BOOM! … was the predominant sound heard throughout a north Edmonton neighbourhood as a house exploded. This same house was only five doors down from where a friend lived. Last week he spoke of the experience and I could tell the experience was troubling.
And rightfully so. What if he was walking by? What if that was his house?
See the only rhyme when it comes to understanding death is absolutely no rhyme at all. Well at least initially, but when the emotions do subside, the lessons can appear so distinctly, that they change you forever.
2010 has been a bit of “five doors down experience”. Here is what I mean.
* February – after a 3 year cancer battle my 56 year old father passed away.
* May – the doctor tells my brother “you are lucky to be alive”, after his appendix ruptures and leaks into his stomach for 3-4 days. Fortunately, the fatty part of his stomach retains the poison. He makes it through.
* May – a close family member is diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now recovering.
* July – dad’s mom (my grandmother) passes after 15 years of stomach problems.
A lot to take … yeah, I am aware. And instead of 5 houses down, this all happened in our proverbial “house”. Some made it and some did not. Different circumstance than a house explosion yes, but a shocking track record nonetheless.
The amazing thing though, is after many hours of crying, confusion and burdening sadness something amazing has appeared. A deeper zest and appreciation for life and opportunity. Less concern for what “others will think” and many experiences that have brought me to my knees in gratitude.
How lucky are we, to have this opportunity? I feel like I now know this firsthand and simply put, life has shifted into areas of deeper engagement and purpose. Living for what matters and inspires. After all is that not the point?
One of the most powerful questions of all – “what do you want” continues to push my boundaries. Consider taking 10 minutes to ask yourself this question: what do you want? It’s a key question and if it brings you to your knees or send chills up your spine, you are on to something. Something worth living for.
What do you want?
Having clarity on this is key because it sets up you future. And as John Maxwell says:
“Successful people make important decisions early in their life, and then they manage these decisions the rest of their life.”
What decisions are you making? What are you going to create, give, do and be before you pass?
The reality is our time is finite. Let’s make our time completely worth it and set the course now. If you are ready to take that step in your life, email me Kyle@KyleMcNeil.com. There is lots of opportunity depending on what you want/need. And I have yet to share my break through for 2010. That is for the next post. It is a wild story!
Opportunity is aplenty!
Grateful to be alive,
Kyle
Thanks for sharing this Kyle. My “lucky to be alive” year happened back in 1997 when my step-mother died of cancer, a friend committed suicide, and my grandparents and aunt were killed in a plane crash all within a 6 month span. It was a life changing year that I will never forget that I know made me a stronger person. In so many ways it was both the worst and best year of my life.
You are a strong and inspiring individual and I have a lot of respect for you.
Hey Kyle,
This is a really great post. I’m really proud of you. You’ve had a challenging year and it’s great to see you stronger than ever. I hope that I get to know you better as I really admire your strength and tenacity.
Opportunity is aplenty! I look forward to your next post!
~ Jeff Schneider
Thanks Kristy. It’s really great to hear from you. Yes, 1997 sounded like a challenging and transforming year for you. What was the #1 thing it did for you? If you could funnel it all down. Curious to know what that is for you.
I appreciate your words.
Thank you
Kyle
Hey Jeff – yes, more then trust, I’m certain we will get to know one another more and more in the future.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I know you’re doing some big and awesome things on your end too. The post you did about the “random act of kindness” seems to be acknowledgement of the way you interact with people.
Let’s make a point to connect in the next while. Cool?
I think that’s a great idea. Let’s set it up!
The one thing that year did for me was make me realize the strength that I have but also realize and truly appreciate the people around me who build me up and support me at the same time so that I know I’m never alone and don’t have to take on the burdens (and celebrations) of life single-handedly.
@ Kristy – thanks for sharing that. I like what you said about not having to take on the burdens (and celebrations) alone. The celebrations one is interesting, because I feel sometimes we overlook that.
Great insight!
Thanks