Personal Narrative: Never Take Life For Granted

Never Take Life For Granted

It is easy to assume that you are supposed to live for a long time. However, a long life is not guaranteed to anyone. As you grow up, you wake up every morning is if you are supposed to, not realizing that the previous day could have been your last. If a long life is what we strive for we should always be aware, avoid putting ourselves in dangerous situations, and attempt to make the most out of every day. Some people don't understand how great having breath in your body is. However, this could possibly change through experiences that show them why they should appreciate everyday of their life.

One hot summer day as I walked in from what I expected to be a regular day, it was clearly revealed to me that my loved ones and I might see the end of our days. I was only nine years old but somehow I still managed to fully understand that my life was in immediate danger.My mothers boyfriend had plans to kill my mom and her three kids. As I walked into the kitchen to get a drink,four shiny bullets were laid out on the table,which made his plans of execution seem more realistic. As I

left out of the kitchen with my mind already shaken from what I had encountered, he began speak to me. His words were cold as ice. He confessed to me that the lives of my mother, siblings and I meant nothing to him.
When you get too comfortable with your surroundings as I had when I was nine, it is common to not be as aware as you normally would.

I was so comfortable with my mothers boyfriend that I had no idea he would try to harm us in anyway. When I walked into the kitchen, I was expecting to eat as I normally would. That amount of comfort I had with people and my surroundings has changed ever since that day. As of now, I am not the only person who lives in my house,but I never ignore my surroundings. I may not have been in a similar situation since I was nine but the level of comfort is not the same. It doesn't take something big happening to make awareness an issue for me. A bonus to having your awareness is that you'll begin to recognize that avoidance of dangerous situations is key. Simply removing yourself from certain circumstances can save your

life.
It is easy for some to be cautious and protective of their lives when they don't have much to worry about. I lived with my mom the entire summer of 2009, having no idea that my life could end any day.The most difficult part of living is making the most of the moments of our lives. I was living as if harm could never come my way, when in reality it came sooner than I ever thought possible. This life threatening experience has affected me long term. It seems as if I spend more time protecting myself than actually living.The second your life flashes in front of your eyes is usually when you begin to appreciate it and that moment is often too late for many. For those who, like me, are fortunate enough to be reminded of why life should be enjoyed tend to live in the moment and not take people and things for granted.
A beautiful aspect of life is that it is full of experiences. All of our experiences may not be what we wanted them to be, but this is how we learn many of life's most important lessons. These lessons often play a major role in shaping who we are as individuals and impact us in ways that last a lifetime.