Comments on: Life is Short

By: Gene

Gene — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:47:30 +0000

Jeri,
Thanks for the reminder to live life. You post reminds me of a cartoon I have and keep.

Here is what it says:
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arrivinig safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but reather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO what a ride!” Have a wonderful Day!!

I don’t know if I want to go as far as the carton goes but I think it is a great reminder to actually live life instead of just survive it!!

Hugs

By: Jeri

Jeri — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:56:33 +0000

Michelle – I am so familiar with the voices, the internal critic, that try to shut me down. I really like that you say a willingness to dream is a window to the divine – how beautiful.

Yeah, processes are very imperfect by nature, a work in progress. I’m always reminded of Garth Brooks’ song “The Dance”, because I do want to choose the dance, embrace the risk of pain and loss and lead with my heart anyway.

Hugs and love to you and yours, as well!

By: Jeri

Jeri — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:50:57 +0000

Tania, you’re doing an admirable job of it – taking more risk this year than most take in a lifetime!

Michelle, amen. I need to remember to laugh more and analyze less.

Thanks Vince, I went and watched it and it’s a great song.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:50:10 +0000

Dearest Jeri,

I remember that day very clearly. What I love about this exercise is it opens my heart to a state of eternal possibility. I still use it today.

What’s important for me to remember is the first step is the imagining process – that opens the door. I often can get shut down by the myriad of voices telling me a range of excuses not to even dream. What has become key for me is knowing the feeling of fear, or a multitude of other feelings I would rather die than feel will likely come, and to press on any way. Overcoming fear starts with a willingness to dream for me; it’s my window to the divine.

And, it’s always easier said than done. I’m gentle with myself these days – my process is imperfect as it’s in process . I do know tragedies I have experienced brought a clarity of my values, it was a beautiful starting point, a bittersweet opportunity I wished I could undo somehow. I appreciate you being so generous and open with your process…what a gift you are.

Much love,
Michelle

By: Vince

Vince — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:23:09 +0000

Jeri, it’s from the Bowling For Soup song “When We Die.” The video is over on my post for the day, which urges people to read your post, as I have both posters and lurkers that aren’t UCF members.

By: Random Michelle

Random Michelle — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:19:11 +0000

That’s why I try to laugh as much as possible.

By: Tania

Tania — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:54:07 +0000

Yes. I’m working on it every day.

By: Jeri

Jeri — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:45:40 +0000

Vince, that’s lovely. Did you write it? Or is it a song lyric?

Celeste, it’s important to not impede others – but it’s also important to cling tight to some dreams of your own at the same time.

Janiece, as always, you’re my hero… excellent resolution and so glad it was profound for you.

By: Janiece

Janiece — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:01:33 +0000

After my last major life crisis, my new year’s resolution became, “Live a life without fear.”

It took me a number of years to reach that goal, and I have to remind myself of its value periodically, but damn, that was the best resolution ever!

By: Celeste

Celeste — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:10:44 +0000

Jeri,
Thanks so much for the reminder. This helps me put some life changing decisions I have to make back into perspective. Also reminds me that it is important to not impede others in pursuing their dreams and happiness as well. Time to put away the fear and make things happen.