photo credit: bogenfreund
“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth — and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, we will then begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
Sign up for the Thoughts from the Treehouse newsletter and get additional inspiration in your email inbox!
So true.
Sarah Lulu´s last blog post..Sex in the city or Paris or Sydney or anywhere…
Gosh, Lance. I was just reading about Elizabeth Kubler=Ross and her message of how we will all die someday and to make the best use of our time here. Uncanny. Great quote!
Daphne´s last blog post..How To Write A Personal Creed
Hi Lance!
Seems time is on everybody’s mind…
Time is not an obstacle…it simply is and it ticks the same way at every moment. It really is free but we keep insisting to find ways to pay for it…we then become the obstacle, not time.
Every night that you go to sleep grateful and wake up to the opportunity oh having another day is time well spent.
Everyday is a lifetime fully lived for me because I worry not about the presence of time!
Henie´s last blog post..Guess The Photo Charity Contest (12for12k)
TRULY is the pivotal word I think.
Scott´s last blog post..From A Distance
Wow Lance, this is so true. Time is so precious, yet we waste so much of it. Thanks for this post!
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..It’s been a while!
If I knew when my time was up I’d make sure all my laundry was clean. And what’s this growing nonsense about the world ending in 2012?
But seriously…Henie — I love your take on this.
Yum Yucky´s last blog post..How do you get to be this good?
Ok now this is just getting weird. My Sunday Ponder is also on time. You sure we do not share the same noodle sometimes?
It’s live to the fullest and seizing the day. Many times have been wasted.
Thank you Lance, your sunday thought of the day always ease the pain.
suddenly slimmer´s last blog post..Becoming Alia Balboa : Done Chasing Pavements
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is a genius! Great quote! Really encompasses the ideas and thought surrounding how important it is to experience each and every day as if it were your last.
Have a great sunday Lance!
Rupal´s last blog post..Sprained Ankles No More
I believe this…I have said in the past that the only fear we all have is that of dying. So we control every little thing in our lives to avoid it. But it is inevitable…and I want to live without regret. With more experiences than things…and that’s how I choose to live my life, to the fullest.
@Sarah — Yes, it sure is. Thanks for stopping by!
@Daphne — That is wild, Daphne. Very much so! Glad you liked it, although I guess I’m not surprised given that you’ve just been reading about her!
@Henie — Hi Henie! I love the attitude you have toward time — simply fabulous! That we are the obstacle — what an excellent point — because it is us choosing how to fill that time. We create the obstacles. Henie, thank you for your insight here today!
@Scott — My thoughts too Scott. The word “truly” is such an important word in this quote. It says to me — do we really, deep down, understand that our time is limited. Getting there can really change how we look at life…
@Natalia — I was just thinking about this a few days ago. How, even if we think we’re productive and using our time wisely — all of us wastes some amount of time every day. We’ll never be perfect at it — we can get better though — and that’s an important part of the message. How are we using our time? Is that the best use of it? Good things to think about…
@Yum Yucky — Hi Josie. So we’ve got like about three years left to get all that laundry done then!! And yes, I agree — Henie’s view on this is so good. She really has a great attitude about time — one that has me really thinking this morning…
@Jay — I know!!! I visited your site, saw the clock — and thought — I just about used a picture like that. And then to read about time — it was almost like déjà vu… Our noodles were definitely on the same wavelength!!
@Suddenly Slimmer — That’s exactly it Alia! If we’re living our life to the fullest potential — then we can say that we’ve done what we can for today. And that’s enough…
@Rupal — …because we never know how long our time here on earth will be. And it makes me question what will I do TODAY to live to the fullest. Something worth thinking about, and then acting upon.… You too, Rupal, have a fantastic rest of your day today!
@Stacey Shipman — Death is inevitable. Do we realize that? Truly realize that? And if that’s the case — then living in this MOMENT — the only thing we have for sure — how do we want to live that moment? When we get to the point of seeing life on earth as a finite experience — living to the fullest, and without regret — these become so much more important. Keep on living that way Stacey!!
