“Enjoy life. This is not a dress rehearsal.” ~ Anonymous
The year was 1969. I entered this world and life in human form began. A life that was full of moments.…of being truly in the present.
Do you remember learning to walk? Or talk? Or eat?
And what about laughter — didn’t it just happen spontaneously?
Okay, so maybe recalling these early life memories isn’t fully possible. We see it, though, when we see a baby — today — doing these things.
Things each one of us did, too.
Life began — for all of us — with moments where we just tried things. We just went “out there” and did it.
Did we fall? Did our words come out jumbled? Did we get food on our face?
YES!
And you know what — none of that stopped us! We would just keep on doing it — and getting better each time.
Oh…and laughing…I’m pretty sure we all did lots of that!! Even if life seemed hard or challenging…laughter was still there.
How about today?
Our life is now.
NOW.
Do you fully grasp that? Do I fully grasp that?
As a baby in this world…this concept was so natural to all of us.
As we have grown older, do we always remember that?
Yarmouth Clam Festival: Yarmouth, Maine ~ July 2010
If you are having trouble viewing this, please click here.
This video, created in conjunction with The Levity Project, epitomizes truly living in the moment.
Note: I’m in there, on one of those big blue bouncy hippity hop balls!
Everyone involved in this — everyone! — went into this event with some unknowing of exactly how this would all happen. And yet, all of these amazing people — from all walks of life — came together to create this moment…a moment of joy for all those awaiting the start of the Yarmouth Clam Festival parade.
There were moments of confusion. There were moments of chaos. There were moments of “last minute change”.
…just like that baby we all were…learning to walk, to talk, to live…
“Joy is increased by spreading it to others” ~ Robert Murray McCheyne
And then, it came together!
Joy!
Celebration!
Laughter!
Living!
As I reflect back on this moment, I’m reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln…
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” ~ Abraham Lincoln
Today is YOUR day!
This moment is YOUR moment!
How will you live it?
Hi Lance,
I don’t know if it’s my pc, but an error occured when I tried to play the vid! Love the post though. I do aspire to live in the now as I did as a child, sometimes I manage it, often I don’t! Love the Lincoln quote too!! : )
Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..Don’t be afraid
Hilda,
Having that child-like quality of wonder…it really can lead us to try new things…venture new places…and really be in the moments of our day. And…that’s a place I want to be at more often, too.…
PS. seems it was my pc, can watch it now!
Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..Don’t be afraid
Woo-Hoo!!!!
Beautiful fun reminder to just enjoy everything! I have always loved the fact that kids believe they can be superman they believe they can fly they believe anything is possible. It’s the adults who forget what it’s like to be a kid that mess it all up! LOL
Shannon,
You shine that superman (…or really…superwoman!!) spirit!! It’s even the name of your site!!
We can all fly!!!!
Very uplifting, Lance. Remembering that age when we did things such as learning to read, write, swim and ride a back reminds us of our connection to our superlatively creative nature. That spontaneity and freedom is always with us waiting to be released.
Rob,
Creativity is within all of us!! It’s being open to really letting that which is already there just shine out from our heart. Rob, you truly are an example of this…
My dad has always said this platitude… “Life is not a dress rehearsal” and I try to live my life that way. I want to live a creative life… creative problem-solving… slapping paint on my walls… buying local art… encouraging exploration… but I also want to live without regrets… from things I would like to try by lack the courage… from things that aren’t part of my heart… from things that are holding me back.
Thank you for reminding me of that, Lance.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
Erin Prais-Hintz´s Last Fabulous Post ..I cant count that high
Erin,
From everything I’ve witnessed from you, I’m just drawn in to the beauty of your creative flow!! Keep shining that…always!!!
And your father.…a very wise man!!
Great to have you here, sweet friend.…
If the generally accepted age of the universe is correct, then I was dead for 14 billion years before I was born. Comparatively, I will get (maybe) 70–80 years of living.
I try to remember that each day. Some days are easier than others, but thoughts such as these can make a difference. You made a difference in my day today and I thank you.
