The Power of NOW

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Well, tomorrow marks the three year anniversary of my mom’s stroke. 

And as I sit here in the car, with a tight chest and a lump in my throat after realizing that fact, I figure, it’s probably a good idea to let some of these feelings out, and write about it. 

There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank God that He spared her life that snowy December night three years ago. 

Being with my mom when it happened, and seeing her be carried, lifeless by my father — Marissa Cooper style — into the emergency room, unsure if she’d make it — that changes you. It does something to your heart. To your perspective. To your appreciation for life and loved ones. 

And so every day, every single day, I am grateful to have that incredible, kind and loving woman still in my life. 

To say that a lot of life has been lived between now and then would be quite the understatement. 

I mean, aside from relearning how to talk – my mom  has developed a new motto that I have come to adopt, and really respect. 

You see, my mother is the queen of advice. To be clear: I’m not talking unsolicited advice…but rather, true, grounded, here-when-you-need-her wisdom. She *always* knows what to do, what to say — always. And as a result, I am always calling her to get her take and her perspective. Because it’s always *spot on.* 

I mean — she is the originator of the motto that got me through recovery from anorexia: “Just do the next right thing.” — Yep, that was a Mary-ism. 

So, her new tag line, since her stroke, is, “Do it, and do it now.” With an emphasis on *now.*

And every time she says it, I always chuckle, roll my eyes, and kind of finish the sentence for her. Like — I know mom, do it NOW — but the fact is, she’s absolutely right. 

I don’t know about you, but I can be as indecisive as a toddler in a candy store. I absolutely *hate* making decisions, and I am the queen of procrastinating. And let me tell ya, that, is a deadly combination. 

Do it, and do it now. 

There really is no time like the present. And I know that is such a cliche – but the truth is, we are not promised tomorrow. My mom found that out the hard way. And, believe me, kneeling by her bed that night, pleading for God to let her wake up and live another day — so did I. 

When something is important — why the heck wait? If something matters, freaking go after it. Relationships, jobs, dreams, education, that “whim” trip you’ve always wanted to take — we have been given one life. We have one go at it. And if we’re not doing absolutely everything in our power to maximize the life we have, frankly — we’re doing it wrong.

“I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

As 2020 is upon us, my challenge to myself — and subsequently to you — is to figure out what matters to you, and then go do it, and do it now.

Because tomorrow is not a sure bet.

Mom, (I know you’re reading this — as you do every single post — and every single comment) Mom – you are my best friend. My hero. My heart twin. And I am so grateful for the tenacity with which you have attacked the challenges you’ve faced these last three years. Your fortitude and courage, positivity and joy are so freaking inspiring, and I hope to one day be half the woman you are. I love you to the moon.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

213 thoughts on “The Power of NOW”

  1. My mom passed away unexpectedly in 2007 and not a day goes by that she is not in my thoughts. Treasure each other. God bless you both and I wish you all the love and joy that is possible in the the New Year!

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    1. Oh Greg I’m so sorry to hear that. My prayers are with you. That is really powerful advice, thank you. Happy new year to you, my friend. Hugs and love xox

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  2. I want to do this whole recovery thing now. I don’t think I can though. I just want all of it to be over now! That would require me to be over now too, I’m kinda okay with that though.

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    1. Natalie, recovery is such a beautiful gift to yourself. One that you fully FULLY deserve. You deserve a life free from the control of ED. And believe me, I know how scary that thought can because because it is unknown. The real, free, you is in there, just longing to emerge. Let her! Let her shine! Embrace the freedom of recovery! I’m cheering for you and am in your corner. You’re worth it. So incredibly worth it. Hugs and love xox

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      2. That is ED feeding you lies. Don’t believe that for a second. You are WORTH IT. I know ED screams otherwise, but he comes only to steal, kill and destroy. Listen to the truth: that you are loved beyond measure and are precious in God’s sight!! Hugs and love xox

