Life... thank you!

A letter to life.

When I was younger, The Lion King tried to teach me this, but I could not fully grasp the concept. I could not understand how one could be born into this world, live a full life, overcome adversities, then die. But I was a toddler. I wasn’t supposed to understand that there was a “Circle of Life.” It’s like Disney wanted me, a three-year-old, to sit and watch Mufasa die, then watch Simba grow up without a father and be all “Hakuna Matata” – too much for my brain to process at the time.

Two decades later, it clicks. Lion King was simply preparing me for reality. Life. “The Circle of Life.”

Life. Thank you for teaching me the essence of time. I have learned that I must make every minute count, even if that means taking 60 seconds to forgive someone who hurt me.

Thank you for allowing me to see that there is no other time to celebrate you than right now! I shall smile when I can, give when I have, and seize every opportunity that is given to me.

Thank you for schooling me on how to live according to what makes me happy. Truth be told, living for others is boring, depressing, and overwhelming. That’s not the life I want for me.

I now know that because of my experiences I am able to conquer anything. You have taught me that what I do while I’m present on earth must have meaning, substance, and must be influential (if not to others, to me).

Life. Thank you for never pausing. Never stopping to help me heal, cope, or grieve. You have always kept going and because of that, I am stronger. Thank you for teaching me that everything I do must flow from the heart. Because of you, I understand that I must live with a purpose. And when I die, it’s important that my legacy motivate others to fulfill their purpose.

Life. Just know that I am able to live at peace, not because I have it all figured out, but because I now understand you. And although you may throw me curve balls every so often, “I can feel the love tonight.”

Sincerely,
O.J.

Your modern day Sarabi.