Roy,
That’s a great way of looking at this!! In the grand scheme of things, our time here is so short…let’s use it to what rings true for each of us!
Hi Lance,
Nice post! We always should live in the present time and try to make the best out of our days. By living life the way we want to and by focusing on the present time, we will lead a happier life. Thanks for sharing
Dia´s Last Fabulous Post ..Top reasons for lack of communication in a relationship
Dia,
Great to have you here! Living in the present…such a wonderful place to “be”…
That is one long and beautiful smile. I know there are times I worry too much. Not sure what I’m doing, but in the end it usually ends up being interesting, filled with laughter and love.
Great video Lance! I hope to join in on one soon.
Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..Your Attitude and How it Affects Your Career
Karl,
And you know what…that’s a smile that stayed with me for a long, long time!!
Laughter and love — can’t beat that!!! And yes — one of these days we ARE going to hook up!!
Its like when we learned to walk and talk, we didn’t plan such a momentous event. We just let it happen. We allowed ourselves to unfold naturally. Those parents then who push too hard to make these things happen, then create unexpected turbulence in one’s later years. We no longer remember such events because there was nothing to think about. It was all felt.
Plan not, and every moment is special as the universe then throws us a surprise party, where each step is then celebrated like a gift unwrapping its self. These moments too do not need to be remembered for they are embedded in the fabric beyond time. The past is always here Now. The moment can be spent generating new feelings that are broad-casted instantly into the environment, changing life as we know it, forever more to come.
~ Bern ~´s Last Fabulous Post ..Ruby Crowned Kinglet Eating Poison Oak Berries
Bern,
That’s it!!! We just went out there and tried to walk…not thinking this was some epic moment in our life.
And yes…every moment is indeed special…and so worth savoring (even those which seemingly are challenging).
Bern, your words always take me to a deeper place…thank you…
What impactful writing, Lance and I loved the video!
I love this encouragement to play more and take ourselves less seriously. And how sorely do we need an anti-gravity movement — thanks to the people behind The Levity Project!
Belinda,
Thank YOU!!! Being a part of this event (the one in the video) was really just so meaningful…and filled with such joy! And it really was about playing…and in that…seeing the fun in life!
Thanks so much for being here!
Hi Lance:
Wow, some really inspiring, motivational words followed by an amusing example of what you wrote about. First off, I love your message about living now…so true and yet we (I) seem to forget this often. The video is very funny and it looks like you got some great reactions to all the bouncing around you did. It looks like you really lived that moment to its fullest. Thank you for a slice of fun today!
Tim,
I too let this message slip too often…so this is such a great reminder for me, too.
And all that bouncing…all that laughing…all that silliness…so, so fun (and just really good for the soul)!!!
Thanks for all your support!
Lance,
When we are child, everything is new and amazingly impressive. I know with child’s eye, as I teach Kg, 1and 2nd grade, that they are simply want to know and eager to learn. I bet we were like that as a children, it would be nice to go back that wonder of new excitements and joy of learning and doing things without any exception.
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s Last Fabulous Post ..Top 10 reasons why I am not on Twitter
Preeti,
What a wonderful gift you are…teaching these young souls as they begin with wonder! And yes, kids just really get this concept of wonder and joy and being in the moment. Such good lessons for all of us.…
Hey Lance! Hippity hoppity ball guy…
I see Kelly just go for her dreams with no fear ever that she will fail in anyway. So spontaneous. Anything is possible with her and her friends. They just jump in. They don’t question or worry. They GO FOR IT! We all should be that way.
I think I am getting more fearless with time, but still a kid. And being a kid is fun!!
Nice looooooooooong smile!!
xoxo
Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Speaking About My Wine-Drinking Tree…
Jannie,
You know what…hopping on that ball was a whole lot of work!!! I counted that as my exercise for the day!! Wow!!
Kids…they really do just “go for it”!! And it’s so fun to see…to experience.
And Jannie…you definitely shine that “kid” gene!!!
One of these days…we WILL play together!!