The only sure thing in life is death. When we contemplate on the impermanence of life and realize that all things are fleeting , we can only come to one conclusion: let go of our ego attachments and live fully today!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..What Are The Akashic Records?
I absolutely love your journal the photographs and all the quotes.
Blessings
Thanks for your visit and kind words.
Jeanne´s last blog post..My Beautiful Niece Michelle Weds Her Prince
Elizabeth is one of my favorite authors; I’m sorry I was too shy to meet her when I had the chance. The magic of her quote doesn’t, for me, have to do with time but with our awareness of our being. When we fully understand that time is our own mental construct, we’ll choose to fill it with loving rather than fearing. Worry, doubt, impatience, judgements, and all the rest of our man-made thinking will give way to soul-based living. We will live in love and time will cease to have meaning.
Julie´s last blog post..In Others’ Words
Hi Lance
I would like to hear what have made some people realise that time is limited…
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..Overcoming The Barriers Of Introversion: Starting The Process
I think about this often. So many times I lay in bed and think.…..did I show the kids/hubby how much I loved them today? Sometimes I get back up and go hug and kiss all of them just in case my time is up.
Annette´s last blog post..4 Miles of Unintentional FUN Exercise
Some of us have experiences that remind us of the fleeting nature of this life on earth. Others of us barely give it a second thought. Saying goodbye to a loved one in death, grieving with friends experiencing loss, these are poignant reminders. Holding my newborn nephew and reaching the mid-century mark within a few weeks of one another reminded me of the holiness of life and how fast the days go by. It strengthens my commitment to live in presence — to spend time with my cherished family and friends — to speak encouraging and uplifting words — to live with the intent to make the world around me better than I found it.
kathy´s last blog post..Salt + Sand + Sea = Stress Relief
To me living life to the fullest doesn’t mean packing more activities into each day or working on a bucket list, but rather slowing down and appreciating “ordinary” moments.
Diane C.´s last blog post..Scruffy Deer
This is a delicious quote. The best part is in reading it and deciding that I am spending each day to the fullest. That realization holds a lot of power for me. Thanks for sharing these words.
Your blog is incredibly inspiring. I love it!
Jessie´s last blog post..Divine Inspiration…
Amen Diane C. Sometimes with realization a panic can ensue and we start trying to be more, do more, have more, and force ourselves to pretend to enjoy more. I don’t believe awareness involves a list of to-do’s, it’s just a simple beauty, the knowledge of exactly what is. For me, it’s a detailed, daily knowledge of God and the truth of who He is.
Audra Krell´s last blog post..Finding God in the Shack
And yet, at the same time, we need faith we can complete life long projects
Let me add something.When we understand that we have a limited time on earth, then we will run out of time to hate and to be jealous towards others.
)
A great quote Lance( as usual
Funny, I’ve had two near death experiences and both gave great pause for reflection on the wisdom offered in this quote. Yet without a daily reminder we can settle for less than living a large life. Thanks Lance, I can always count on you to highlight the upside.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..How To Get the Best Career Advice
Hello, Elizabeth Barrette sent me. I must say that I’m glad I found your website. I’ll be visiting often.
It’s sad to say that most people don’t appreciate what they have until they have almost lost it, or it’s gone.
Maria@Conversations with Moms´s last blog post..Product Recalls — Dorel Juvenile Gates and Jerry Leigh Children’s Hooded Sweaters
“Time is FREE! Stop paying for it!” ~Henie~
Henie´s last blog post..Guess The Photo Charity Contest (12for12k)
So true and worth reminding often! One of my favorite books is “The Precious Present.”
FatFighterTV´s last blog post..The Snuggie workout
That’s a beautiful picture! The sentiment about living fully is also very wise.
