When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened,
or full of argument.
I don’t want to end up having simply visited the world.
That’s the poet Mary Oliver, who died this month at the age of 83. No one could ever accuse her of having simply visited the world–she left an indelible mark, along with big shoes to fill.
But what a wonderful way to remind ourselves to life our lives full bore, balls out, all the way–however you define that.
What does “live fully” mean? It means doing everything you’ve always wanted to do, if it is at all possible.
Think you’re too old to have a child at 45? Maybe not. How badly do you want one? How can you make that happen?
Think you’re too busy to take that yoga class you’ve always wanted to? You aren’t. You just need to shift priorities. Think you aren’t fit enough to contort? Find a yoga teacher who has a gentle, beginner’s approach, like I did.
Afraid you might look awkward if you took skiing lessons? Don’t worry: you will. We ALL do! That’s why they call them lessons. If you want to do it, you can.
Don’t be quick to write off those bucket list items by thinking of all the reasons you can’t. Start thinking about how you CAN.
So
Take the risk! Do what you dreamed of doing. Step out there in full confidence that life is meant to be fully lived.
What mark will you leave on the world? What will your legacy be?
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