So much has shown me this year, just how short our lives can be. On Sunday morning, I wept in fear as I waited to contact my darling girl. While I was almost sure that she was tucked up in her bed in Andover, well away from the horror unfolding in London, we had missed our usual morning contact and I couldn’t raise her. There was a heartstopping hour until her amazing host contacted me to let me know that she was fine, and indeed asleep as I had hoped. Such joy I have not felt before, however that quickly turned to guilt, guilt for all other Mothers who had not yet heard how their darling children were, guilt for those who had lost their children and guilt for those whose lives had been changed by this horrific event.
Earlier in the week, I received the news my childhood friend had been murdered. I am still reeling from this news. Life can be so fragile and taken from us without a whisper of warning. This has had me thinking about just how precious this life is, something I often take advantage of. With the busyness of life, I forget that this moment could well be my last, and while that may sound morbid, it is not something I wish to dwell on, only to remember and leave nothing unsaid. To strive for those things I wish to achieve instead of thinking one day, to not put off that phone call, or sending that letter or just taking a moment to reflect.
The Universe tends to show us the path we could be taking. These last few weeks have been a tremendous time of change within our company. We have almost completed an entire sweep out of what has been holding us back, in fact by Monday next week we will have an exciting new team. Change is difficult, it is challenging, it encourages us to look closely and honestly at ourselves, but with change comes the opportunity for immense success.
It is perhaps with pride that I am able to say we have been too generous, we have cared too much and with shame we were at a point where being taken advantage of had nearly taken its toll. It very nearly had us looking at this period of change with a negative mind set we were ready to take into our new team, but for fragile nature of life this would have happened.
Although much sadness and pain has come from the loss of my friend and those minutes waiting on news of our daughter, the perspective it has brought into our lives is without doubt life changing.
How has a change in perspective changed your life for the better?
I’m so sorry about your friend- it’s a heinous act at any time but there is something gut-wrenching when it’s a person who has dedicated themselves to the service of others.
I was so sorry to hear about your friend. Losing someone is never easy, especially in such horrible circumstances and when he died defending others. Pleased that your girl is safe. I was pleased that my friends and family are all safe and well but my heart breaks for those whose loved ones are never coming home. I just can’t get my head around such unfathomable violence. All we can do is be the change we want to see in the world, and it sounds like it’s all ch, ch, change at Builders Wife HQ. Excited for you guys!
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend, such a tragic loss. I like your perspective on life now. Take care lovely lady xx
Oh Nic, I am sorry about your friend. That is just horrible. I agree that so much has happened lately that perspective is in order. The concert in manchester frightened me as I have 3 teens (and a tween) who are always out and about doing the nornal things they do and I don’t want to be that person that worries on normal stuff. We can live like that. #teamIBOT
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend xox
I’m glad you’ve made the changes you need to in your business – I’ve worked many places where people haven’t had the strength to do that, so don’t underestimate the value of creating a good workplace for your new and future employees.
Oh gosh Nicole, what an intense week that was for you. To be mourning a friend and afraid for a loved one. Big hugs to you x
So sorry about the loss of your childhood friend.
I’m glad your daughter is safe and sound!
Ingrid
Oh my goodness that IS one awful update Nicole. I am so sorry for the loss of your childhood friend. I am so glad though that your daughter is OK. Life. It gives and it takes. I hope there are gentler days ahead. Denyse xx
It has been a roller coaster of emotions for you lately. The news of your friend must have been shocking and I can imagine you’re still dealing with it and will be for some time. I’m so thankful your daughter was okay. We certainly live in scary times. Take care x
I think if you every time I hear of another tragedy in the UK. I don’t know you personally but being a mum it pulls at the heart strings. Our kids should be allowed to explore the world but these deranged people are making it so difficult. All this hatred has to stop but sadly it never will. These poor families that have lost someone, someone enjoying a concert or simply out for a stroll. It is so wrong and I don’t want to upset anyone but If there really was a god, why is he letting this happen. I do believe in God but at times like this it does make you wonder. News like this most certainly does change the way you think. X
I’m so sorry to hear of your friend and that hour waiting to know if your daughter was okay would have been agonising. I think it’s always a good idea to think in terms of perspective but it’s often painful experience that gets there.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Such an awful thing to happen, so tragic and the devastation left behind no words can describe. I am also so glad that your daughter is safe and well. Survivors guilt is common, remember to be kind to yourself. xx
So sad to hear of your friend. One of Jacob’s work friends was close friends with him and attended the funeral. Such a shock to everyone. Everyday is a gift. I used to want to tick things off my bucket list, but recently I came to a different conclusion for my life. I want to leave it a little better than it was before.
Hope all the changes for your business are working out well. So glad Racquel is safe as well. Would have been very scary not being able to reach her on the phone.