Elizabeth Barrette´s last blog post..Weekend Meet-n-Greet 3−8−09
Quotes like this make me a bit sad and happy at the same time. I’m sad that something may happened to a loved one, but I’m happy because if I keep a quote like this in my head at all times, I know I will live life to the fullest.
Thanks!
Happiness Is Better´s last blog post..Cool Links for Week of February 16th
Hi Lance!
First off what an awesome and artistic photo!
As for living life to the fullest AMEN to that! Oh you know I am a huge fan and proponent of that, and again not in the way that most people may think.
Each day we have choices of how we are going to pass through a moment and each of those moments can collectively together add up to the most amazing life or a very dull and empty life.
As for how long we have, well even though we do not know the deeper intentions of our soul, unless we tap in on a much deeper level, we have more control over this than many of us realize. There is an element of accountability that has been lost over the ages, but nonetheless it is still there. Thanks for the thought provoking moment
Evita´s last blog post..The Two Envelopes We Are All Born With
I find kubler-ross’s thoughts and quotes to be very powerful and her work to be profound.
the photo mirrors the quote.
brandi´s last blog post..mission monday:: give yourself permission
Just to add a little spin on this, I must say that there is a difference between what I would be doing if I knew I had a limited time on earth and what I do to get by from day to day. Yes, I do love what I do, it’s not that. However, I’d spend less time knowing that the bills have to be paid and more time taking vacations not careing if the bills will be paid.
That said, I suppose the point of the quote was that it is important to make the best of what you do on a daily basis.
Nicole “The Card Eagle” Bandes´s last blog post..When the Grass is Growing, Don’t Get Out the Mower
Great thought for the day! (as usual)
Treating others as if its the last time you will ever see them brings a lot of tolerance, love, kindness and awareness to the way we treat them ordinarily too.
suZen´s last blog post..Patience and Change
An awesome reminder! Thanks Lance!
@Evelyn — You’ve said that so well, Evelyn! With life here on earth not being permanent, with this our one shot at life, let’s live it fully!
@Jeanne — Thanks much Jeanne. And thank you for stopping by today!
@Julie — Hi Julie! Awareness of being…I like that very much. It fits so well with the idea of understanding our own mortality, and in so doing — also realizing that we have a limited time here on earth. How will we choose to use that time? Thinking about this deeply does get us to that place of soul-based living, and what a great place that is to be! Julie, thank you so much for your wisdom on this…
@Juliet — Hi Juliet. What makes people realize their time is limited? I don’t know that I have any ‘ah-ha’ moment for me. I’m thinking this could be the loss of a loved one, a near-death experience, the birth of children. These are pretty big life events. I’m also thinking that some people may just evolve into this, where over time, this has started to make sense. I’m looking forward to more that might come from your question also…
@Annette — That’s very sweet, Annette. To make another feel loved, how great a gift that is! Keep on doing it…
@Kathy — Thank you Kathy, this is wonderful insight. Certain age milestones can trigger this also. Great point. You are doing good works, my friend. Family and friends — two things to hold on to dearly. Your words here today touch really upon us leading the life we desire. And a life in how we want to be treated ourselves…
@Diane C — We hear much about creating a bucket list, or living out our wildest dreams. And yet, you bring up a point that is a bit opposite of this — the “ordinary”. And I love it! I love it because that’s us 80% of the time or more — living out our “ordinary” lives. That doesn’t mean that “ordinary” can’t be extraordinary. What it means is that it’s our everyday lives — and really appreciating those moments. Sure, there’s still room for the big trip, or the crazy idea — but let’s not forget all of our daily moments — and appreciate them too. Excellent Diane — thank you so much!!
@Jessie — That’s a great way to look at this Jessie — that we can decide, or choose, how to spend our day. Are we choosing to live fully? The choice is ours! And thank you for your very kind words — I appreciate them deeply.
