My Life Story

Each day that passes is just another day that we will never get back. Whether it was good, bad, or fantastic, we cannot relive it, no matter how much we do or don’t want to. Realizing the trueness to this statement a few months ago, I have decided to change. Instead of focusing on the big events in my life, and waiting for those to happen. I have decided to key-in on the simple, little events just as much.

The event that changed this mindset for me was the recent death of two family members. One was my Great Great Uncle, who I did not see that often. From this, I did not have a strong bond with him. However, wherever he was, no matter who he was with, he would always light up the room with his big smile, and sense of humor. He truly was one of the nicest man I have known, even in my short lifetime. The other one was my Great Aunt, who I did see more, and I definitely had a closer bond with. She was like a third grandmother to me, so this death had a more substantial effect on me and my daily living.

My Great Grandfather died when I was about seven, so these past two deaths were harder for me, as now I know more what death means. When I was seven, I had no idea that death meant forever. I tried to cry in front of my family, just to show them that I cared- and I did, I am not saying I did not care for his death, because I most definitely did. I just did not know how his death would affect the rest of my life, and how significant death truly was. I was seven. I was more innocent and pure than I am now. The moment we got the phone call and found out his fate, was right after we pulled into our driveway, from who knows where. I remember climbing out of our old mini-van and seeing my mom on the phone, talking to my Pop-pop. She then told us the horrible news, and we went inside our house. I then saw my mother cry for the first time, and my sister, she was able to cry as well, I just couldn’t, no matter how much I wanted to.

With this event, the two more recent ones, happening just in the late winter of 2018, were a lot harder for me to cope with. It still is hard, especially seeing my other family members sit around the at one point filled table, now with empty chairs. I wish death wouldn’t have to happen, especially to people you care the most about. But the reality is, that it does. Life doesn’t go on forever. With this knowledge, I have decided to not dwell on the past, and to not wait for the big things in life to happen. To not take the little things for granted, but instead, treat every day with a new smile, and take the little moments in life into consideration.

Now after making this decision, for the most part, I am simple. I am plain. I like the little things in life. Sure, I like big events in my life, no matter the cause. But the little things make me the happiest. Whether I am with my friends or with my family, things tend to happen that put a smile on my face. Driving with my friends, top down, and blaring good music. Pure joy. Closing my eyes as the beachy breeze slams into my face, and the salty air fills my nose. Bliss. Opening the door to my house after a long day, and seeing my dog hauling at me with a wagging tail. Instant smiles. Sunday dinner at my Mom-mom and Pop-pop’s house with delicious food. Happiness. Late-night sleepovers with the best people in the world. Full delight. Laughs on the lacrosse field with my best friends. Joyfulness.

Most of the best memories can be made from simply remembering the little things. The laughter of the people you love. The smiles of the people that you’ve known your whole life. The warmth from the sun radiating on your skin. Waking up in the middle of the night, and seeing a perfectly blanketed snowfall, surrounded by silence. The temperature of the best beach day last year. The kind smile of a passing stranger. Surprising someone with a treat, whether it is a coffee, or cookies.

Most little things go unnoticed. It’s not that people can’t see the little things, they just choose to ignore, or pass by, the little things. Anything that makes your day 1% better is something that is worth noticing. Some people are grateful enough to have the power to notice these things. Others, not so much. People will blame their inability to notice these things as being ‘too busy’, which is true. They aren’t able to take a step back and notice the little things in their daily living. But believe me, after you can start noticing them, you seem almost happier, and more satisfied with your life. It’s a great feeling that I hope everyone can at some point feel.

Going into my future, I will be more optimistic about life. I will definitely notice the little things and life, and most certainly not take any of them for granted. I hope this will continue to make me happy and satisfied. Sure, some days will be tough to go through, as life comes with balance between good and bad, but I hope that I overall will be happier, by simply being able to notice the little things.