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    2. Hi Natalie, it’s usually always easier for things to get broken and much harder to fix them! This is especially true with us humans; we have layers of stuff to get through at times to finally get to the root of all of our woes and fears! I know this situation you’re in has been long standing but even though I don’t know too much about where it stems from I know with Faith in the Lord and perseverance you’ve got this totally! I’ve already seen in how you write and express yourself that you are a phenomenal young lady and I’m going to say something which is a bit over the top and something maybe most would tell me not to say to you and the world but it is innocent and from my honest heart so I will; if I were a young fellow again like going back in time I would be quite smitten by you and that’s to say I would really want to be a bestie and do all those neat things I did once in High School like go to the Sadie Hawkins dance or proms and all that cool stuff with a sweetie like you! Listen to me please, I’m the real deal and I learned even on the net to trust a bit more which I didn’t want to do at all especially on the net, and I got burned so bad by people in real in your face life, but I’m the guy that says what I mean and means what I said! You have so much ahead of you and I’m not only rooting for you but I’m taking a stand for you and like the hero I say let’s get this good to happen and see you bloom like the beautiful flower of a Lady you are inside and one day we can both with others sing about such a glorious happening! I’m not wanting to lecture or push anyone around but if I see something that bothers me too much I have to speak up and in some cases to my chagrin at times get involved and it’s been sometime since I got that direct with anyone because I had a living hell to get through that was dumped on me by very nefarious political people not unlike the kind you see doing their dirty deeds in Washington and they nearly destroyed my life both figuratively and literally; but damn I didn’t let them win I’m too wise to that now and been through the ringer to allow them to conquer me like that, so I fought my way out of it all not as good a shape as I once was before it started but doing OK and I’m good with that; even if a bit disappointed it had to happen to begin with but I figure God allowed it all for good reason! Like my Dad many times had told me, “sometimes we have to accept things and make the best of it!” I did that; fighting alone nobody to help me, no wife or girlfriend, and my siblings have all their stuff to deal with, kids and work and I’m the guy that tells them all don’t worry about me just do what you’re supposed to be doing and I’ll figure out what I have to do; I would say I can do it myself and I’m praying to Jesus to help me so that’s good enough! My Mom would say, “oh you need to have us help you and be there for you,” and I would say no Mom I love you and you help me enough just praying for me, and I don’t want any of you worrying about my dilemma or getting all involved it’s too much garbage, and I’m going to fight it with my own gifts God gave me; and ya know it all worked out I even had to be my own lawyer and fight the system! See now I’m spilling my guts here because you got me to feel this way! How did you do that, I say it’s because I see so much good in you and wonderful potential and I’m not wanting to see any of that be messed with or trampled upon so I reach out and say I’m here, your new friend Lawrence who will always be willing to encourage you and write on these blogs to get the ball rolling for you! This is going to work out much better than you can comprehend at the moment and possibly much sooner! So just hang in there, don’t be impatient and take baby steps forward but at least be positive and move in the right direction, OK, will you try this please! Write back with any thoughts or even criticism of what I say here but keep trying is all I ask! Thank You Natalie!

      Also to you Caralyn, I’m sorry if I’m not following some standard protocol of Blogging because I may be ignorant to what most people accept on their blogs and what is proper etiquette, but I again say I’m the guy that once I’m compelled to take a stand I just get in the thick of it and don’t care what anyone says or thinks about me, if I think it’s a good thing I do or say; then that is the bottom line I’m there! But, understand I do have the utmost respect for you and all you have accomplished, and I mean no harm or disrespect in the slightest bit, so even if you want to reprimand me please do so, and I will respond sensibly and with integrity! This whole thing just takes me a back and is so important to me, way more than most anything going on here on the internet! I want this wonderful young Lady Natalie to be doing her best and being happy and joyful in the Lord! Through Him all things are possible! Thank you for your understanding. Your Friend Lawrence.

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  3. We are similar on the procastination and indecisiveness🤒. The Holy Spirit is my biggest help and I cannot make decision without Him. Also, I was thinking about this morning before I clicked to read this post, so I can call it timely.
    N.B Your mum is so beautiful

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  6. So wonderful! ❤
    When I was in high school my senior year I ended up at a whole new school. My history teacher helped me through the year and my goal in life was to go back to that city just to give him a hug. He died before I got the chance, but that taught me to DO IT AND DO IT NOW.
    I always tell people how much they mean to me or really learned to embrace the now. So glad you still have your mom/best friend and get to learn from her still. 😀

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  7. I have written Do it and Do it now! On a post it note on my desk. Keep on treasuring your mom every moment you have her. I lost my mom in 2018 to ALS. She always wanted to take everyone to Disneyland or Disney World. She was waiting for the kids to get older. When she passed my dad and I decided we need to take that trip. With in four months we were all on a plane to California for a week. It was an amazing trip. We rode her favorite rides and laughed and loved a lot on that trip. We now take regular big and small trips all together because you aren’t promised tomorrow. Thank you so much for this post.

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    1. Oh Laura, I’m so sorry for your loss. Gosh I wish I could give you a hug through that screen. I’m so glad you were able to take that trip to Disney. It sounds like such a special time. Amen to that. Thanks for sharing. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much 🙂 what a kind thing to say. Amen to that – I am very blessed to have such a great mom! Hugs and love xox

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  11. Well Caralyn, looking at the picture of you two together, I guess “God Given Gorgeous” runs in the family. 🙂

    I like this post. Reading it, I began to remember a verse…

    Look To This Day

    “Look to this day.
    For Yesterday is but a dream;
    And tomorrow is but a vision.
    For Today well lived
    Makes every Yesterday, a dream of Happiness;
    And every Tomorrow, a vision of Hope.”

