Working for my local newspaper for a few weeks now has certainly taught me a few things and makes each day a new experience. I am in my daily routine now of collecting arrest and accident reports and communicating with the sheriff’s department on a daily basis. Of course, with all the excitement coming from the police department and court systems, there is also the surge of stress when it comes time to write an obituary. I didn’t think I would enjoy this part of the job description and I really thought it would be more depressing, but it turns out, even the most absurd things can still teach a valuable lesson.

I was writing one of my very first obituaries the other day and I was warned that it was “a different and trickier obituary” in comparison to the others. As I started writing about this man’s life, it struck me suddenly, that there are so many rules to writing these, because this is potentially the final thing written for someone.

Suddenly, I was terrified.

I quadruple checked the spelling, the grammar, the mechanics, everything to assure that it was in the correct place because the last thing I wanted was to tarnish the final piece for this person. When I was finally finished writing and rewriting every detail, I went back and read the obituary and I had one chance to look at this stranger’s life. This man, although I didn’t know him and never will have the chance, accomplished so many things and was involved in so many unrelated activities. I wanted to know more about him; his hobbies, style, music preferences, etc. I feel like I can’t really say his life was fulfilled because I do not know him or his relatives personally, but from the little I know and wrote about, he was loved and he did so much.

None of us are guaranteed a certain amount of time here, and I can only hope for as much time possible to accomplish the goals I want. After reading and writing obituaries every single day, I want to impact those who don’t know me, just like this man did for me. I want to do big things and continue being scared for what is next because that is what pushes me into new experiences. It wont be perfect, and time is limited, but I truly am now working toward making the most of what I have. I know those are usually everyone’s “famous last words” but in order to get anything done, we need a starting point, and I have mine.

Steal my look today: Eyelash Sweater: T.J. Maxx, Rue 21 pant: Rue 21, Wanted booties: T.J. Maxx