14 things I learned from working with the dying
Grace Bluerock, writing for mindbodygreen.com, shares how working as a hospice social worker taught her the important lesson in her life: how important it really is to live in a meaningful way. She writes, “I had the incredible gift of being present with people in their final days and weeks. I observed moments of deep contemplation and reflection. I saw people shed tears when they realised they hadn't seized opportunities to live in a more fulfilling way.”
From her six years of experience, Bluerock shares the lessons she learnt about creating a life worth living from the people she cared for. Her advice? “You can settle for the mediocre, or you can create an existence of passion, meaning, and fulfilment. The choice is yours.”
These are the 14 things she learnt from working with the dying:
1. Find what brings you joy and meaning, and start doing those things now.
2. Treat yourself no differently than you would your closest friend. You are kind and loving when you speak with them — why not speak to yourself the same way?
3. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the world around you. The more you do, the more you'll feel comfortable in all sorts of situations.
4. Realise that life is constantly changing, and enjoy each new experience. Nothing stays the same for long — that's what makes life exciting.
5. Practice being grateful for all things, large and small. Gratitude keeps you open to everything good in your life.
6. Focus completely on what is happening right now in your immediate experience. The present moment is right where life is happening.
7. Give of yourself by being of service to others. You never know whose life you might change for the better.
8. Connect only with the people you respect. Don’t settle for anything less than mutually giving relationships.
9. Let go of old resentments you are holding on to and choose to forgive. This will free you from the burden of carrying them around.
10. Don’t let your dreams remain dreams. Pursue them with everything you’ve got.
11. Accept and be true to the unique individual you are. The world needs you just as you are.
12. Try to accomplish one important goal a day. The results you’ll see after a year will astound you.
13. Do work that feeds you. When you are fulfilled in your work, you’ll have a strong sense of purpose and meaning.
14. Realise that tomorrow is a brand-new "today" — a time to begin again.
Source: Mindbodygreen.com