27 June 2013 – For some reason today, during my daily news reading time, my eyes rested on the bereavement section of the NZ Herald website. As I trolled through it, I was reminded again of the frailty of life; and why it’s important to treasure every minute of it.

A couple of days ago New Zealand innovator Ray Sharp told TVNZ’s Seven Sharp how an  average person has about 30,000 days on this earth from the time they’re born (Yes you are allowed to use a calculator to convert it to years). In that measure, I’ve used up just under half of my allocated time here on earth – But that in itself is not a guarantee. One glance at the bereavement column shows how life can end in an instant when you least expect it.

This drives home the message that each day is precious and is to be used carefully.  In my youth and younger days I used to worry about what every person thought of me.  Now, though, I intentionally ignore negative comments from those with an agenda or those that don’t necessarily want the best for me.

I do, however, spend a lot more quality time with my husband and my family, and think more about what they have to say to me and things that matter to them. I listen more to those that love me for me. I don’t take them for granted anymore.

It’s not easy. It’s intentional. Every time the demon called worry creeps in to graffiti my space, I chase them away or paint the worry away with the paint palette called positive colours.

In my younger days, I used to wonder, what the “mature ones” meant when they said, that they didn’t take work or its worries home. Now I know.

Perhaps, it’s all just a part of growing up. The sooner you come to this realisation, though, the better your life can be for longer.

How many days have you got left over, and how do you plan to spend it? Email me.