TELL ME,
WHAT IS IT YOU PLAN TO DO
WITH YOUR ONE WILD AND PRECIOUS
LIFE?
(Mary Oliver)
This might be one of my all time favorite quotes. A short, simple sentence but with such power! Is it a question that feels like a slap in the face, a brutal reminder not to waste one second of our lives? Or is it more of a whisper, a gentle nudge, to direct us onto the path that's right for us? I think it depends on where we are in our lives. Are we so off course we can't even see the road we yearn to be traveling on? Are we stalled out somewhere, frozen with fear, paralyzed with indecision, our hearts pointing one way, our heads another?
This is a busy week for many of us - the end of NaNo, the start of Chanukah, Thanksgiving itself. Some people will be traveling. It's also the start of the festive but often hectic Christmas season. And before we know it, the end of the year will be upon us.
So, yes, let's take a moment and be grateful for all the good in our lives, but let's also stop and consider Mary Oliver's question. Are we showing our gratitude for one of the greatest gifts we've been given - our lives? Are we living the way we truly want to? Are we being the people we believe we're meant to be? Or are we letting too much other "stuff" get in the way?
This is one of my favorites too, and the poem it comes from—"The Summer Day"—is beautiful and meaningful as well. As you said, these are questions we all should consider. I, for one, hope that I'm becoming the person I was meant to be.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday. ☺
I'm definitely going to check out that poem, Dana. Have a good week!
DeleteWe don't want to be stuck in a rut. That's not really living.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Alex!
DeleteOoh, I love this one too! Another one to add to my list of favorites. Such a simple but powerful question.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being so close to the NaNo finish line! Have a great week and holiday, Madeline. :)
Thanks, Julie! I hope you have a wonderful holiday, too. :)
DeleteThat is a great quote. I've let some of what I wanted to drop away because some of my other things take up more time and importance. And I'm thankful for them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the quote, Susan. :)
DeleteOh wow, that's a great quote. I love that so much. Such an explosive question! And what great inspiration... I've got so many plots and characters running though my head right now :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's so great, Annalisa! Go for it! :)
DeleteSometimes I look back over the last 8 years and marvel. I don't think I could pack any more life/experiences/crazy into it without spontaneously exploding! This year I'm counting my blessing for the quiet, simple times that allow me to appreciate the fun and insane ride we've been on.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely comment, Crystal! Thanks for sharing. :)
DeleteFinally! A minute to catch up with you and yours (Mrs. Larry looks particularly fetching in lipstick). Hope you're getting all your stickers and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by, Cathy! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, too. :)
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