Written by Kristin Barton Cuthriell, M.Ed., MSW, LCSW
To spare oneself from grief at all costs can be achieved only at the price of total detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness. – Erich Fromm
Margie had a view on life that helped her bounce back from the many hardships that she encountered throughout her journey here on this earth. She was a very spiritual woman and had no doubt that the trails that she faced in life were placed before her for a reason. She viewed her time on earth and all of it’s calamities as just a tiny fragment of time, something too small to be seen by the human eye, compared to what was in store for her in the vastness of eternity. Margie knew that one day she would look back at her human life and recognize what a short flash of time it had actually been; a blink.
With this mindset, she was able to embrace every obstacle and look for the lesson that she was intended to learn. She was able to get back up every time that she fell down, knowing that her time was precious, way too precious to be spent on the ground. Margie was able to live her life with purpose, knowing that she was born for a reason. She followed every passion, determined to make her life the best that it could be.
Margie was one of the most positive people I have ever met. She had dealt with more adversity than any human being should have to endure, yet she never lost sight of a larger picture. Although she had suffered major losses including the death of her parents, her husband, and her twenty-one year old son, she had no doubt that she would see them again. It was this belief that kept her alive. As much as she missed her loved ones, she was grateful for each and every day that she had gotten to spend with them. She knew that when it was her time to leave this earth, they would be waiting for her with open arms, and the time that they had spent apart would seem just like a moment.
Having this perspective opened Margie’s mind to so many wonderful things. She took the time to appreciate the small things; a stranger’s smile, a friend’s compliment, a kind gesture. Margie absorbed nature; the sweet smell of gardenia blooming outside her window, the vivid blue sky on a clear day, the whimsical sound of birds singing on an early spring morning, the clean smell of rain on a warm afternoon.
Margie took nothing for granted. She practiced grace and was quick to forgive not wanting to spend her days holding grudges. She was also quick to apologize when she knew that she had made a mistake. Margie cherished her friendships and was always willing to offer a helping hand. At the same time, she accepted favors from others in her time of need, knowing that they wanted to be there for her.
An inspiration she truly was to all who knew her. She lived her life well, and I have no doubt, that she is now embraced by the loved ones that went before her, just as she had expected.
Open your heart to the joy in life.
Share your sorrow, share your joy, and share your love.
Know that one day you may truly see the bigger picture. But for now, live it well.
Let Life In: Practices to a Happier Healthier Life
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This sounds like a wonderful way to view life and to live it…and yet so few of us do.
I agree with you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
“Your time on earth will not last forever.”
It’s true and scary. The idea of one day not being on earth is a thought most of us don’t really comprehend. Unfortunately, there were times in my life when not being on earth was more comforting to me than being here. Life is filled with so much pain, that sometimes, it’s so hard to see the joy when you are hurt. I’m still unsure why life is so uncomfortable for so many. It is what it is.
…at least the food is good.
The food is good! Thank you for reading and commenting. It is hard to find joy when feeling hurt, I agree. Having faith that life will get better during these periods of time is so important. Loss often changes us, but it does not have to prohibit us from ever finding joy again. I would also recommend seeking in person counseling from a qualified professional whenever feeling that not being on earth is more comforting than being here. Never grieve alone. Thanks again for reading my post. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Hi,
Beautifully written.
We don’t have a lot of time to spend with our loved ones and friends, and we should cherish each and every moment. Life can certainly be way too short sometimes I feel.
Thank you for the kind words. I think we sometimes get so caught up in things that don’t really matter, that we miss the things that do. I know that I need to remind myself of this often. Sometimes when I find myself worrying about something, I have to stop and ask myself, In a year or even a month from now, will this really matter? It helps me keep things in perspective. Thank you for reading and commenting.
You did it again Kristin. My blog next Wednesday is on the same subject from the insider’s point of view.
This is almost scary!!!
Maybe that is one reason I like your blog so much. You often write what I am thinking. I look forward to reading your post!
When I find myself grumbling, I stop and think about all the people who are less fortunate than me and that smartens me up pretty quickly.
When feeling down, it is easy to overlook what we do have in our lives. Thank you for reading and commenting. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Thank you for finding me. I love this piece, Erich Fromm and your pages! Following you now 🙂
Thank you for the kind words. I am glad that you liked it. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
🙂
What a beautiful tribute. I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Hanna.
Thanks! Here I was getting mad at my computer until I read your post and you reminded me that it’s not a big deal in the grander scheme. I am going to rearrange my calendar so I can walk on the beach this morning and enjoy it!
Hugs.
It is all about perspective. Enjoy your walk on the beach. Thank you so much for commenting.
You’re welcome.
What a wonderful world view. And the sweet smell of Gardenias are a treat…
Thank you so much for your comments. I love the smell of gardenia too.
Beautifully written, Kristin. I met a very special woman like that once. She still lives strongly in my memories and often provides gentle guidance. Thanks for the story.
Great post. Thanks for the reminder, Kristin. My husband is a cancer survivor who has gone through over 40 surgeries. It’s amazing how these experiences have changed his perspective and opened his eyes to the joy of life even through the trials.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing about your husband’s changed perspective. He sounds like an amazing person. I will pray that you both stay well.
This was a timely one for me. Funny how things like this arrive to us just when we need them. Thanks.
I am so glad. Thank you for commenting!
Great post! 🙂
Thank you! I am glad that you liked it.
I love Margie’s outlook on life and I can relate….indeed these are some of the very things that have saved my own life more than once….Thanks for sharing and passing the message along…there are so many who need it…Here’s to bringing light and love to a hurting world, one word at a time…
Blessings
Celeste
Thank you so much for your kind words and commenting on my posts! I am looking forward to reading more of your blog.
This is a beautiful and very inspiring story. Thank you. Have a lovely day and speak to you soon! xx
Thank you.
This is a wonderful message about living and enjoying life. It is about perspective and appreciating the blessings that surround us even in times of challenges. Thank you for checking out my blog. Thanks to your comment I discovered your blog, which I am enjoying. I look forward to reading more. Blessings.
Great post and find your blog truly inspiring. Just clicked the follow button!
Great blog !!!
Thank you!
It is a true gift when one is able to experience life like Margie did. It’s sad that many people have to experience tragedy to learn the lesson of how to live like this.
Thanks for this warm message.
I wish there were more Margie’s in my small world. What a delight she must be.
Thank you for sharing her lovely perspective on life and all that comes with it.
I thank you as well for finding my blog. Had you not I don’t know how many moons it would have taken me to find my way to yours. I hope to see more of your incredibly positive posts, I thrive on such influences.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Great testimony. Love these words “Let Life In” Thank you so much for sharing inspiration. I appreciate you stopping by My Journal of Praise and liking posts.
Thank you. I look forward to reading more of your blog.