This I Believe

Two years ago I had wake up call when my sister and I were involved in a car accident. I don’t remember much, only being upside down and my sister pulling me out of a smashed window. When I saw the car later that day, I – along with everyone else – knew that neither of us should have made it.

That afternoon, 16 December 2006, I realised just how precious life is. We don’t know how long it will last but when it comes near to the end, many regret things or wish they had done more. I realised how in an instant it can all be over – it scared me. It was then that that I discovered the importance of today.

Like the shots that make up a film or the pages of a book, I see our lives as a collection of moments. We need to grab each moment and colour it in such a way that one day when put together, we can be sure we’ve created a masterpiece. Today is my blank page and I can approach this day in any way I choose. The possibilities are endless.

I believe that today is about realising that the Meaning of Life is to give life meaning. Today is about making choices and confidently living the outcomes. It is about making mistakes and learning from them. Celebrating our imperfections and overcoming our fears.

Today is about taking the time to appreciate the beauty around us – in a child’s face, the flowers along the road or the old couple on the bench. It is about smiling more and laughing until our tummies ache. Today is about taking chances, changing direction and relishing that change. About taking the initiative and setting out after your dream.

I believe that today is about going further and doing more. I believe that today is about realising the endless potential of the day and believing you can make a difference. It is about creating your own image and rejoicing in your individuality. I believe today is about celebrating your life in every moment.

I did not die in that accident – it wasn’t my time; there’s more in store for me.

That is why I believe in today.