“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked….follow your heart…Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”-Steve Jobs
What a brilliant man. Think about it, why don’t more of us follow what’s truly in our hearts on a daily basis. Now I’m not saying quit your jobs and run away to do something crazy, because we all have responsibilities, but if we know our heart’s desires and dreams, why not take steps to go in that direction or somehow reinforce that desire daily or weekly? I still love singing, dancing, and music in general, they bring me joy, so now I play the piano longer, I sing in my car louder, I dance when I hear a fun tune and those things put a smile on my face; even hearing good music can stir my heart. We are all destined to die. For me, cancer gave me a warning and reminder that it may be sooner than later.
My son had a birthday party recently, 25 teenage boys and girls and talk about trying to live up to external expectations, yikes. The pressure teens face to look good, be smart, be popular, get into the right crowd, is tough, but it doesn’t change much as adults (especially as a woman). We all fear embarrassment or failure but what do we have to lose? What would happen if we did fail? So what? I would hope to teach my children to pick themselves up and push forward, not looking back. Life is too short and knowing that we all die no matter what should be freeing. For me, it lifts the burden of ‘what would they think…’ because when we die, does their opinion really matter? Be your own person; follow what’s in your heart because God put it there, and love people knowing that they are all unique and they all have hopes and dreams too.
RED LIPSTICK CHALLENGE: This past week I had an appointment with my radiation oncologist and wore bright red lipstick. (Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Luster lipstain in Fever—fun red, be brave). When the PA whom I’ve never met before walked in the room he looked at me and said, ‘Wow, where are you going after this appointment because you look great,’…all that before he introduced himself! Me and my red lips felt pretty satisfied. If you know some of my story you know that I used to want to hide my lips, now, red lipstick…hello, I’m here to live! Keep sharing your stories and challenges, I love hearing them! Talk with you soon….
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
Wow Anna! What a perfect message to hear today! God has been placing this message on my heart a lot lately and he just used to you to reinforce it to me once again 🙂 The past few weeks of the new job have been a struggle, and I have felt so out of my element. But when I really think about who am I trying to impress and please. God gave me my job for a reason and I just need to do the best that I can to bring Him glory and take pleasure and rejoice in all of the ways He blesses me! Thank you for being a vessel for God’s message! Love you!
Thanks Mrs. Calef! You are awesome and yes, ALWAYS a purpose!
Today has been a very difficult day for my sister, Linda,. One year ago she lost her grandson to the choking game, he was 16 years old. No we don’t know how long we have but I have heard so many great stories about Zach and how he touched lives in his short life journey. His life counted and people are still being touched because he lived. Thats what we should all want for our lives. We should put God first and everything else is second. Anna keep touching lives you are making a difference. Thanks for being you. You are loved.
Give Karen and Julie our love, prayers and hugs on this difficult day
Mayette, what a great blog! This one I love. It reminds us we’re just like the wind-whispered pollens, delicate and gone in a short moment but are grains of life with purpose. Thank you for sharing and reminding.
You inspire us with your strength.
Love, your cousin Jing
Thanks Jing!
Oh YES MAYYETTE! WE HAVE TO LIVE OUR LIFE…FOLLOWING OUR HEART’S DESIRE. YES, SOONER OR LATER..WE ALL WILL BE C ALLED TO THE GREAT BEYOND FOR..HOW COULD WE KNOW THE SECRET OF DEATH UNLESS WE SEEK IT IN THE HEART OF LIFE! because, i believe LIFE ANMD DEATH ARE ONE…LIKE THE RIVER AND THE SEA ARE ONE….AND ONLY WHEN WE KNOW “SILENCE”, SHALL WE INDEED “SING” …
YOU ARE A BRAVE AND BEAUTIFUL WOMAN!BEAUTIFUL IN THE HEART AND IN YOUR PERSONA—–BECAUSE, BEAUTY IS AN ECSTASY AND ETERNITY..LOOKING AT ITSELF IN THE MIRROR…AND YOU ARE ETERNITY AND YOU ARE THE MIRROR!!
YOUR BEAUTY IS FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND YOU WILL NEVER DIE!
WE LOVE YOU MAYETTE!
AUNT LINDA
Thank you Auntie! Love you!