What Really Matters In Life?

13.12.11

Whenever one visits a cemetery the descriptions on the headstones have a certain theme to them. It is never about what job the person did. It is not about their sporting prowess. It is not about the size of their house, whether they owned a yacht or even about a business they may have run.

Headstones always describe the most important relationships. Here lies the mother of, the father of, the son of, the daughter of and so it goes. As Christmas approaches it is worth reminding ourselves about the importance of our relationships with both family and friends. We often get so caught up in stuff that happens that we lose sight of the big picture.

How important would that work deadline be if your child were critically ill in hospital? If you knew the person you just yelled at might be dead next week would you behave differently? Would that mess on the floor seem so serious if the person responsible was no longer alive?

Yes these are extreme examples and we are entitled to express our views and displeasure at times with others and what they do, which drives us batty. Yet much of what we make out to be important is just "stuff". Most of this stuff will be forgotten in a day or week to be replaced by more stuff.

Whilst Christmas can be a time of joy it can also be a time of sadness for those who are bereaved or have had family upsets. In the last ten days there has been the death of a mother and two girls (thought to be murder/suicide) and the passing of a prominent local businessman at the age of only 49! Other losses may not make the newspaper but are no less significant for those affected.

Christmas can also be stressful when families who may not get along, get together and often arguments and even violence can erupt after lunch and some alcohol.

Is there an answer? Ultimately the solution lies in our hands. How we treat others is up to us. And interestingly how others treat us will often reflect back what we put out. Yes, not always and sometimes we just have to pull away.

This Christmas reflect on what really matters and what you would do if you might not see people again. Then act towards them in that light.

This is the last newsletter for 2011. It will return in late January.

I would like to thank all of you who subscribe and read it. It is my sincere hope that you get some food for thought each week. I would also like to thank all my guest contributors whose input has been tremendous and is greatly appreciated. And a big thank you to my family without whose love and support I could not do what I do.

Best Wishes To All For Christmas and 2012

 By Dr Joe Kosterich

To know more about health and well being please visit Dr Joes website www.drjoe.net.au