If The World Were to End Today... - Uncover Ostomy
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If The World Were to End Today…

…that would be perfectly acceptable to me.

If you aren’t aware, the Mayan Calendar predicted that the world would end on Dec 21, 2012. Considering it’s already the 21st in Australia, I think that maybe – just maybe – there was some sort of broken telephone thing going on.

Regardless, the whole “apocalypse” thing set the internet abuzz with jokes, memes, articles, and end of life confessions. So, naturally, its predominance in the media got me thinking: “If the world were to end today, would I be ok with it?”

Yes, actually – I would.

When I say I’d be ok with the world ending today, I don’t mean it in an “emo,” I hate myself, my life, everyone, and everything type of way. I’d be ok with not living anymore simply because I am completely satisfied with how I’ve spent my 23 years on this planet.

Besides the few years that I was too young to know myself from a mirror and the few years I was comatose from illness in a hospital bed, I can honestly say that in my 23 years, I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do. I’ve learned, I’ve loved, I’ve lost, I’ve grown, I’ve given, I’ve received, and I’ve traveled.

Though I am only, 23 years of age I understand that there is so much I have yet to experience. I haven’t built a fully developed career, I haven’t been to every continent, I haven’t spent my life with a partner I love nor have I raised kids into something I would be proud of. Most importantly, I haven’t changed the world anywhere near as much as I would like. I recognize that there is so much more I need to accomplish in the years ahead.  Yet, somehow, the thought of not having those years doesn’t upset me. I feel strangely fulfilled.

I used to know – well, I still do know – a number of people who focus their entire life on their future and a number of people who dwell in their past. These people worry about their careers and how much money they will make or they obsess over the mistakes they’ve made years before.

If the world were to end for them today, would they be happy?

If the world were to end for these people today, they would probably be so consumed in the insignificant details of what is going on outside of their immediate present that they wouldn’t even notice. Maybe that’s a good thing – not recognizing the end of life.

I see it as a sad existence.

You all know that I’ve dealt with the loss of life; the loss of life to others who have physically left this world. However, I’ve also experienced the loss of people from immediate reality; from making the most out now. I’ll admit – in some of my past blog posts I have worried about the future and I have sadly reminisced about the past. However, where it really mattered, I’ve focused on what’s right in front of me.

If the world were to end today, I’d be ok with it because I’ve spent my 23 years of life living. Not living in what life could be, or what life was, but living in what it is.

I read a quote today that said, “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”

I am at peace.

Jessica Grossman
info@uncoverostomy.org
6 Comments
  • fla
    Posted at 14:39h, 21 December Reply

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  • Cleo
    Posted at 22:40h, 21 December Reply

    First off I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question in which
    I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to find
    out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
    I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my ideas out. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Kudos!

    • Jess
      Posted at 19:36h, 22 December Reply

      Thank you!

      I don’t really know what I do to clear my head for writing.. I just know I’m in a zone and get going. If you can’t get it out in the first 10-15 minutes, step away and just sit and reflect on what you want to say. It should come out after that!

  • Robin
    Posted at 02:19h, 22 December Reply

    I really like it when individuals come together and share opinions.
    Great site, stick with it!

  • Mark
    Posted at 03:53h, 23 December Reply

    Jess: well written, thank you for sharing. You are wise beyond your years.

  • Haggins
    Posted at 17:03h, 01 January Reply

    This reminds me of something I saw a while back. Good stuff!

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