Frozen in Time: Reflections on Living Life Urgently

Frozen, that’s the only way I can describe it. I freeze. When I am shocked, confused or stunned, I freeze. This last episode will go down as the Friday freeze. I love my brother and his family. He and I had a great conversation. He reviewed some data for me, did some comparisons and had great questions. He gave me some guidance and we had a good laugh. In the moment, it was fun and helpful. In the memory it was love and joy. Nineteen minutes later he called back. Our cousin, who was on her way to her sister’s funeral found her son dead. 

He spoke English, he did not stutter and yet I sat frozen. My mind tried to desperately comprehend something else he could have possibly said other than this. This is not a time to think or be comforted by  life is to short or live each day like it could be the last. As a product of age or experience, I constantly remind myself to be in the moment. This one moment right here, right now.

A friend¹ once said “live urgently.” I find that resonates. It makes more sense than “purpose” driven as people often get stuck in what is their purpose. That urgency is oddly flexible. Urgent is showing something is very important. Urgent in the moment can be a meditation practice, washing the dishes, enjoying a meal or time with friends and family. In that moment, that is the thing that is important; that is what is worth showing up for. That’s what will keep you out of the regret of “if I’d only known.” This week, consider what it means to you to live urgently.

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¹ Jascenth Edwards