Before I die…….

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Not to sound morbid, but have you ever taken a moment to think about this question “What I want to accomplish before I die?” Not the “Bucket List” things necessarily, but the real things that inspire change in the world? The things that will leave a lasting legacy long after we are gone?

I think this is a very important and life-giving question to ponder every once in a while. If we all make it our life’s mission to be the change we want to see in the world, imagine how wonderful things would be.

I once heard a speaker long time ago ask the very same question this way? “Would you be pleased with the words that are spoken about you at your funeral?” That question stuck in my mind ever since. As a mom, I want to be the best example I can be to my children, I want to teach them respect and good morals and character and how to be a good steward of the resources they have been blessed with. I want to leave a lasting legacy that they can be proud of. I want to be the best daughter and sister I can be.The best friend who loves unconditionally. As a small business owner, I want to operate with honesty and integrity and only produce quality work for my clients. I want to give back to the community that helped me to be successful. And most importantly, live for my Creator, God. These are the things that matter!

This has alot to do with your purpose in life. For when you find your true God-given purpose, it is powerful enough to change the world, regardless of what you do. A stay-at-home mom could be raising the next Billy Graham, a doorman could be the one that put that smile on people’s faces after a difficult day. We were all put on this planet to fulfill our unique purpose that only you and I can fulfill. As an Interior Decorator, I didn’t understand what my purpose really was for a very long time. Certainly it wasn’t all about spending other people’s money on stuff and possessions. But then I realized that I am in the position where I deal with people in the most intimate of settings – their homes. The place where they expect to feel safe, comfortable and relaxed, and I get the privilege to enhance their lives in a very tangible way. It took me a while to realize that it really wasn’t about the stuff, but it’s all about the feeling that they get as the enter their home each and everyday. Suddenly all the cares of the world melt away and family bonding time begins.

This song by Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying” is a great reminder to make each day count. Do the things that you’ve been putting off, forgive the people you were denying forgiveness, give selflessly and love deeply. Take a listen.

I still have a lot to accomplish before I die. I have big dreams for my life and career, but even bigger ones for my children…..and one day…..grandchildren. I pray everyday that I will leave this planet a little bit better than I found it.

Be the change

What are some of the things you would like to accomplish? Leave me a comment below.

Thanks for reading my post today :-)

Have  a wonderful Wednesday! :-)

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Be Inspired!

Veronica Solomon

Veronica Solomon

 

 

 

 

53 thoughts on “Before I die…….”

  2. It’s amazing how each of us underestimate the effect that we have on everyone around us and what we can influence unknowingly. When it comes to living a full and productive life it really isn’t about what you had it’s about what you did. It could be as simple as making it a goal to do something inspiring or giving each day (as simple as a smile or compliment to a stranger) as that positive motion will create a ripple effect that keeps going outward. When you are passionate about something you emanate the emotions that it creates and that is what inspires others. The most influential people are those that inspire. And when they are gone there is always something that they were passionate about that is appreciated. It is that something that both encourages and changes the lives of others. Thank you for inspiring us to take on this underestimated perspective of ourselves Veronica. Here’s to finding that special something to be truly passionate about!

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  3. I really love this post and agree with you wholeheartedly. There have been times in my interior design career I have struggled with the materialistic aspect but finally came to realize my true mission was to help people improve their lives by improving their surroundings regardless of budget. It is the true satisfaction of what I do.

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  5. Love your post, especially because I make a point during a day to think is this my last second? I know for some people that sound drastic or pessimistic to me is paramount not to lose the perspective what is important to me and I always come back to the conclusion, if I want to see peace around me I must keep, guard and defend my own peace.

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  6. I have actually thought about this before since it was after an article I had read.. I would like to volunteer more as one of my accomplishments. I started in June with a dog rescue but would like to branch out more. I am also considering being a foster parent.

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  8. A friend of ours introduced us to ‘Live like you were dying’ when it first came out. It struck such a powerful chord with me that I’ve tried to live in the spirit of the song ever since. I keep it in my playlist too, just as a reminder to give fully to everyone I meet, whether that’s online, offline or in line :) Thank you for your inspirational post. It was just what I needed today. Blessings Veronica, and Happy early Thanksgiving.

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  11. I am a creative person too. And many years ago I hit a wall, thinking that all I was doing by making art was adding to the piles of “stuff” and consumerism. After a time of prayer and study I came to realize several truths which changed my life dramatically. One thing I read was that I had to stay skilled so that when God called upon me like he did Bezalel (the first artist in the bible) that I would be ready to do what was needed. And secondly that my art makes a difference. Just as you said about the environment you create “The place where they expect to feel safe, comfortable and relaxed, and I get the privilege to enhance their lives in a very tangible way.” The space around us experienced with our senses effects our daily lives and can be comforting, empowering and even help us to be more healthy. Happy Decorating!

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    • Thanks Robin. It is an awesome feeling when you discover your true purpose. God Himself is creatives so He loves creativity! I had to look at it from that perspective.

      Be blessed and much success in all you do :-)

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  12. Wow- Love your post.and the approach you took. So often we don’t want to think about the measure of our life. Having reached age 74 very satisfied with how I raised my children, the person I am, all the things I’ve accomplished I feel good. I know that if I did not wake up tomorrow morning, not only did I live a great life, dealt with many problems and struggles, but made a huge difference in others lives. Like Teri, I have struggled with having a business in later years where I am making jewelry, and I’ve come to see it as another way to help enhance others. I want my tombstone to say “She was all used up”.

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  19. I definintely think about this. I want to make a mark and help in some small way that I can to leave this world a better place for being here.

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  20. Major goosebumps while reading this. There is so many things that I want to accomplish in life. But i lack confidence in myself. This is something that i’ve been dealing with for a long time. I don’t want my fears to hold me back and affect my future for something better and brighter! Thank you for posting this, you are right about people being put there for a purpose. =)

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  21. Thanks Marielle. I have been observing your posts since you joined our group and I have to tell you that you strike me as being very confident. You know who you are and you celebrate the fact that you are a great mom and an avid collector and crafter. You are true to who you are…keep being you. The world needs you :-)

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  24. This is one of my favorite articles today. It touches my heart in a way that only a real passion could touch, one of serving others unselfishly. Once we get over the fear of what others think and run with our talents we serve humanity without boundaries. Tim’s song is one of my favorite, too. It drives home the point to get over yourself, what if there were no tomorrow? Thank you for sharing your talents with us Marielle.

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  26. I really have thought about death a lot over the last few years. My best friend passed almost a year ago in her 50′s and as my family gets older, I see more and more relatives going on. Yesterday in our little town, three brothers were killed in an automobile accident. The oldest ran a stop sign and t-boned a tanker. It exploded. They were ages 18, 16 and 3. You just never know when it is time to go …. so each day needs to be lived to the fullest!

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  27. Very thought provoking article.. you are right, it is not the material possessions you want to be remembered for. Every day we live, we create memories. You need to think to yourself.. will what I am doing today creating a memory someone can treasure after I am no longer on earth? Memories are a treasure.

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  29. You give us much to think about. We spend our days doing stuff, keeping busy, taking care of everyone around us…but are we really doing the valuable, the important. I have raised a family, yet it is a job one never finishes. Now, I think to myself: that better world we want to see and live in, begins right here, with us.
    Your wonderful blog is very inspiring. Thank you for posting this blog, Veronica.

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