Just this morning I read an article in National Geographic on longevity. The gist of if was how science is changing the possibilities for long life. But much more amazing than that were the photographs of people from their late 80s to beyond 100 and their words of wisdom.
It really got me thinking. I’m 46. With any luck, I’m about halfway through my life. But who knows, maybe I have less time than that. It also got me thinking about what I want from my life and what I want it to look like when I’m looking back from my final moment.
In the immortal words of poet, Mary Oliver…
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Here’s what I would like to do with my one wild and precious life…live it to the fullest!
Sounds great, but what exactly does that mean?
Hell, I have no idea.
But one thing I know for sure is that I want to jump in and feel every moment of this awesome gift of life. The joys, the fun, the laughter, the love.
Except we all know that life isn’t just about the good stuff. There’s bad stuff along the way too. Sometimes some very bad stuff.
Well, as they say, that’s life.
Life is full of ups and downs and twists and turns. Trust me, I’ve been through some pretty devastating shit. Days, weeks, and months when I had to force myself to get out of bed and go through my day. Some great sadnesses. But I got through it, and who knows, I may experience that kind of devastation again in my life. You might too.
But you also have within you the power and the will to get through those days. To find the humor in the stupid things that happen in life, even when you are going through something awful. The power to get up every morning and fake it ’til you make it. The power to seek help when you need it, whether from friends or a professional. The power to decide to live your best life.
Within us, we each have the power to share our greatest self, to be positive, and to leave the world a better place. We each have the power to live our lives to the fullest, no matter the circumstances. And most importantly, we each have the power to share with others the charisma that a life well lived brings out in us, which will in turn motivate others to live fuller lives because they see you living large.
A number of years ago when I was living in California, I got my hair cut at a particular salon. It was a mom and pop operation, with both mom and pop working there as stylists, as well as their adult daughter. She was awesome. (Unfortunately I can’t recall their names after all these years.) She was one of those people with a giant personality – so friendly and funny and sarcastic and just plain fun! I didn’t even know her – she wasn’t even my stylist – but she made an impression on me. She was so alive! I wanted to be like her – alive and vibrant and living life to the fullest.
Then tragedy struck. She was killed in a car accident one evening with her friends. She was the only one to perish in the accident. Needless to say, her friends and family were devastated. But it moved me for a different reason. Because I saw how fully she lived and even though her life was cut very short, she made the best of the time she had.
Even though I can’t recall her name, she sticks with me to this day, years later. She lives on within me, a total stranger who doesn’t even remember her name, But I remember her spirit. Because I remember how she lived and I strive to live like her. So that one day when my time comes I will know that I did all I could to squeeze every little bit out of this one awesome and wonderful life – just as she did.
Through good times and bad, I just want to grab the bull by the horns and live life to the fullest.
I’m going to live my best life. How about you?
Are you in?