There are too many great things about this post to name just one so I’ll highlight my faves. 1) The first boy in the video. I loved when he said, “I like the hat” and then did a little shimmy. 2) When you mentioned, that when kids fall, stumble over the words, or mess up, they ALWAYS try again. I think that is what is missing from most adults. One failure and most of us give up. I want to be more fearless. I want to be a kid again.
angel Stone´s Last Fabulous Post ..Find new workout music IN THE GYM
Angel,
You are awesome!!!
And that little boy — I loved him, too!! (and…he kind of looks like one of my kids…weird…because he isn’t!!). I’m planning to wear one of those very cool hats this weekend (at another parade I’m going to be in!!)
Failure doesn’t have to mean “failure”, does it.…it can just be a stepping stone to more greatness!!
And…Angel…I’m with you on wanting to be a kid again!! In fact…I hear a little too often from my wife that I am “40 going on 10″.…hmmm.…
I can’t see your first pic but I am sure it is a good one! great post Lance. I think many of us wonder why we change so much as we age… life takes over & the kid leaves.. we need to keep the kid!!!!
I love the quotes as always! I am on the run this morn so will have to watch the video later.. a treat for sure!
Jody — Fit at 52´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Person You Thought You Were Is No Match for the One You Really Are Blog Info
Jody,
That first picture…kids on a swingset!!! And that just reminds me so much of being more kid-like!!
And here’s to keeping that kid in us alive and kicking!!
Hi Lance .. fantastic .. and what a marvellous group — such fun you all had. Brilliant video to remember it all by — the laughter and belly laughs as kids .. when you rock around, fall over etc ..
Loved it .. the TED video would suit the above project .. see the link in my blog — it’s interesting to say the least .. hope you get a chance — I know it’s 18 minutes — but I don’t think you’ll regret watching it — it went in a flash for me ..
You’re a star .. have fun .. cheers Hilary
Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Spreading the idea– hearing the words– seeing the movement the power of video
Hilary,
This “longest smile” was so much fun!! Everyone who joined in just fully embraced the moment, the goofiness, the fun!!
I will check out the TED video — they are always so good!! Thanks!!!
And you, too, Hilary…you are a STAR!!
Fun, smiles, spontanaity, laughter, giggles, does life get any better than that? Oh yeah I forgot…
friends, summer, sunshine, The Levity Project! Three cheers for making the world a lighter place;)
Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..On the Path of Enlightenment– Expand Your Beliefs
Tess,
Thanks!!! This was so much fun!! And — that it brought a bit of joy and fun to others, too…even better!!
The Levity Project rocks!!
I often look at my four-year-old son and admire his ability to live HERE and NOW. Every new day is an adventure for him! One morning when my husband and I were both really tired, I looked at our son who was jumping up and down on our bed, excited of the new day. “Why aren’t we jumping on the bed?” I asked. “Imagine what life would be if we started every new day like that, jumping and singing ‘Let’s go to wooo-ooork, le’s go to wooo-ooork!’ ” — I honestly think we should try it one of these mornings.
Emily´s Last Fabulous Post ..September 20
Emily,
It’s great to have you here!!
Four years old!! What a great age for truly being HERE and NOW! And everything is an adventure, everything new.
And I LOVE your (or perhaps your son’s) idea — of starting the day by jumping on the bed!!! What a beautiful way to wake up to the day!!!! And…FUN!!!!
In 1969 I was a Senior in High School. I graduated in May.
Patricia — Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s Last Fabulous Post ..September 2010 Blog Carnival Against Child Abuse– Inner Child Is Posted
Patricia,
Okay…so you have a couple of years on me!!!
Hi Lance
Oh how fun! That looked like everyone just had a “ball” of a time! (I have to watch it again as I was looking for familiar faces and somehow missed you on those bouncy balls
Life is now and I love the quote from Abraham Lincoln.… may our physical age never limit our spiritual potential
Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Spiritual Growth Guide– From Trying to Just Being
Evita,
This was a BLAST!!! It was so fun to be a part of this SMILE…and to just witness the reactions of those watching!