@Audra — I’ll second that — Amen Diane C.! It’s our daily living “fully” that really makes a difference. “More” is not always the answer. Audra, you are a shining example of what living fully means — and I think it’s exactly because of what you’ve said here — your daily connection to God and His truth… Continue to let that shine through!
@Miguel — And that’s a good point. There is some balance here — as we can not only fully live in the everyday-ness of life — also we can challenge ourselves and push our boundaries — to discover new and exciting possibilities in our world.
@Vikum — Great thought Vikum. If we were to somehow know when our time would be up — and especially if that were soon — I do think we wouldn’t focus on the negativity in our world. I know that I would want to live out my days filled with positivity and goodness.
@Tom — Wow, well it’s great that you’re still with us Tom! I mean that very sincerely — you are a real voice of truth, and your passion for what you do are such a positive for me! These near-death experiences, yes a great time for reflection. Yet, then do we start to settle back into mediocrity? Keeping this idea in our forefront, and in our heart — goes a long way toward making this become us. Living fully. All the time.
@Maria — It’s great to have you here Maria! Coming to that realization — of what living fully really means — is not always easy to do. And it’s also not something that’s urgent to do — our life will go on whether we’ve done this or not. And so it gets put off… Yet, we can start TODAY — living fully. And there’s no better time…
@Henie — Great quote Henie! We are all given the same amount of time in each day to work with — it’s up to us on how we want to use it…
@FatFighterTV — I haven’t heard of this book, thanks for mentioning it here. And yes, this is something I think we can’t be reminded of too often. It’s one thing to live fully today, and another altogether to live fully everyday, with everything that life throws at us sometimes. And that’s when a reminder here or there is just what we need to get back on that track of living our life to all it’s ability.
@Elizabeth — Thank you! Living fully — great reminders for all of us, no matter where we are on that continuüm.
@Happiness Is Better — The reality is that we just never know what could happen to us, or someone we love. And there can be sadness in this thought. Of an end that is not known. And to the other side — this thought can also really uplift us — knowing that we don’t know — how would you want to live today if you knew it were your last.
@Evita — Thanks so much Evita! Living life to the fullest — that’s to YOUR fullest — defined by you. So, that you define “full” different than many — that is fine. And even more than fine — that is real, and that is you. And that’s what matters. I happen to think that the way you live your life is a wonderful way to live fully. And — it is in the moments of our life that we define our whole life — these moments, how will we choose to live them? Thank you, Evita, for all your continued words of wisdom, and for sharing your real love for life here.
@Brandi — I’m not familiar with much of her work, although I find this quote to be very stirring. The picture: I bounced a few ideas around on what to use, and then when I came to this hourglass, it all became clear that this was the photo to use.
@Nicole — You bring up an important point Nicole. That of which is — there are things we do daily/weekly/monthly that may not necessarily be what we’d call “living fully”, and yet they are things that must get done. I guess my take on this is that I acknowledge these things exist, and commit to doing them, knowing that probably in some way — they are supporting somehow how I’ve chosen to live fully. Does that make sense? I think really that it goes along the lines of your last statement — of making the best of what we do on a daily basis. Thanks for stopping by, and for these great thoughts you’ve added to the conversation.
@SuZen — Thanks much SuZen! If we thought like this with every person we encountered, and if everyone did that — just think of how that would change our world so dramatically! Love would rule!
@Mark Salinas — Thanks much Mark!
Lance,
I think I understood that this week. I was so busy at work, running behind schedule, not enough time in the day, going home stressed and putting that on the family, going to bed unable to sleep for all the thoughts still cruising through my head.
And then I thought ‘Is it all really that bad? Will the world still be there tomorrow if I do not get this finished or if I screw up?‘
I was able to quieten down and spend some quality time with the kids (see photos on Little Men blog).
Hope your weekend was great too and have a good start into the week.
