In today’s society, it is unfortunate, but the music icons of our generation do not exactly steer its fans in the right direction. Pop culture, in general, does not do any justice for society. However, there is one band that has always caught my attention with its lyrics and especially their videos. Moving. Powerful. Real. True. NEEDED.
That band is Nickelback. Whether you enjoy their music or not, there is no denying that there is a very powerful message in their songs. The above video and song is titled “If Today Was Your Last Day.” Even if you have heard or saw the video before, watch this incredible video again. Listen to the lyrics. Below are some of the best lines from the song. As you read through it, take a moment to absorb what the words are truly saying and question yourself whether you are living these true words:
“My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind”
“Every second counts ‘cause there’s no second try
So live like you’ll never live it twice
Don’t take the free ride in your own life”
“You know it’s never too late to shoot for the stars
Regardless of who you are
So do whatever it takes
‘Cause you can’t rewind a moment in this life
Let nothin’ stand in your way”
Are you living your life as if it is a gift? Or are you really just taking a free ride? Are you living a life with purpose? More importantly, are you living in the present?
No matter where one is in his/her life, you must remember to live in the present. Your past is history. Whether you’ve made good or bad decisions, it has defined who you are today. Learn from the good AND bad, accept what is the past, and bring yourself to the present day. Before we reflect on the importance of living in the present day, a quick point about the future. Of course it is very important to plan for the future, that is a given. We all set out goals and objectives we want to achieve in our lives. However, in doing so, we tend to put off our current happiness as we seek future happiness.
“I will be happier if I earn the higher salary in a few years at my company”
“I won’t be satisfied with my life until I own my own business”
You get the point. We plan so much for our future, that we postpone our current happiness. How does that make any sense? Because you think you will be happier when you achieve your future objectives? What makes you so sure? Reality check, you are not sure at all. When you achieve your objectives, you will have set out new ones within that time frame and now you are going to postpone your happiness some more.
Live in the present. Learn to slow things down and appreciate the absolute beauty of life that surrounds you on a daily basis. When was the last time you went for a walk and simply smiled at how beautiful nature really is? Have you taken the time to really appreciate the laughter and good times with your friends and family? Or have you always thought about “business” during your leisure times? If your mind is not completely there, then you’re not living in the present. You need to take the opportunity to truly feel the gift that has been given to you. As the song says, each day is a gift, not a given right. You appreciate gifts. You express gratitude for gifts. Have you done so for your life?
It is said that when people know they have a limited time to live, they do not regret the things they have done, but rather, they regret the things they did not have the opportunity to do. If you live in the present and live each day as if it is your last, then you will achieve what we all sought for: happiness. Cliche? Sure, but that does not mean cliches are not true. There’s a reason cliche sayings have been around for a long time: it stands the test of time because of the truth to its words.
Embrace your present life. Live each day as if its your last. Unwrap your daily gift of life each morning with a smile on your face!
Note for the readers: No entries will be posted until 12/20/2010 as I will be on vacation with friends, living and enjoying every present moment with them! Thanks for your continued support!