It is up to us in how we’ll live our lives. I suppose, to some extent, you could say we are dependent upon others, too. Still, we always have the choice in our responses…and in that we can LIVE.…
(hint: I’m in yellow…)
Words provoke and summon feelings that we then wear and act out.
Dependency feels heavy and weighty and locks one in place. Perhaps we are in connectivity with one another. The connectivity allows us to fluently exchange information and to change and to celebrate and to parade new ideas and feelings.
I loved your Parade Lance. It felt really good. To this moment in time, I suppose I had a negative association with parades. Whenever I saw them in person or on television, I got a really bad feeling from them. It was as if they were all constricted and wearing chains. Walk in a straight line.….move this way and that way all at once in a mechanical way.… a true reflection of the old society.
But Lance you parade with an open heart. I like parades now as if for the very first time.
~ Bern ~´s Last Fabulous Post ..Ruby Crowned Kinglet Eating Poison Oak Berries
Bern,
Thanks for the return visit. And…for your kind words. Yes, there really was not much “mechanical” about how we did our pre-parade activities!! And that really did add so much to this…the spontaneity of it all.
Bern, know that I very much feel that connection to you…and in that…a stronger and more meaningful connection to our world.…
I love the idea of approaching life with the fearlessness of a child.
Kelli,
The fearlessness of a child…a pretty sweet thing (.…usually…).…
Dear Lance,
Wow, this video just made my day! It’s beautiful, how fun!
My dear friend said she was listening to a audio of Tolle and he said most of us spend our moments doing one of three things. One of those things was thinking of the next moment. My friend, one of the most aware people I know, said it stunned her to realize she was constantly doing this. I know I do too.
I love the Lincoln quote, I love life, and I love the moment.
Thank you Lance, once again, for bringing it on home to us — the joy of life and the power of our moments.
Love,
Lauren
Lauren´s Last Fabulous Post ..Join The Circle of Fun Acts of Kindness
Lauren,
You are so sweet, thank YOU!!!
This was such a fun day — even with the challenges that came up along the way. And in the end — just being out there, being a part of this SMILE…so, so FUN!
And that idea from Tolle.…ah, how I can relate. Yet, when I am truly in that space where the moment is just that…it is such a connecting experience (and something I am really attempting to do more of…).
Lauren…thank you for being here…for shining your amazing love and light…and for your friendship.
Much peace and love,
Lance
What a fun video Lance! I want to be happy as a clam too,sounds like I need to get me one of those big balls! Thanks for the social change you promote through laughter, what a positive energy to use to bring people together. Your mission continues to impress me!
Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Coffee Shop Conversations
Audra,
And this video was such a fun thing to be a part of!!! You know what I think.…YOU dancing the line dance (on video!!!) …that would make you (and ME!!) happy as a clam!!!! A dancing clam!!!
Okay — AND you on one of those big bouncy hippity hop balls…way fun, too!!!!
You know…I’m getting an image in my head right now…of YOU!!! (it’s a FUN one!!!)
Thank you so much, Audra, for all your wonderful support!
Lance,
So much fun! And I, too, like the hats:)
As babies, we don’t ‘think’ of failure..we just know what we want..to walk, to eat that piece of chocolate cake, to have our smile returned..so we step out, reach for the cake, smile..and life is fabulous just like that..Works that well in adult hood too..only sometimes we tend to forget how easy and fun life can be…Thank you for the reminder:)
Joy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Wednesday Wisdom– Magic in the Moonlight…
Joy,
Those umbrella hats are way fun!!! And so colorful!! (I have two — so that day when we WILL meet…which I know we will…there will be one for each of us!!)
Yes, adulthood CAN be like those moments as a baby…just doing what feels right…if we allow that…
Here’s to always remembering that…
Hello Lance,
Love, love, love this post and video! You really have your finger on the pulse of the Universe Lance. The message you send through this post is both timely and timeless.
