short-term memories

This afternoon, I walked by an office suite that used to be the office of a woman who passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer–a battle that very few in the office building knew she was facing. She elected not to do chemo or radiation, so to those of us not in the know, there was no reason to suspect she was sick.

I didn’t know her very well, but every time we’d pass each other in the hallway, we’d say hello, ask how each other was doing, and then go on with our day. Each time, she would have a big smile on her face, and positive energy radiated from her. She was a positive force in the office building.

I realized today that it was probably the first time I thought about her since I found out she passed away, despite walking by her old office every day.

I first felt bad that I hadn’t thought of her for months; even though we weren’t close, I still felt bad that I hadn’t thought about someone that I would see briefly most days when I was in the office building.

I then felt a little sad to realize that eventually (hopefully a very long time) I’ll be that guy in the office building that passed away and wasn’t thought about for months, or possibly ever again, by some people.

Eventually, we will all transition from this life.

We’ll be remembered by friends and family, professional acquaintances, and potentially supporters if we ever shared anything with the world, but with time, it’ll just be our close friends and family that will continue to think of and remember us. And eventually, no one will think of us because those close friends and family will also pass away, taking those memories with them.

Don’t worry, this Note isn’t meant to be a downer.

While yes, it’s sad or scary to know that one day there will be few memories of us, I think it’s also a freeing understanding to have.

If eventually we won’t be remembered by the world, why not spend the time we have here doing what we want and being the person we were created to be?

If you’re not going to be remembered, you might as well not be remembered being the authentic version of your Self and being the best version of your Self for the few who will remember you the longest!!
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See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC
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