Firsts ... and Lasts ...

Originally published November 27, 2019

FIRSTS. Our lives are full of FIRSTS. We get excited about the FIRSTS. We plan for then. We celebrate. FIRSTS can be monumental events that create significant memories for us.

The first breath, first steps, first words, first day of school, first summer camp, first best friend, first date, first kiss, first baby, first birthday, first job, first degree, first trip, first car.

FIRSTS can be exciting or simple experiences; the first time you skied, skated, flew on a plane, hiked in the mountains, ate sushi, went to a concert, got a facial, or had a massage.

FIRSTS. No matter how grandeur or simple our "FIRSTS" might be, they change us. We will never again be as we were before the first. Firsts change us, often in significant and positive ways, impacting our thoughts, and our hearts, beliefs, and connections; our desire to do more ... or less, next time.

Sometimes our firsts can be hard. The first lost job, heartbreak, divorce, lost friendships, diagnosis ... or death of a loved one. Firsts sometimes hurt, and can change us in ways we may never imagine.

FIRSTS are also LASTS. Say what? FIRSTS only ever happen once. Every first is also a last. Once you've had the FIRST, you will never have that "first" experience ever again.

FIRSTS are LASTS. Think about that.

FIRSTS ARE LASTS.

LASTS. Our life is full of lasts. The last birthday, last dance, last song, last Christmas, last walk, last conversation, last laugh, last look into someone else's eyes, last hug, last breath.

LASTS. Lasts that can often break our hearts, create grief and sadness. Lasts change us in ways we may never imagine.

LASTS. If you embodied the potential in every moment in every day being your last, would you live differently? Would you be different? Would you make sure you spoke the words you feel in your heart, so your people have no doubt what they mean to you? Would you hug a little longer, hold a little tighter? Would you be more present? Put the phone down, forget texting and creating posts? Would you be present? in body and mind? Would you allow yourself to truly experience this moment, right now? Would you listen to truly hear? Seek to understand, and to be understood? put judgment aside?

Would you hold more gratitude for your experiences and the people who cross your path? Would you withhold judgment? Would you be softer and more vulnerable in sharing your heart? Would you be more patient? more kind?

LASTS. This could be your last. There is no guarantee of a next time - ever. Every moment could be the last. So if this is your last time to look into their eyes (no matter your child, spouse/partner, friend, co-workers, or even a stranger) will you say and do all the things now? Leaving no questions, no regrets, no "I wish I had ..." Will those who walk this journey with you know who you are, what you love, and how you appreciate them? Will all your words have been spoken and your love shared? Will you have been more patient, more kind?

FIRSTS ... are LASTS. Are you living each moment like it's your LAST?

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About the author:

Karen Hendrickson is an Elevation Coach, focused on helping others to rewrite their life story, befriend their mortality, and find the richness and magic that lives at the intersection of our lives where life and death meet. When we allow our authentic self permission to shine our life becomes full of MAGIC and GREATNESS.  Contact karenttjourney@gmail.com and start working with her today!