Perhaps it is natural, or at least common, that as we grow we get away from the attitide of the very young. I like how Joy put it in the comment above “As babies, we don’t ‘think’ of failure..we just know what we want..to walk, to eat that piece of chocolate cake, to have our smile returned..so we step out, reach for the cake, smile..and life is fabulous just like that..” Right on!
As Joy pointed out, this works just as well in adulthood. Let’s do it Lance. You’re a man on a mission, and I want in on the action! Spreading love and joy right where we are. I know that it is in this way that we can impact our world. So, I’ll start here, you there and we’ll meet in the middle!
You most certainly rock, my friend.
Keith´s Last Fabulous Post ..By The Power Of One
Keith,
Thanks!!!! You are really so awesomely kind!!
Yes, Joy really hit upon it…with how as we get older…we “think” of how we might fail…and then are held back by that.
So, here’s to spreading love and joy!! Keith…you DO this…you shine at it!! It’s great to have you here…today…and have your words wrapped around this post…
Rock on!!!
I’m going to make the best of this day and leave the people I meet up with feeling better about themselves, just like you did with this post, Lance.
Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Note– the most wonderful time and fleeting
Lynn,
You DO always bring a smile to my face…and that’s your sweetness shining through!! Great to have you here!
My hippity hop was my favorite toy growing up! I love to bounce!
After spending a weekend as a volunteer counselor at a camp for kids with Pacemakers, Life: Do it now is so meaningful. We need to get out of our own ways, stop worrying so much and just live life to the fullest. There wasn’t one moment over the weekend where I wanted to sneak away and check my computer or visit Facebook, or the like. I just wanted to enjoy each and every moment with these kids.
Make a living, get your basic needs met, then give back to others. That’s what “Life do it now” means to me. Thanks for sharing the video! Here is to a life full of “bounce”! The ultimate in levity…
Stacey Shipman´s Last Fabulous Post ..Too Many Choices
Stacey,
Hey bouncy girl!!! I had so much fun on that hippity hop ball!! And…wow! it was a real workout, too!!!
Awesome to see you in pictures at the camp! And…what a gift you are…being with these kids, sharing some real moments of joy and connection! I can’t imagine what that must be like, as a child…to have a pacemaker. And yet, they look so happy. And that’s them truly living in the moment…which is a lesson for all of us. Life is now.…
Stacey, what a beautiful and giving heart you have! Keep shining that always…
Hi! This is my first time visiting your blog and now I must include you in my blogroll. I love what I see here. The video made me laugh out loud when the kids were bouncing on the green balls! Thanks for that!
Coincidentally enough, this is exactly the same topic of my own blog/daily journal today! A reason to smile — we always have one! Enjoy! Janelle
Janelle´s Last Fabulous Post ..Competition– Jealousy– Forgiveness — OH MY!
Janelle,
Welcome!! It’s great to have you here! Those bouncing hippity hop balls were so fun! I’ll be over to check out your site!
Lance!
What a beautiful post, thank you for sharing this with us! That video brought tears of joy to my eyes! What pure beauty! When we let go of our worries, limitations, stress, and negativity we truely live in the moment. This was a beautiful sharing between a wonderful group of people, not only expressing their joy, but bringing it to so many others. I loved seeing the smiles on the faces of those sitting on the side of the street. And I saw you in the video! Too much fun.
Keep shining bright dear soul, and bringing joy to those around you!
Stacey´s Last Fabulous Post ..North Cascades Day 3
Stacey,
Thank you so, so much for your sweet words. And that really was it — in that moment — I forgot completely about any daily worries, any problems, any issues that were there. I was just “in” that moment.
Stacey, that is what I noticed too…in the moment…as I glanced to the side — the smiles on faces. And in that…this all felt so right and good…
It’s so great having you here, sweet friend…
Thanks for following me on Twitter! I’m glad it helped me find your blog. This was a great post. Definitely something we should all keep in mind.
Tina,
Great to meet you! And — wonderful to have you here.
Hi Lance! I love this ->“It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years”. That’s a beautiful way to end your post. It totally exemplifies your point of making the best of the now and living your life fully. Celebrate every moment, every year. All we have is this moment, we might as well rejoice and enjoy it until the next moment comes.
