During my college years, one of my favorite musical artists was Warren Zevon. I didn't know anything about him but there was something about his music that connected with me. It was kind of upbeat, with a sarcastic , mocking twist to it. Don't you remember Werewolves of London, Excitable Boy, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner? I always thought that Warren Zevon must be some really messed up guy.
A few years ago, Warren Zevon had recently been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and had just a few months to live. David Letterman apparently is a huge fan of his and devoted a whole show with just him. He really looked old and weak. I really didn't know what to expect. Would he be able to sing a song? What does one say when they're so close to death?
I was truly amazed at his attitude. No complaining and no whining. He totally accepted his fate and blamed only himself for not going to a doctor for over 20 years. He was so calm and accepting of his situation. He said you make your decisions in life and then live with the consequences. He joked how ironic it was that his last three albums were, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, My Ride's Here, and Life'll Kill Ya.
He told Letterman that he was spending as much time as possible with his grown kids and he was working as much as possible writing and recording all the songs that he still had in him. He was living for his kids and his songs. He also found himself savoring the little moments more often. He said he enjoyed a sandwich just a little bit more.
Warren Zevon died a few months after his appearance on the David Letterman Show.
That sandwich remark just stuck with me. I thought about all the things I spend my time on. I rush here and there trying to do so many things. I work to buy stuff and save for the future. Am I missing the important things? What would I do different if I only had a few months left to live? Who knows, this could be my last day. It's been drilled in my head about planning for the future and postponing gratification. But if you're always planning and preparing for the future, when can you just take it easy and enjoy life? Is life just making sure you'll have enough stuff to be comfortable until you die? It really got me thinking.
Maybe life is really simple. Enjoy the beauty of life that is present in every moment. Find your purpose, something that fills you with joy and have faith that that is enough. Here's a question that came to my mind that I've been pondering over. I don't know if it's an original thought or if I picked it up some place.
Is one's life a journey with a purpose or is the journey the purpose of one's life?
It's a subtle distinction but it offers two different paths to how you might choose to live your life. As you might gather, I'm still searching for the answer. Wait a second. Is there an answer to the search or is the search really the answer? So many questions, so little time.
This is the 3rd post of a series I'm calling "Life is Great". I used to send out a newsletter to past clients and I always tried to include a "letter from the heart" article. Just feel good stuff and stories about my kids and life. Hope you enjoy them. If you liked this one, go ahead and subscribe to my blog so you don't miss tomorrow's edition
great one! I too enjoyed Warren Zevon. What a great song in "The Color of Money!"
I look forward to catching the other posts of the series!
Rob Roebuck
The secret is to live in the moment. We get so bent up over planning and worrying about things that don't really matter. Now is what matters. Be relevant now. Love one another.
kk
Rob, It's nice to hear from fellow Zevon fans.
Kristal, Nice thoughts. I'm sure you have probably read "The Power of Now". It's all about what you're saying.
Danny, I think my line there is original. But I read so much stuff, I can't remeber if my most of my thoughts are original or just a rehash of something I read before. Anyway, I thought it was clever and thought provoking when I wrote it. If someone said it before, then I give them all the credit.
I've had a few operations in my time and long ago (when given a 50/50 chance on the table) told myself I would try and live my life with balance ....so I could enjoy everything.....I still didn't do so until about 10 years ago and in the last few years moreso than ever. I especially love to come here (I am so glad I was invited) and read stories such as yours. I don't have to be rich or gung ho or whatever. My kid's are grown, and I am enjoying life with the man I love and time with family too. My daughter came over a little while ago but got bored watching me type so she went to our pool. I better spend a few minutes with her once she gets back! thanks for meaningful reading!
Sally, thanks for the kind compliment.