Wednesday January 9, 2013
Making every moment count
By MARY EU
A healthy attitude can do wonders for you.
I HAVE reached an age when writing my own epitaph seems a far-sighted endeavour. I have always been driven by a compulsion to complete work way before the dateline and obviously I am extending this compulsion to include being prepared for my own expiry date. So here goes:
Here lies Mary, sweet and still,
Dreams and wishes all fulfilled;
Just like her to go with style,
Never wasted a moment’s while;
She lived just as she believed,
Joy and mirth in each day lived.
Being unrepentantly young at heart, I have crafted my epitaph to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. With modern technology, I believe it is possible for the tune to be played softly when someone stands within six feet of my tombstone. So as he or she reads the poem, there is automatic music accompaniment.
Interestingly, I have no qualms about writing this. Such moments of morbidity are rare though as I am one who is always gung-ho about life. I blame it on work stress but hubby says it could be a shopping withdrawal symptom or perhaps my chocolate diet has taken its toll on my psyche.
Like most things in life, we need to keep our priorities right. In our busy lives, we have so many things to see to that it is easy to become frazzled and lose our focus. Do not underestimate the power of thoughts. I find that things often materialise the way I view them in my mind. So it is important to have a positive attitude and an optimistic outlook.
When I feel good about myself, I am able to accomplish more in a day and also feel less tired. Negative thoughts can sap one’s energy and make one torpid. That is why I avoid negative people who find fault in people and gripe about almost everything. Never let a pessimistic person get in the way of your dreams or talk you out of achieving something.
Compliments actually bolster one’s spirits and spread good vibes. A young lady paid me the sweetest compliment when she said: “When I grow old, I want to be like you”. In contrast, salesgirls in merry malls call me “Miss, Miss” when my wrinkles and folds are unfolded in full view. The more sensible ones address me as “Madam”.
I have learnt to enjoy things others would consider ordinary and routine. A walk from the bedroom to the kitchen becomes a mini workout as I choose to skip rather than walk. Bath time becomes fun time because I make it so with a plethora of fragrant body wash and bath foam to choose from. I also decorate my bathroom with scented sachets, embroidered linen toilet roll holder, pretty towels and a luxurious mirror to reflect ablutions.
The act of eating becomes a joy and a celebration of health when food is served in fine china and graced with a prayer. And of course, the company you keep at mealtimes is significant to your appetite. Hubby makes me laugh with his inane but witty jokes which he concocts while chewing his food. Besides, Sweetie-pie, my youngest daughter, allows me to lavish love on her by enjoying her cooking and telling her so.
In short, we should make every moment count even if it is writing your own epitaph. I certainly have something to look forward to when I die, just because I have the assurance that Higher Hands are leading me.
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