The View from the Hospital Parking Lot

Last weekend was a little rough for me, so I went for a drive to spend some time alone, listening to music and communing with nature. At the end of my drive, instead of turning left to head towards my house, I took a right to go towards the hospital.

I parked by the front doors and just watched.

I watched families walking in to visit their loved ones. I watched adult children walk out from visiting their mom or dad.

Then I looked at the windows.

I thought about the frustrations that made me jump into my car for an escape and I realized that I was on the outside of the hospital, looking in. They have no choice but to lie in bed all day watching television or staring at their phones or napping.

I, however, have my health and a car to take for a drive on a beautiful day. There are no machines preventing me from living life to the fullest.

So I said a quiet thank you and vowed not to take advantage of my gift of health for one day longer.

I pulled out of the parking lot with a renewed outlook.

In the one week since that visit, I have spent time at the botanic gardens, visited an historical village, took my dog on some new adventures, and visited the Clydesdales. I’ve had late night talks with my daughter and lived in the moment.

So, I ask you…what did you do this week to really live life? Or are you more like the patients in the hospital, lying on the couch binge watching tv?

I challenge you to get outside and take a bite out of your big, juicy life. Break free from your routines. Find some local events and try something new.

Make new memories. They are free…and they are forever.

If you just can’t find it in you, then take a drive to your local hospital and watch the people coming and going…then look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself:

Am I really living?

If the answer is no, back out of your parking spot and go live your life bigger.

Photo by Eduard Militaru on Unsplash