Mimi
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..The next thing to saying a good thing yourself, is to quote one — Ralpho Waldo Emerson
This is my MANTRA in life!!! We were meant to live while we’re still alive:)
bobbi´s last blog post..Sunday Prep Day & Her First Green Monster!
Lance, I had never heard of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross until I think you did a write up on her for Jenny Mannion’s Heroes of Healing e-book. This is certainly a very wise quote, and it makes me think that for most if us, it is hard to conceive that we will die one day. we might know in theory, but in our physical selves, in our mind, we get lost in the lie that we have nothing to lose by procrastinating, complaining and living a less than full life. of course, the truth is we are wasting precious days that can never be regained. If only we could all remember that more often.
Kelly@SHE-POWER
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is a pioneer in the field of death and dying. Her words express timeless compassion and heartfelt joy.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..15 Unorthodox answers to awaken soul
As I get older, this quote starts to mean even more. When you’re young, many people think time is so far away, but as you get older, time starts to move faster.
Thanks for the great thought, Lance.
LisaNewton´s last blog post..Under the Sky
This couldn’t be more appropriate right now. My mother’s heart is failing and we don’t think she’ll live much longer. I can say with 10 children, 36 grandchildren and who knows how many great grandchildren her legacy lives on.
I wish I could say I don’t fear death but I do.
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog post..A Meaningful Bold Life: From Me to We
In all honesty, I just can’t figure out what she is talking about. It must be my mood or something.
Dr. J´s last blog post..Acai makes case as latest superfood craze
I’m just starting to see glimpses of this now. When I was in my twenties I was never in a hurry. Of course I never got as much done as I really should have.
Now that I’m 32 I realize the importance of maximizing my time. I’m more focused and dedicated to my passions.
Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Your Company Should Do Annual Career Counseling
Very true. I’m getting there… Working to realize it more and more.
It’s funny, I was just hearing almost this same thing tonight. Maybe I need to perk up and pay better attention.
Jennifer´s last blog post..Words of Wisdom and Peace
This is an interesting quote for me. I want to live each day to the fullest and I plan on living a long long life. I suppose I need to find a middle ground to live long and to life to the fullest each day.
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..Your Ability to Fly
I was sick with a bad migraine today and sure am glad to be over that. I shall sure be living every moment to the fullest from the break of day tomorrow until I fall asleep, perhaps even during my dreams. Nothing like being sick to make you appreciate the health you have!
Jannie Funster´s last blog post..Seriously Weird!
I think I may have lived my life to the fullest a little too hard this weekend!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Random Things
Unfortunately some times it takes losing someone close or a close call to make us alert to these truths.
That is indeed true. sometimes we have forgotten how short out lives is and is very busy with whatever we are doing.
Paul U´s last blog post..Announcing my contest
Time is such a limited resource. That’s what makes it so valuable.
It’s a funny resource too. Some moments can last a lifetime, while others are gone in a flash.
J.D. Meier´s last blog post..Why Your Talents are Enduring and Unique
Hi Lance,
If we live our life thinking that each day could be our last, maybe we could achieve much much more and spend more time thinking about things that matter rather than wasting our time on things that don’t matter. Thanks for sharing this quote.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
@Mimi — Hi Mimi. Sometimes we get busy with the stresses of daily life — and in the end — we get through it — yet don’t feel we’ve lived it to the fullest. I’m guessing that’s where you were. And I think that happens to everyone, it definitely happens to me. Being able to stop, quiet down, and re-group can do wonders for “you”. And quality time with your two little boys — that’s living to the fullest! And, very cute pictures! My weekend was quiet, and that was very nice! Here’s to this week being a bit less busy for you…
@Bobbi — And it’s a wonderful mantra to have! Live now!
@Kelly — Actually it wasn’t me who wrote about Elizabeth Kubler-Ross form Jenny’s “Heroes for Healing” site. Although, I will have to check it out and see who did! Death is not something easy to get our arms around — it is so “out there” and unknown. The thought of the loss of precious days — gone! Saying it that way, Kelly, really drives home the idea of how important this is.
