Episode 6: On living your best life
“Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you are going to be right” Muhammed Ali
“Remember the past, plan for the future, but live for today, because yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. ” Luke the Evangelist.
It has been some years since I last put pen to paper and blogged my thoughts and I am grateful that I have this outlet for my feelings and emotions. And if I am blessed today to have you read this, I thank you for making time for me.
Grief has not been a stranger to me over the last few years. Losing my Mum last year very suddenly threatened the foundations under my feet. However I was grateful not only for my faith, but for my spiritual healing over the last decade that enabled me to find a way forward, despite the hole in my heart.
2 beautiful sisters, Leanne and Adi passed away suddenly and within 8 months of each other in 2023 and 2024. The lesson I took from my sadness at their untimely passing was to wear the nice perfume, put on that beautiful dress that I was saving for a special occasion. Today is the occasion.
The generation I grew up in, taught me that I should save for a rainy day, make do with what I have and save the good stuff for good occasions. This encouraged a mindset of struggle and mediocracy when it came to the value I placed on things.
I together with Pete, my partner, were blessed to enjoy 2 weeks in Crete recently. I decided to take all my best and unworn clothes, costumes and shoes. I wore them with joy and they brought me happiness. Simple in design and affordable wears. I recognised that I was the special occasion! And the day I woke up to, deserved me to show up as my very best.
Sadly I came home to the news of a very close working colleague of mine, who had passed away very suddenly whilst I was on vacation. Once the shock of this news passed, I was left with such an empty and hollowness in my soul. The usual questions arose of “what is the point of this all” & “why him, he was still so young” & “how can I live my life with meaning and purpose every day?”
Then it came to me, that I am here to live the best life I can, with purpose and with kindness, generosity and with a thankful and grateful heart. I heard Matthew McConaughey say in an interview last week : “chase the best version of your excellent self”. How I interpret this is that I will do my best to waken healthy every morning, be present in the day, take care of my emotional, spiritual and physical needs and be my most authentic self with kindness and grace.
I dedicate this writing reflection to my colleague Peter Layton, who was the epitome of professionalism, kindness, generosity and a caring colleague. I will miss you dearly.
Authentic You 
Lovely message Ros, I absolutely agree time is here for us to enjoy every moment, to relish in each beautiful day we are given and to enjoy finding our own purpose.
Sorry for all the loss you’ve encountered x
Count the blessings
💟
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Thank you Claire. that means alot to me.
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Aah, thank you Ros, for such a beautiful and pertinent reminder. Firstly, my condolences to you, and to the friends and family of your dear friend who so suddenly passed away.
I’ve had a similar real-life experience that feels worth sharing. When Charlie, my late wife who passed away at just 49 from ovarian cancer, completed her first round of chemotherapy, she was given a NED diagnosis — “No Evidence of Disease.” To celebrate, she received a bottle of her favourite bubbles, Veuve Clicquot. She decided to save it until her three-month assessment; to be sure she had really beaten it. Sadly, at her follow-up, her counts were up, the cancer had returned aggressively, and despite further surgery and chemo, she didn’t make it. That celebratory bottle remained on the shelf.
We had intended to open it at her memorial, but in the emotion of the day, it was overlooked. My son later declared he would open it at his 21st birthday to honour her — but with COVID and the craziness of the time, that too didn’t happen.
The next big milestone was his graduation. At the small gathering we hastily remembered the bottle, shoved it in the freezer to chill quickly, and then — in all the festivities — forgot about it again. We opened the freezer later to find a burst bottle, shards of glass, and champagne sorbet.
The lesson, I think, is clear: too often we put off life’s moments, waiting for the “right” occasion — and in the end, we miss them.
These days, I drink my best wine, open a single malt even if it’s just for hotdogs, and place little value on “saving” things for later (not to be mistake for frugal lifestyle wrt overpriced branded goods and diligent preparation for later life/retirement). Life is short. Eat the caviar you’ve been keeping for a special occasion. Open the bubbles now. And most of all — invite friends and family to celebrate with you, for no reason other than gratitude that they are in your life.
Lastly im left rememebering one of my favourite quotes …Howard Thurman — ‘Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.’
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Oh I love this Aaron. Thank you so much. What a beautiful story and I am so sorry you never got to share that champagne together. I love how you throw yourself at life. You inspire me daily. Much love always
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Hi Ros
Beautiful words.
As you may know, I have taken to writing a diary while on this extended holiday, so that I may record positive thoughts.
What I am recording in it today is this: don’t save stuff for later. Later is now. And the occasion is me, showing up, tired, but still here and figuring it out.
Ain’t that the truth. Your words in this blog really resonated with me.
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My friend
i am glad that you are journalling. I find it so incredible on the grief journey especially.
You continue to live your life in all colours. You got this!
Love Rosalind
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