Share the Gift of a Level 10 Life

By Sue Rice

When a new year approaches, we tend to think about our past 12 months with mixed emotions. We laugh at the fun moments, cry about the sad times, miss loved ones, and embrace life’s special seconds. We see the missed opportunities, the things we “should have done,” with sadness. We look with surprise and gratitude at the unexpected, treasured memories and wish we could rerun them a million times.

It’s a new year – 2014. The enjoyment of your life is at your fingertips. As 2013 came to a close, I reflected on the past year with a heavy heart, remembering the close friends I have lost to cancer who were taken way too early. But because they loved life, they influenced those around them to be better friends and family members. Their legacy will last many lifetimes because of the numerous lives they touched. Maybe this is what we call Living a Level 10 Life!

I celebrate their memories because these friends taught me to not celebrate myself, but to celebrate life’s opportunities and to enjoy life’s precious moments. They also taught me to share important conversations with those who are closest to me, to tell my loved ones how I feel about them and how they have affected my life. I recently had a friend call me after a five-year absence, just to tell me how much she appreciated my help twenty years earlier.

This year has taught me to be stronger than ever and to embrace the courage to cross many difficult bridges. I learned to trust and believe in myself and welcome the encouragement of others to complete my goals. I learned that reflection is necessary in celebrating accomplishments, learning lessons, and looking at myself to determine what goal I can accomplish next. I have not been afraid to ask for guidance from those I respect and admire.

2014 will bring with it new challenges, so I encourage you to embrace each moment. Laugh. Cry. Smile. Enjoy each day as a gift. Life is like opening a wrapped present - you never know what is inside the box. Don’t be afraid to open it!

My gift to each of you is the following wish. I wish that you all will go after your lives with a spirited and joyous enthusiasm. Your gift each day is your opportunity.

Your life - your gift!