@Liara — I am not very familiar with her, so will have to read more of her works. This quote certainly embodies the idea of compassion and joy!
@LisaNewton — Age can certainly play a role in the truths of this quote. The older we get, the more this typically makes more sense. It’s like this whole idea of what’s important can shift — and we become more focused on what is really important.
@Tess — First off, Tess, know that you and your family are in my prayers. Losing a loved one is never easy. Even if the time is right. Leaving a legacy unto the world — one of the great things we can do with our life. Giving the world people like you — your mother has most certainly left a wonderful legacy that will live on for a long, long time! You are a shining example of living right and living this quote. Continue to do that Tess! And the fear of death — many fear this. It is so unknown. You are not alone…
@Dr. J — You bring up a great point — and that being that our interpretation of language is really dependent upon where we’re at emotionally when we hear something. So — that this isn’t making sense — I think that’s perfectly okay. Maybe it will someday. Maybe it won’t. What’s important is what you really and truly believe…
@Karl — Some of this stuff comes at different stages in our life — when we’re ready for it. When we’re younger, this might not mean as much as when we get older and start to see life through a different lens — one of compassion maybe, for those around us. Then again, if we have some major life event happen to us at a younger age — this might make all this happen that much sooner. I’m coming from a similar position that you come from — in my twenties this all meant very little to me. As I’ve been going through my thirties, this really has come to mean much more to me.
@Jennifer — Me too. I’m getting there. And the importance of that is — it’s a journey for all of us. I don’t know if we ever really get “there” — we just keep on a path in that direction of where we see “there” to be. And maybe we get to that place, and then we see “there” to maybe be slightly higher up. Or to the left or right. We see that our journey keeps on continuing. You’re doing this, though, Jennifer, in many ways, your journey is leading you to a life of living fully.
@Stacey/Create A Balance — That’s a great point Stacey. Living life to the fullest doesn’t necessarily mean we just throw caution to the wind and do every wild and crazy idea that comes into our mind. There is a balance between living life to the fullest in daily activities (like just playing with your kids) and doing bigger things (like travel to someplace far away). It’s the daily activities that will have the most impact on your life and those around you. And that’s saying the living to the fullest might be just doing some small things that make another feel special.
@Jannie — Ouch. Glad to hear you’re better now, Jannie. Good point, sometimes feeling sick is enough for us to realize when we’re better — just how great it is to be alive — and it gives us an extra bounce in our step — living to the fullest — go get ‘em Jannie!!
@Meleah — After a great weekend (good for you Meleah!) — maybe living life to the fullest today is rest. It can be in the simple things that “fullest” really comes to be…
@SelfLove — Death of someone close to us can have that effect — of putting life into perspective. As hard as that can be, losing someone important to us — it’s also a reminder of our own mortality — and that our life here on earth is limited. And that NOW is the time for living our life.…
@Paul U — And when we get “busy” — the questions begs — is it busy for busy’s sake, or are we truly doing what our heart yearns for? An important question to ask ourselves. Thanks for stopping by!
@J.D. Meier — There are only 24 hours in a day. It’s never less, never more. And it’s what we all have. We are limited by time and more even than that — our time here on earth. And that’s an unknown value — making what we do TODAY all the more important.
@Vincent — Hi Vincent. That’s it, getting to that point in our lives — where we view the world as though seeing it today might be our last. Really getting to this point can shift our paradigm of how we view our own life. In very positive ways…
I am ALL OVER that picture.
It’s kind of sad how sometimes it takes a real shock to the system or something to get us to realize just how precious our time really is.
My father survived meningitis last week. Every day is a new day with dad.
Squawkfox´s last blog post..6 Words That Make Your Resume Suck
That’s so true, Lance. Coming to terms with our limited time on earth is a major obstacle to human happiness. So many aspirations, but so little time to accomplish it. Kubler-Ross wrote some of the best work of dealing with dying.
