Living my self-portrait

I don't mean this to sound morbid but the last few weeks I have given some serious thought to how I am living. Am I living or just existing? Am I giving more than receiving? Am I doing things that will leave this world a little better?

In the wake of the elected passing of the above-pictured Brittany Maynard (for those of you who do not know the story of this young lady, please click this link) I have been moved even more to examine myself.

The topic, in and of itself, could be a blog topic. The idea of assisted suicide, now supported by the “Death with Dignity Law” in some states, has divided theologians and sufferers since Dr. Kevorkian became a household name. But, since I’m not completely sure on what side my opinion falls on this matter, I chose to focus on something entirely different.

It’s so easy to roll through life, focused on task after task, and not look at the big picture. I am sometimes too consumed with the details of it all that I don’t stop to consider the whole. So this week, I spent some time writing what I would want people to say about me, when I’m gone. Yes, I know. I told you it sounds morbid. But this has given me a renewed focus.

I want people to say I always had a smile or made them laugh. I want people to say I was always there as a listening ear or gave the best advice I could. I want people say I just made them feel good about themselves. I want them to say I challenged them to think or to be better. I want them say I wanted them to challenge me. I want people to say I not only tried to do right, but I tried to do good.

Hell, I want people to say, “When I needed someone to drink with, that was my chick.”

Mom sings a song from “Wicked.” The lyrics say, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” That’s what I want people to say about me.

I guess the question is: Am I living the portrait I want others to see? I will definitely make a continued effort to try to do so.

Read Brittany’s story. Live life - it's fleeting. Enjoy life - it's worth it.

#brittanymaynard #janelle #assistedsuicide