Life is a delicate and unpredictable dance. A journey that takes us through tulip meadows and murky alleys, through moments of joy and, at times, moments shrouded in shadows. Today, I found myself navigating those shadows during a team meeting, where my words took a morbid turn. I had been in a joyful mood and then I just blurted out darkness.

Here’s the thing. Grief is a relentless companion, one that lingers in the corners of your mind, ready to spring forth when you least expect it. And so it did today, like an uninvited guest at a somewhat funny, informative moment.

My morbidity bled out when we were talking about rest and relaxation, a subject that one might expect to be brimming with positivity and encouragement. After all, as a leader, it’s my duty to guide and inspire my team toward the path of self-care, to remind them of the importance of rejuvenation and respite. I wanted to make sure that people took some time off. We all need it.

But today, something else crept into the conversation. Morbidity, darkness, a whisper from the shadows. I couldn’t help but interject, for the weight of my own experiences had something to say. I noted, perhaps with a touch of morbid candor, that holding off on vacations, on moments of joy and self-indulgence, might not be the wisest choice. Why? Because tomorrow is as uncertain as the wind, and we can’t predict the twists and turns that life may throw our way.

It’s a grim reminder, but it’s also a call and a scream to seize the day, to grab life by the reins and live it to the absolute fullest. Yes, work hard, strive for excellence, and give your all in the workplace. I always have. But don’t forget to give your all to life itself. Take that vacation you’ve been putting off. Travel to that place you’ve been dreaming about. Carve out time for the experiences that fill your heart with joy.

We often get caught up in the rote tasks of daily existence, the relentless pursuit of our goals, and our responsibilities. We sometimes lose sight of the most important truth of all – that life is a finite, precious gift. Each day is a page in the book of our existence, and we are the authors.

So, here’s to a reminder that came from the depths of my own journey through grief and healing. A reminder that morbid as it may seem, it’s a call to embrace the full spectrum of life, to live with intention, to relish the sweet moments and savor the simple pleasures.

So, work hard, yes, but live harder. Take that vacation, and make each day a celebration of your existence. In the end, it’s the fullness of life that matters most. In that vein, I must plan a mich needed vacation that I have been putting off because the calendar is full. But it’s full of things that can be moved or can wait.