“Three minutes ago I was watching cartoons and eating a banana.” These were the words said by Robert Barone, brother of Raymond Barone, in the comedy sitcom “Everybody loves Raymond”..

Let me set up the scene for you, so you can better understand the point of this story. (This is a flashback)

Robert Barone is at his apartment with his wife Joanne. They do not get along well, but because Robert is such a nice guy, he sticks with Joanne even though she berates him all the time. In the scene, Robert is watching some cartoons, and well, he’s eating a banana.

His brother Raymond comes by, and Joanne gets upset because she wants Robert to study for an exam so that he can move up in ranks of the police department. Seconds later, Marie, the mother of both Robert and Raymond, arrives to check on Robert. Joanne gets mad, but Robert finally stands up for himself and really gives it to Joanne. To which Joanne responds by asking for a divorce.

A fight ensues with Marie and Joanne. Marie throws Joanne out. All this happens within a span of just mere minutes. Robert is left shocked, sitting on the couch, and says, “Three minutes ago I was watching cartoons and eating a banana“.

The point of this scene, and why I’m even writing about it is to drive the point that sometimes, our lives can change within a matter of minutes, or even seconds. Maybe your doctor tells you that you have cancer, your child dies, or your child is born. We all have these life changing moments within a span of our own lifetime.

But always remember, that life in itself is not static, it is dynamic. Expect change, because it will always happen. Some good, some bad, but in the end you decide whether or not you move forward or get stuck in shock.

So, next time you find yourself, watching cartoons and eating a banana, just remember, change is not always bad, but prepare for it nonetheless.