Your excitement about today jumped out of the page. Now I’m totally pumped up for today. Yes, it’s our day every day! Loving blessings!
P.S. — The blue balls seemed to be a lot of fun. It looked like quite a work out.
Andrea DeBell — britetalk´s Last Fabulous Post ..Three Ways to Leave Your Mark in this World
Andrea,
That Lincoln quote just felt so fitting to this. However long our time is here on this earth, how we live that life can make all the difference. And NOW is truly all we have for sure.
So…I’m celebrating YOU at this very moment, and savoring the beauty your words bring to me. And that all just touches to my soul.…
Much love,
Lance
P.S. — Those hippity hop balls were so much fun AND a real workout!!! Wow, I was exhausted when we finished!!!
FUN! What contagious laughter on the video. Thanks for the gentle reminder of how important it is to continue to live life like a child!
Jen
Little Lessons Under the Big Sky´s Last Fabulous Post ..FALLING
Jen,
Laughter…just to laugh…now that truly IS contagious!!! And so joy-filled!!
It’s great to “meet” you…thanks for so much for the visit!
Oh my gosh, I want a bouncy ball like that! I remember them being a workout, Lance, just like you said to Andrea. Ha!
What a great video, and a great message you’ve shared. One step and day at a time. For me, if I can visualize the end result, I let the “how’s” fill themselves in and I don’t worry too much about it (usually!).
Love you lots, my friend!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..3 Food “Musts” from Evita Ochel– Holistic Nutritionist
Megan,
These bouncy balls were SOOO fun!!! And bouncy!!! (wow, I got some good height!!!) …and whew…I was exhausted when we finished!!
Visualization can be so powerful…and then…to just let the “how” take care of itself…that takes away a lot of the worry, doesn’t it! (…usually!!!)
Big love and hugs to YOU!!!
Thanks for another awesome post, Lance, and for keeping the smiles coming!!!
Naomi Estment´s Last Fabulous Post ..Daytona’s Debut Xtreme Enduro X
Naomi,
Thanks!! This whole parade environment was sooo smile (and laughter!) friendly!!!
You are such a pro at JOY…at living it and sharing it with us all. Bravo on creating happy moments so rich and fulfilling you feel you might just burst from it all.
Clearly Composed´s Last Fabulous Post .. Creating a Haven
Emma,
Thank YOU!!! And…you know…I happen to think joy is a pretty awesome thing!! So, your words really are deeply meaningful.
And — I know that you, too, touch upon joy in very special ways in your life!! So, having you here to see (and read) this — so wonderful!!
Have a super weekend!!
Absolutely loved this — both the wisdom in your article and the fun and joy in the video. Thank you!
Sandra Lee´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday reflection– like a flash of ligtening in the sky
Sandra,
Thank YOU so much!! Being a part of this Clam Festival event was such a blast! And truly — in those moments when we were out there — that’s all there was — that moment. And to be fully in that — so good. And then, to reflect back and really soak in this idea of doing…so, so good, too.
Sandra, so good to have you here today!
Ah, that innocence and childlike joy; I consider myself so lucky because I get to experience that every day with my daughter. She’s teaching me how to get that back, and each day is another reminder to be in the moment and just enjoy her love and laughter and cuddles.
We get so caught up in the work we have to do, and what hasn’t gotten done, and bills, and all the drama in our lives. It’s all noise, and we let it overwhelm us. How lovely to remember to slow down, focus, and listen with the heart rather than the head.
Delena
Delena Silverfox´s Last Fabulous Post ..GoDaddy Coupon Code
Delena,
How wonderful — your experience with your daughter! And that’s such a beautiful thing — the laughter, the cuddles, the joy of children!
So true — that getting caught up in the drama of our lives. Yet, when we simplify — and really see (and feel) the beauty of this thing called life…it all so wonderful!
Delena, thank you so much for reading, for being here, and for shining your amazing light into this world!