5 Years to Live, What Would You Do?

I feel like every semester there is an assignment that forces me to search my soul. In my stress management class we had to write a paper answering the question above. Here is the final result. Enjoy. Maybe it will get you thinking about what you can do to enjoy your life a little more. I am really going to miss assignments that make me think like this.

P.S. I just got an email from my professor saying the final is optional. Boo ya.

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What kind of reaction would I give if someone told me I only had five years to live? Would I be grateful for the warning or would I be terrified at the thought of all the years I would be losing? Initially I would be shocked and scared, but after some time passed I would start to live life a bit differently. That information would be the beginning of a new life and a completely different attitude. If I had only five years left to live I would fulfill as many of my dreams as I possible could.

I would start off by finishing this, my last semester of my bachelors degree. This has been one of my goals for quite some time and I will be so excited when I accomplish it. All throughout my education I have worked part time and taken a full load of classes. I have not always been a good student, but I worked extremely hard to graduate with honors and come this December I will have done that. I will always be appreciative of the many professors and students who have helped shape me into the person I am today.

While graduating college is important, there is something I have dreamed of doing my entire life. There is a role I have wanted to fulfill for years. I believe that everyone is given different talents and abilities and I also believe that people are born to do certain things. Some people are born to be great athletes, business men or song writers, but I believe I was born to be a mother. With only five years left to live I would start having children so that I could have the chance to fulfill that dream and be a positive influence in the lives of my children.

I have an image in my mind of me rocking my baby to sleep on a warm spring day. The sun shines in the window and the breeze flows through the curtains as I rock my sweet baby to sleep. I know that raising children will not be easy and sometimes when I think about it I get nervous for that great responsibility, but then that picture comes into my mind and I feel peaceful, happy and anxious for the day that I can finally meet my sweet babies.

I would also take photography classes. I have always been an admirer of photography and I would love to be able to run a small photography company from my home while I take care of my children. This would allow me to continue to develop my talents while I raise my family. I would try to capture as many precious moments with my camera while living my life with a completely different view than before.

Making more time to be close to family, friends and the beautiful world we live in would also take priority. I want to hike the mountain that my father has wanted to hike with me for the past few years. I would visit the beach more often and watch my babies play in the sand with my wonderful husband. I would enjoy the sound of the ocean and the feeling of the warm sun on my skin. I would drive home and not get so angry about the person that wants to merge into my lane. I would drive a little slower and be a little more courteous as I drive. I think that a rude driver can completely wreck someone’s mood and I definitely do not want to be that person.

I wouldn’t take things so seriously. I would stop worrying about the little things and I would let things go instead of holding onto hurt feelings or anger. I would stop worrying about other people and what they think about me or how I live my life. I would stand tall and proud for the good decisions I have made in my life that to some may seem old fashioned and out of style. I wouldn’t judge others for the choices they make that may seem strange. I would try to care more about the people around me and respect them even though I may not agree with them. I would strive to be more kind and loving to all the people around me and be the kind of person people want to be around.

I would volunteer at a homeless shelter, soup kitchen or food bank. I have always wanted to travel around the world and help others who are struggling with day to day necessities. With only five years to live and babies and a husband to take care of I wouldn’t be able to travel the world, but I could fulfill a need in my local community. It would be a dream come true to help those who are less fortunate.

My husband is the most important person in my life. We have been married for three wonderful years and I cannot imagine my life without him. If I knew I only had five more years with him I would cherish every moment with him. I would cuddle, kiss and hug a little more. I would let him hug me while we wait in line at Disneyland and I would let him kiss me in public instead of getting embarrassed or worrying about what people think. When I wake up in the morning I wouldn’t just jump out of bed, I would take a few minutes to memorize his face and listen to him breathe. I would tell him how much I love him and I would remind him how great he is.

With only five years of life left I would like to truly live. I would have babies, take a lot of pictures and try to be a more loving person. I would try to have a more patient and giving heart. I would dance and sing in the car even if people could see me. I would take time to enjoy the beautiful people and nature that surrounds me. I would wear my wedding dress just for fun. I would run a marathon. I would try a little harder to be a little better. I would be my best self. With five years to live I would make a lot of changes, but in reality I have no idea how long I will live. This opportunity to contemplate my life has opened my eyes to my potential and it has made me realize that there is no need to put things off. It’s time to get busy living.