A word that conjures so many connotations. A misspent youth, a misspent childhood, a misspent talent. So much can be misspent. But what about life? Lots of things sadden me, and misspending your life is one of them. At this time of year, we think of loved ones who have passed on. We miss them. We long to speak to them once again, to hold them.
Now, I may or may not step on a few toes here, but my intentions are not to offend: I have grieved the loss of too many people in recent years. Some (in fact most) were too young. Nobody is below the age of forty-seven. A couple have been teenagers. That’s no age. They had so much to give in this world. I live my life as fulfilled as I can. You know, to live life to the fullest, doesn’t mean you have to give up your day job and start a YouTube vlog of your adventures around the world (although I wouldn’t say no), and it doesn’t mean that you have to become a mountaineer. It means that you live the life you want. Whatever that entails, it’s your call. If I die tomorrow, which I hope I don’t because I’m still querying for representation, my friends and loved ones know that I left this world, happy.
When my grandfather was dying, he told me; ‘Eva, I may not have millions in the bank, but I’ve lived my life the way I want to, and have no regrets.’ Those words left a lasting impression on me. Now, conversely, I know of folk who live with the attitude of their glass half empty. They don’t want to get in the car and drive three hundred miles to a place they’ve never been to, before (yes I am that person who made the drive), or experience life’s rich tapestries.When I ask if they are happy, they shrug and say ‘no not really’. They are merely existing. They can’t bring themselves to try and live their lives, in whichever way, that would make them happy. It’s sad. Is it fear of the unknown? Is it lack of confidence? It’s a life misspent. What saddens me, is, that these are people I know. I have major health issues that can not only be problematic, but darn well depressing, but I’ll be damned if I don’t do what I want. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Right? As a result, my kids see, that life is for living and that, mum doesn’t let anything get in the way. This, has set the bar for them, and I know that they will embrace any opportunity that comes their way, at being happy. ‘If mum can do it, so can we, AND she’ll navigate us through it.’
Me, being me, and quite direct, I often try to encourage them to go and do what they’ve always wanted to. You want to get a degree in history? Do it. You want to travel around the Greek islands? Then go. Don’t waste your life yearning for something. Don’t waste the privilege of life.
Wishing you all, happiness and a peaceful 2022.
Take care, Eva x