Gennaro´s last blog post..Road Warriors: Bloggers In Motion
Hi Lance: I think we all need to think about want we want to be said about us at our funeral and set about right away to make sure that we live up to our “envisioned” eulogy. Because it´s very true, we never know when our passage through this earth might be over.
Oh yeah. I needed TWO days of rest after my crazy weekend! but it was soooo worth it!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Random Things
How very true! It is so important to slow down and think about what is most important in our lives. For me that is family and friends, so I make sure to set aside a couple of days a week free from work and devoted to family.
Hi Lance — I just read Kubler-Ross’s book “On Death and Dying” within the last year, and in some ways it’s a topic that we don’t really pay enough attention to (I guess you can’t blame us!). It’s paradoxical that you can find your own life within you death — sometimes we need a reminder that we won’t always be here.
Amanda Linehan´s last blog post..Become Yourself
It use to be that people would keep a human skull in their home as a reminder that our time here on earth is limited. It seems, without much effort, we live without an appreciation for the time we have here and how we will live it. I wonder if that is what happens to so many (myself included) who hit middle age and go through some sort of crisis. We realize that the game is half over and while we know who has made the next round of American Idol, we haven’t experienced the things in life we dreamed about when we were kids. My mission is to stop thinking “That’s what other people do, not me.” and live life with passion and fullness. I will stop thinking of all the reasons why I can’t do something and figure out how I CAN do it.
Profound and very true, yet I often worry that we simply can’t fully grasp this and let go of the unimportant stuff. Do you read Tim Brownson? He pretty much covers the same topic in his recent post and I told him the same… a strong message, but most people will never be able to truly get it.
Yes some might live life to the full and others might just panic!
Thank you for your visit to my blog. It was a lovely surprise to see you.
forever cheeky
best wishes Ribbon
PS my favourite Zen master Genpo Roshi has been known to quote her
Ribbon´s last blog post..Fart…
Did you and Jay conspire on blog posts? Great quote and message here…
Caroline (the zen in you)´s last blog post..I can’t…
Hi Lance
This is so true. Sometime I hear people say, “time is money.” and I always say, “time is more than money, you can always get make more money but you can’t get more time.“
Thank you,
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Hi Lance — This sure is a powerful message. If only we could all keep that thought in our minds on a daily basis and live each day as if it were our last. I’m guessing the world would be completely different.
Barbara Swafford´s last blog post..Where Or Where Do The Bloggers Go
@Sagan — Isn’t that picture pretty awesome! That’s it — sometimes it takes something big happening to make us realize just how precious our life is…
@Squawkfox — Great example, and — more importantly — it’s great to hear he has come out of this okay. And something like this is the kind of wake up call that makes us realize just how quickly life can change. Thanks for sharing your story.
@Gennaro — Hi Gennaro. This is certainly not an easy subject to come to terms with. Mortality seems so final, and so unknown. It’s hard to really grasp. And so little time to do everything — and yet — how much of that precious time do we use for activities that aren’t in true alignment with us?
@Marliesa — Hi Mare! That’s one I struggle with — what I would want to be said at my own eulogy. And I think that’s because it makes me think about life and death — the death part being more difficult to really comprehend. Still, I agree with you that doing this exercise helps put into perspective what really is important in our lives. And then, if we can really begin to do these works that support that “eulogy” — we are working in accordance with our true being…
@Meleah — Good for you Meleah, getting the rest you needed. And here’s to a great rest of the week and getting refreshed!
@Katie — Hi Katie. Sometimes it takes discipline to do — yet so worth it! Knowing what matters to you and making time with them a priority — that’s doing things right and true to your self. Thanks for stopping by!
