One Year To Live

Depending on your perspective, we're standing on the precipice of doomsday or a spiritual Super Bowl.

Bible code scholars, the Mayan calendar, and even some scientists who watch the sun carefully say that we're in for something on December 12, 2012 (or for you numerology buffs 12/21/2012, which is a lot of ones and twos).

I don't know what to think of all of this, except that it is more than mildly interesting that so many different cultures and beliefs are pointing to this date. It also begs the question (and come on, you've thought it too) what IS going to happen one year from now?

My thoughts of what a cataclysmic end to the world spans the trivial to the morose. On one hand, I will finally be debt-free because civilization will cease to exist, and if you can't take it with you, you probably won't be responsible for paying for it either once you get there.

However, I can't help but make a mental list of what I would take care of and where I would want to be on December 21. Likely, I would seek out those people who I figure I owe some apology, and that assuming they knew I was sorry wasn't enough; they need to hear it.  I would do the same for people that I wanted to forgive: say it, mean it and free both of us from a lot of hard feelings.

I would close the laptop a little earlier in the evening to capture a few more minutes with my daughter, who will soon be off to college (or not, depending on the outcome).

Assuming people know I love them would also not cut the mustard any more. Words like this need to be spoken, sincerely and honestly, and as often as possible.

I'd say thank you more often, excuse me more often, and be angry and worry less often. Most of the time the latter two are a waste of energy and only serve to diminish my own purpose.

Sunrises, sunsets, full moons, thunderstorms and snowfalls would be events worthy of stopping my own 'plan' for the day, just to watch them.

The list could go on, but I might be wasting precious time. However, the list really is something that should mark every new year, whether it's predicted to be our last or not, as my reminder of how a life of excellence should be lived.

After all, what are we waiting for? The end of the world?