Do you appreciate what you have??

I'm not sure why this hit me all of a sudden, maybe it's because I just turned 40 and realize that my life is half over (if I live to the average age of 80) but that's just it. There is no guarantee that I will live another 40, 20, or even 10 more years. No one knows how long they will be on this Earth. And I've always had the mindset of appreciating what I have and enjoying the life that was given to me but in recent years kind of lost my way.

It's not about work, or making money, or acquiring material things it's about making those lasting bonds of friendship you have with others. It's about enjoying the company of people that you just love to be with. It's about experiencing life with those you surround yourself with, because that is what life is all about.. at least for me.

Friendship to me is about giving a big hug to someone you haven't seen in months/years. It's about seeing a friends smile and how it just brightens your day. It's about discussing your life, the ups and the down. It's about having a shoulder to cry on when things seem at their worse. It's about feeling comforted and loved with no words exchanged. I am fortunate enough to have those kinds of people in my life.

The past few weeks I have made real effort to re-connect with my friends. I actually made pacts with some of them that we have to see each other at least 3 times a month and 1 of those times needs to be "just hanging out" time, not doing a lunch or dinner but enjoying ones company. I know it sounds stupid to have to make a pact but with all our lives being so busy and crazy at times you need  to do things like this to really make sure it happens. Of course pacts are just words and it still takes effort to follow through and so far I'm doing pretty good.

One question that I have been asking myself lately is if I died tomorrow would I die a happy man, would those around me know how much I truly love and appreciated them. I would hope so, but I must make a greater effort to verbalize it. There is nothing wrong with saying I love you to your friends, they may know through your actions how much you care about them but it never hurts to say it out loud.

Appreciate every moment you have with them  because you never know when it will be your last.