what goals I want to accomplish with whatever time I have remaining. I think if we all take a look back at our lives, we would have some regrets. I was reading over a book called `The Tao of Inner Peace’ by Diane Dreher. She has a chapter titled The Way of Nature, and it discusses our life cycle and our experiences. She writes, “Like the seasons, we undergo cycles. The Tao Te Ching teaches us to be still and watch the evolving patterns. By observing the cycles of nature, we know ourselves.” I strongly believe in the power of Mother Nature and all the wondrous things she can teach us. Nature has moments of rest (winter), moments of joy (spring), moments of love (summer), and moments of calm (fall). Mother Nature also has moments of emotion, anger (natural disasters), and emotions of care (flowers blossoming).
Like Mother Nature, human beings are connected with each other. Everyone we come into contact with becomes a part of us. Also like Mother Nature we go through cycles of birth, growth, pain, and eventually death. As we move on in our daily duties, we come into contact with people that make an impact. This can be positive or negative depending on the contact we make.
As I said, I am taking note of my life as I reach that certain age. I found the deeper connection I have with my fellow humankind. We all are born, go through our growing pains, learn from our environment (people and places), obtain independence, love, laugh, cry, and eventually we die. Most of us leave a legacy, something to pass onto the next generation so we will not be forgotten. Since I am single and have no children, my legacy will be my impact I had on others. I am hoping I will be remembered for the good I have done and have yet to do. Maybe I will have a family of my own. Only the Fates know what is to become of me during this lifetime.
I look back on my life and see the people I have loved and love. As I reach this birthday my first regret is not celebrating last year. My mother wanted to do something special and I said no because I didn’t think 39 was a big deal and we always had next year. Sadly my mother passed away July 2012, so I feel that I let her down and disappointed her. I was her only child, her closest friend and `her best accomplishment’. By not celebrating last year I feel deeply saddened for this upcoming birthday.
Life is meant to be something extra special. It is only during extraordinary events we recognize our impact on the world. So my goal for the future, how ever long it may be, is to make a better impact on my world. Those loved ones that have gone from my life have left a huge legacy, big shoes to fill. But I make a new eternal vow to live up to their big shoes.
I will continue to treat people equally and fairly, take special care of family members still around, take time for myself (which I rarely do), and leave a positive impression on people I come into contact with. My future goals are very realistic. I just have to work on getting them completed. I do this in honor and respect for my loved ones that have parted and for the loved ones still on this Earth.
The good news about believing in Reincarnation is that if I do not fully succeed and reach self-actualization in this lifetime, I will come back and try again. So Happy Birthday to me! I will enjoy my 40 years alive and be forever grateful for those who have given me life and a chance to make this world a better place.
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