Not Taking Life for Granted: Loving Every Minute of It.

Hello, my name is Chauntay and for many years I have been a working wife and mother. I'm sure like many of you that may be reading this blog, we get so bogged down with the responsibilities of life that we forget to live it. There were many times that I did not understand what it meant to live life. I thought that going out every weekend with friends or constantly having something on my calendar to do was living my life to fullest. Now that I am middle age and my son is a young adult, I have had more time to reflect on my life and what I have accomplished. I'm not dwelling on anything I missed out on...actually I am becoming more focused on trying new things in life, and being unapologetic about it.

When I Recognized I Needed to Start Living my Life to the Fullest.

I had a very close relationship with my oldest and only brother. He suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in 2017. That was the most devastating loss of my life. I remember feeling so lost and in denial that he was gone. I couldn't understand why his life had been cut short and I was still here. My brother's passing made it real for me that life is too short, and we do not know how much time we have on this earth. It was about two years after his death that I got an opportunity to move from Missouri to Florida for work. I remember being very hesitant and scared of change, but then I thought about my brother and how he would tell me to take this opportunity and not give up this chance at a new life. I moved to Florida in 2019 with my son. This was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Not only is the weather beautiful, but I also have a wonderful career as an addiction counselor, and my family is here with me.

You may be wondering ways in which I am living my life to the fullest. Well, I will tell you it is not by having my calendar full of events to attend every weekend. For me living my life to the fullest is about spending quality time with my husband, mother, son, and Shih Tzu dog everyday. My son and I attended our first live NFL game last year, which we will continue to do this season (Go Jaguars!!) I am a member of the contemporary art museum here in Jacksonville and attend events there. My husband and I also love to hang out at the beach and just enjoy each other's company. I also love to spend time with my friends while also having some much needed time for myself. For me, living life to the fullest is about doing those things you want to do and not what others think you should do. It has taken me a long time to get to this point...and I'm so thankful I'm here now.

What are some ways you are living your life to the fullest?

“Life itself is a privilege, but to live life to the fullest-well, that is a choice.” – Andy Andrews

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