    To me this verse essentially describes the Power of Now.

    So what are we supposed to do? How do we cease Now? How do we know what to do today to live it to the fullest?
    Well, seek God’s guidance one day at a time…

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    1. oh my gosh you’re kind to say that. thank you so much for passing along your article! i look forward to checking it out 🙂 hugs xo

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  12. Writing / sharing is a good way to recognize, process and cope with big life stuff – thanks for sharing the insights. My mom had a stroke 23 years ago, and she survived as well. It not only changed the course of her life; it changed the permanently changed our family dynamics – God works in mysterious ways sometimes. Thanks again for the share~

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    1. Hi Jeff, I’m sorry you can so personally relate — but I’m glad to hear that she’s doing well and that goodness came about from it! He really does work in mysterious ways! hugs xox

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  15. This is such an incredibly inspiring, powerful story. And your mom sounds like a wonderful, amazing woman. I’m truly glad that she was spared, too. The world still has this beautiful person, and what a blessing that is. Thank you so much for sharing! 💕

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    1. thank you so much!!! you’re so kind to say that. yes! she really is my hero, and I’m so grateful that He spared her too! happy new year! hugs xox

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  18. What an awesome testimony. To God be the Glory for all the things that He has done! I pray that your mother’s recovery be even better than she was before. Happy Belated Christmas to you and yours. And we pray you have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

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    1. Thank you C 🙂 amen to that. And thank you for your prayers!! That means a lot 🙂 God is good! Happy New Year! 🎉 Hugs and love xox

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      2. That is so amazing 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

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  19. You, my dear, are a light in the darkness! I lost my mother 17 years ago, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t weep-even if for a few seconds. I know she loved her Jesus, I also have forgiven her for the emotional abuse, as it was all she knew. The world needs more angels like you~

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    1. Thank you Sara! Oh my gosh what a kind thing to say. And gosh, I’m so sorry for your loss – gosh I wish I could give you a big hug through the screen. Sending you all my love tonight. Love you friend. Xox

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  20. You’re both so beautiful. I am always returning to your blog cause I find your content so inspirational and so honest. Thanks for sharing the most personal experiences and I hope I can be as brave in my blog and share some life-learning experiences too (I am trying to get my new blog up and running!) 🙂 – I used to follow you with my other blog ‘Frothy Blends of Days’ but I decided I revamp my blog and so I started this new one with a more focused mindset. Bottom line; I followed you before and I follow you now… your stories are great!

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  21. I thought I was reading about my mom! But only she didn’t survive her heart stroke and left us me n my younger bro. Almost 10 years ago. Which is still hard to believe. And I am shattered since then trying hard to put myself back again. But really life doesn’t give you a chance if you miss once.

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    1. Oh my gosh I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart absolutely goes out to you. Hang in there. Sending you all my love. Xox

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      1. Actually people like you who are strong enough are my inspiration. Thanks for being their and giving me what it needs to fight back.

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  24. Beautiful post. I am so glad that your mom made it through. You are so blessed to have each other and recognise and appreciate it. I am going to incorporate your mum’s words of wisdom into my daily mantra’s. “Just do the next right thing” and “Do it, and do it now” . Thank you for sharing your story.

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    1. thank you so much! Yes, me too! God is so good and generous. Awesome! those mantras have really changed my life! Happy New Year! 🎉

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  25. Thank you for this post and the wisdom it contains. My dad has been gone now nearly 21 years…and what I wouldn’t give to have just 5 minutes with him now. We take one another for granted – that there’ll always be time to do this or that – and it simply isn’t true. As Charles Hummel wrote in his book, The Tyranny of the Urgent: “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” Other than God himself, there is nothing more important than those created in His image and we often sacrifice people in pursuit of things that have no eternal value. I hope this year will be a great one for you! (Twolfgcd, aka DayBreaks)

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    1. Thanks Galen for sharing your story. Gosh I’m so sorry to hear that. You’re right about – we need to remember what’s important. Thanks for the wisdoms. Sending massive hugs. Xox

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  26. Such a nice, well written blog about your mother. I am sure Dad has played a big part in your life also, but mothers are the glue. Thanks for sharing. Life is so short, we need to use our time wisely. Continued success in your journey of life. God is good.

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  28. What a blessing! I am not close with my own mother, but I have many precious mother-figures like yours. I am thankful for each of them.

    And I’m thanking God with you that your mom is still here to give out such wisdom!

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