Years ago, my family and I established the ritual of asking each other a (profound) question before opening a present for Christmas. Although we don't give each other presents anymore, there's always something thoughtful or delicious under the tree.
In my last newsletter, I shared suggestions for meaningful activities to enjoy with family beyond just eating. I'm happy to say it helped and that I still fit in my fencing trousers after Christmas :)
Having read my last newsletter, my sister gratefully expressed that it was the first Christmas ever that she lost weight instead of gaining it. And we still had a good time and ate delicious, high quality food. Inspired by my newsletter, she also got us a set of question cards (which you can easily find online or ask chatGPT ;)).
Having a set of questions provides a unique perspective and the chance to have thought-provoking and intriguing conversations. It can shift your own viewpoint while allowing the other person to see you in a new light.
One of the questions I got was:
"You only have one week left to live. How would you spend it?"
My answer came quite quick.
I'd fence, be with my family and friends, and spend time in nature.
Two things came as a surprise for me:
1) although I'm a massive foodie, food wasn't in the centre of that week. I definitely wouldn't want to eat much, as I'd want to fully enjoy my days, not being full and not able to move from the couch.
2) I rarely spend time in nature, even though it feels like an essential part of peaceful and beautiful days—and life itself.
My New Year's resolution is to cultivate more peace and love within myself, knowing both are already there.
One way is by meditating more and putting peace and love in the focus of the meditation.
Another way is by spending more time in nature.
I'd like to encourage you to reflect on how you would spend your last days if you knew you only had one week left to live.
How would you want to feel? What makes your heart jump? What gives you joy? And peace. Or who? And, isn't everything beautiful after all?
That's it.
Lots of love,
Linh
