More than a decade ago, when I worked at the University of Haifa in Israel, I had a neighbor in the office and a friend named Keren Or. She was a wonderful and optimistic girl, always full of energy, and even on her most demanding days, she managed to maintain a light-hearted spirit.

One morning, as we arrived at the office, we received an update that she was in the hospital, and no one knew what happened. I quickly exchanged a few messages with her, and that’s when she shared that she was hospitalized because a relentless infection had decided to make itself at home in her body.

Within a few short days, we received the devastating news that Keren Or had passed away. Her funeral was accompanied by joyful music, an odd choice to me, growing up in a Sephardic household where we associated such moments with tears and sorrow. Why joyful music now?

When we visited her dear family, her mother shared a sentence that will forever be etched in my memory: “Keren Or lived life to the fullest.” What an amazing statement to hear about a very young girl, and since then, it resonates within me.

I don’t think it’s her anniversary today, but the heartbreaking news we woke up to this morning made me remember her and her mother’s words. I am making every effort within my capacity to live life to the fullest. I’m not there yet, and it’s not easy, but I’m rallying all the help and support I can to get there.

How about you? Do you feel like living life to the fullest? Do you want to wake up every morning knowing that you’re living a fulfilling and happy life?

If you’re already there – hold on to it dearly.
If you’re on your way – don’t stop. Keep moving forward, one step at a time.
And if you can’t see it happening and want help – reach out to me or seek help from a professional to gather the resources that will aid you on your journey.

Share your thoughts in the comments: How does it feel when you’re living your life to the fullest?