Meetings. Tight deadlines. Long to-do lists. Normally I’m not a fan of these things, but today they were a blessing. They kept me busy, kept me focused and for the most part kept my mind from wandering. Those few down moments that I did have got intense quick. Thoughts of where I was at a year ago today instantly caused my eyes to well up with tears--tears that I had to keep hidden as I was surrounded by co-workers. Crying at work isn’t something I’m too proud of, but sometimes my emotions get the best of me.
This same day last year I woke up in a hospital bed with my entire family standing above me. It was completely surreal. At first I had no idea what was going on and was then told I had spinal meningitis and just woke up from a coma. That day was one of the best days of my life. It was a total system reboot. Getting that close to the other side instantly changed my perspectives on everything and I wish that everyone could experience how refreshing that felt.
As great as that day was though, it wasn’t as good as today. Today I’m alive. Today I’m healthy. Today I got smacked in the face by the sun leaving my house and smelled oil in the air from the construction equipment running across the street. Today I took notice of the little things that I used to overlook and I lived in the present.
Sitting at my desk with tears in my eyes at first was completely embarrassing, and for some reason I just started laughing. As intense as life can be sometime, you really can’t take it too seriously. We’re all going to die sooner or later, so high five a stranger, give your friend a bear hug, and tell your parents you love them.
Remember what matters in life. It’s not about money. It’s not about status. It boils down to one thing: how did you affect people? Positively or negatively? I hope it’s the former…
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About the author: Adam Obendorf is currently an Art Director at Faction Media who spends his hours outside of work hiking, biking, snowboarding and camping.
