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The past fortnight has been a really tough one for my family. My cousin Tyler - on holiday in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico celebrating the approval of his American visa with his new wife whom he had met in the same spot exactly 3 years ago earlier - had a major bleed on the brain and fell into a coma. He never recovered, and after a week in hospital he died on Friday morning. He had just turned 37. In between navigating the logistics of a loved one being in hospital in a foreign country on the opposite side of the world, we’ve being trying to find some sense in an event that goes against everything we could reasonably expect is ahead of us. The only thing that gives me any comfort is a feeling that even if Tyler had known this was coming, I don’t think he would have done anything differently. He lived a brave and boundless life, unwilling to be restricted by the norms and expectations of others. He pursued life in the four corners of the world, challenged himself physically, chased entrepreneurial and creative pursuits, and made new friends without leaving his family behind. Perhaps the universe always knew it was important that he live his life this way… and that in doing so he would inspire others to do the same. So much of this past year has prompted us to challenge our previous assumptions and rethink the status quo. Many a think-piece has explored the unusual opportunity this global pause has afforded us - to rethink and recalibrate what is truly essential in our lives - individually and collectively. In many ways it is a relief to plan for when things go back to normal, but as we take a half-step in the direction of “the new normal”, how many of us have settled back in to the safety and comfort of old habits, ignoring what we know at our core is actually more important? If this is all the time you get, are you living a life that you are happy with, proud of, and inspired by? If you need it, let this be your reminder that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Have you thought about what is truly essential in your life?I’d love to hear how thinking about what is most important to you is influencing your next steps. xx Lara Photo above: My mum and aunty Jen’s questionable sartorial choices of the late 80s on full display. From left, me (4), my youngest sister Gretta (1), Tyler in a neon green polo (5), my cousin Ashleigh (3), and my middle sister Sascha (2).
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