Written by Alden TanToday I want to share a really personal story with you. It was a huge event in my life that made me change completely and permanently.
My dad passed away when I was 20
And that day hit me like a motherfucking truck. How it happened: I was coming home from work in the wee hours of the morning. For some reason, all the lights in the house were switched on. I was baffled. Then suddenly, my brother came in the room crying and telling me that dad has passed on.
I ran to my mom’s room crying. And saw the most insane sight of my life: My own dad’s corpse on his bed. One of my biggest takeaway from that is this: Life is too short…
…especially for thinking about what others think of you. I used to be a lot angrier in life You see, long ago as I was growing up, I was very pissed person. I kept doing the right thing in life, which is to not get into trouble or avoid confrontations at all cost. This just got me angry and constantly thinking of others. What I had to go through in my family made me realize life is too short to be always pissed and NOT focus on yourself.
Saying “life is short” is ultra cliché
I know. So let me break it down for you with a few simple questions:
“In a few years down the road, does what others think of you really matter?”
Hell, let’s not talk about a few years, let’s say many years, like 50. You’d probably be old. Your body doesn’t seem to be as fit as it used to be. Your mind is slow. Or worse, maybe you’re in a wheelchair. Picture that. From there, look back 50 years. Do you want to look back with regret, constantly asking, “What if?” or do you want to look back in awe, that you’ve managed to lead an amazing life, doing almost everything you ever wanted?
Now, look at yourself TODAY. How old are you now? 18? 25? 30? Okay cool. Now think back of your days in high school, when you were a teenager. You definitely had some cool experiences along with some not so cool ones, especially dealing with assholes.
Do they matter now? I doubt it. Really man, I just got to say it again: Life is just too short to give a crap about what others think of you! And it took me a sight of my own dad’s corpse to realize that. You don’t have to go through what I did to realize the same thing. You have the power to do so, today. I hope this little story helps. Oh if you’re interested in finding out more about my dad, check out this post I wrote: How to deal with death of a loved one.
P.S. If you think this email and the above article would help someone you know, PLEASE share it! I’m definitely open about it so it’s all good!
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