💡 The Bittersweet Joys We Never Get Back (Issue 150)
They don't last, so don't let those moments escape
It was a cool, gray morning the other day. I knew moments like that wouldn’t last much longer. I can sense the looming change of season that will be here all too soon.
So, I’ve been enjoying my morning journaling and hot coffee while the season still permits. All too soon, my mornings on the deck will no longer be possible. I live in Northern California, close to Lake Tahoe, so our fall weather can be chilly and rainy. Our winters do come with snow here. California is more than LA and SF! 😂
This morning ritual may seem silly to some, but I’ve learned to embrace the bittersweet ephemeral pleasures of things that perhaps taste sweeter in the moment, knowing they won’t last forever. I no longer let these moments pass by, since I’ve learned the bitter taste of regret from so many years of letting that happen in my life.
Looking back, I wish I had listened more and heeded the advice that was given to me. For example:
Your children won’t be young forever. No matter how challenging those years are, cherish every damn moment. Be 1000% present with them as much as you possibly can. Sadly, I spent way too much time working.
Your parents won’t be with you forever. Spend more time with them, talk with them often, ask about their childhood and young life, and build memories so you never forget the sound of their voices and laughter. I’ve been terrible at keeping in touch with them.
Your childhood is a special moment that you can never relive (Note: I know this isn’t true for everyone, and I am sorry about that 😟). It was the last time I felt truly safe, unconditionally loved, and free to live life. Yet, I was in such a rush to grow up.
However, I am learning to live differently. I am painfully aware of the ephemeral nature of life. So, now…
I sacrificed my old career to build a flexible business, which has allowed me to spend much more time with my children (e.g., we just spent almost six weeks in Alaska with them).
I exercise pretty much every day because I know my body will weaken and fail me at some point. I don’t take my fitness for granted anymore.
My wife and I hike or ski every single week. Again, I’ve sacrificed to do this, but I know the day will come when I can’t hike to a mountain peak anymore. So, I’ll be damned if I’ll stop exploring nature until my legs and lungs fail me.
I call my parents more often now, and I plan visits to return home at least once or twice a year. It isn’t always easy to make it happen, but it’s important.
I am hyperaware of the simple pleasures of daily life and savor them every day. The feeling of the sunrise on my face. The taste of my freshly-brewed morning coffee. A hug and a kiss from my wife. Playing card games and board games with my children. Enjoying music, good food, drink, and laughter.
Life is shorter than you think, and some joys we experience are more ephemeral than we hope. Don’t let them pass you by. Don’t put off happiness and the experiences that make life worth living.
Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and some experiences fade away forever.
➡️ Schedule a complimentary life coaching call with me and let’s chat about how you can experience more joy in your life!
I’m Larry Cornett, Ph.D., an Empowerment Coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate! 📕 Check out my Invincible Daily Journals. I have one specifically for Summer!