@Amanda — Hi Amanda! I think the whole idea of death and dying are not easy subjects to broach. The finality of our time on earth is not easy to talk about — it certainly isn’t for me. And I like that — finding your own life within your death. If we really do spend some time thinking about death — it may help to give us direction on what truly is important in our lives. Now…living that out daily…
@Laurie — I think you are absolutely right, Laurie. We don’t appreciate our limited time here on earth. I’m sure I could do much better at this. Your “American Idol” example is powerfully true. We do so well at focusing on things that are trivial — and not nearly enough time on what our own hopes and dreams are. You CAN do it Laurie. And I CAN too. And so CAN everyone else! With focus upon what’s important to “us”, we CAN all make this possible in our lives!
@Vered — I agree with you Vered, this is such a difficult thought to grasp. Without seeing the end, without knowing when that end will be here — it’s easy to just continue doing what we’ve always done. And to not tackle those important but not urgent topics of our heart. I did see the article by Tim. And yes, it does cover much the same topic as this quote — and still, that doesn’t make it any easier to grasp either. Thank you for this thought Vered — it’s a reminder that this isn’t necessarily easy at all…
@Ribbon — Panic. Good point Ribbon — it’s all in how you look at it. While we hope to live fully, the whole thought of death can also cause panic in some — and that could be a negative. Focusing on what matters, maybe without thinking about death — for some this may be a better approach… You’re doing great things, keep it up!
@Caroline — Ha! Yep, we were up late Saturday night conspiring… Well…not really. Our minds must have been on the same wavelength though! Pretty wild!
@Giovanna — Time is certainly more than money. Our time may be valuable and worth “money” in the right circumstances. Still, our time is also so much more — it’s love, compassion, caring, fun, and many more. Our time is what we make of it. I hope that mine is thoroughly used up when I am done here… Thanks much for this thought Giovanna.
@Barbara — Hi Barbara! It’s hard to keep this thought their daily. And yet, if we could, like you say, we would much more likely live in harmony with what truly matters. And the world would be different if everyone did this. Maybe someday we’ll make steps in that direction. I’m going to work on starting to take those steps today…
You know lance, whenever I need a dose of inspiration I know for sure that I can come here. These quotes about living life to its fullest is what one needs first thing and then maybe we wont stress so much about the little things.
Thank you for this…I personally appreciate it and I know my family thanks you
Spin Diva´s last blog post..Revisiting my fitness routine
Another way to view this quote is to expand by saying each perceived physical existence is finite, and yet, how many incarnations exist and their nature are generally beyond human senses and knowing. As you transcend what makes you feel human, you discover the core of being is something else.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..7 Lessons to re-orient the waking soul
That makes more sense to me now that we have a daughter and I can see how much she grows and changes everyday. Part of me wants to hold on to each moment and never let it go, but the other part is excited to see what might come next. Either way, I’ve learned to cherish all the time we get.
Bri´s last blog post..What are You Seeking?
Yes, time on earth is very limited and each second that passes is gone forever. Please remember: While you live you should also let live.
Lizwi´s last blog post..Climate change
@SpinDiva — It’s always great to have you here, SpinDiva! And, thank you! Here’s to living life fully!!
@Liara — The whole idea of discovering our core is hugely important to understanding what living fully means to us, individually.
@Bri — Having children has a way of changing things almost overnight. All of a sudden, there’s a little person in your life who you’ll do anything for, and for whom you have dreams for many wonderful things to bless her life. Cherish all the moments, Bri, you’ve got it!
@Lizwi — Yes, excellent point Lizwi. Let others live their lives. We can be there for support and encouragement, in the end, though, it’s their life — and one in which they should come to decisions about their life — not that they can’t have help — just that we shouldn’t be there forcing something upon them…
How true this is Lance. Wonderful quote with a wonderful picture. I have recently learned this with all that has gone on with mom.
Cricket´s last blog post..I Whispered…
@Cricket — Hi Tammy. Yes, sometimes it takes something big to make us realize our life is limited here on earth. I hope all is well with your mother.