photo credit: strangemagik
Don’t drink by the water’s edge. Throw yourself in! Become the water. Only then will your thirst end. ~ Jeanette Berson
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.
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Hi Lance — wonderful picture .. as we get older we need to be reminded to give it our all .. to immerse ourselves and live life to the full, we can absorb as much as we can, while being taken along with the water to new things ..
Thanks — have a good weekend ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Granite Plug, Claret Jug =-.
I had to get up early for a phone call today so it’s the first time I’ve ever started my Sunday with one of your posts; what a lovely way to start the day! You have such a gift for combining quotes and photos to open up our hearts to what’s important.
Your quote is wonderful; it could so easily refer to life, or love or faith. If we become the water, if we take that leap of faith and truly believe that everything we need is already within us, that we are love, we no longer need to look outside of ourselves to have our every thirst quenched.
Thank you, Lance!
.-= janice´s Last Fabulous Post ..Holidaying at Home: The East Neuk of Fife =-.
“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.” Bruce Lee
.-= Oscar´s Last Fabulous Post ..How to Build a Successful Project =-.
I truly love this quote! It is telling me to have Courage by putting myself out there. Be the Courage! And then, my fears will end!
.-= Evelyn Lim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Life Between Lives Regression Therapy Review =-.
Lance, fantastic as usual. Throw yourself in indeed. If you are going to do something then do it. Immerse yourself in it. Thanks!
.-= Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s Last Fabulous Post ..Top 99 Personal Development Principles from the Greatest Gurus of All Time =-.
Beautiful picture and thought! Thanks Lance!!!
.-= Natalia Burleson´s Last Fabulous Post ..Migraines, progress and white chili!!! =-.
become the water.
I love that.
.-= Miz´s Last Fabulous Post ..First Person Friday. =-.
Hi Lance -
Thank you for the reminder. It helps to have inspiration like this when looking ahead.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Saturday, rare and life is good =-.
Thank you Lance for your inspirational postings.
Always love the pictures too.
Blessings
Jeanne?
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..I Believe =-.
This is so true. When I have my camera in my hands, I often feel at one with my surroundings, noticing things I wouldn’t have before. Although my thirst never ends.
Thanks for getting my mind moving so early in the morning, Lance.
.-= LisaNewton´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Day of Shopping at The Grove =-.
Ha! I love it! Keep this picture (and quote) in mind when you read my post tomorrow. I’m feeling a bit like these girls right now.
.-= Lisis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspiration from the Dalai Lama: In Every Moment =-.
Yep, another classic motivational thought. Are you sure you haven’t written all these Sunday thoughts yourself? You keep picking ones that scream Lance!
But I’ll give Jeanette Bensen her here and say that I couldn’t agree more. You got to immerse yourself in whatever you do. No water wimps allowed.
.-= Jannie Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Flying By The Seat Of My Soul: A Review =-.
Great quote. We must stop being too timid to take charge of our goals. If you want to swim, swim. If you want to soar, try with all you’ve got. Don’t ease in, jump in and hope for the absolute best.
.-= John´s Last Fabulous Post ..Be Yourself and Stop Emulating the Masses =-.
What powerful words (especially ‘become the water’) and a great picture to go with words.
My, I always learn something when I visit your blog Lance.
What I am not sure of though are the last few words “Only then will your thirst end”.
I never want my thirst for knowledge to end. I am very happy to throw myself in and become the water. I have grown immensely over the last 6 months. Thanks to blogger like yourself, a whole new world has opened up for me.
Bless you dear friend.
Peggy
.-= miruspeg´s Last Fabulous Post ..Surrender =-.
Absolutely. I wrote a post last summer, something about “stop dipping your toes and jump right in” based on my experience at the beach with my niece and nephew. It’s so true!!!
oh, i love that!!! Don’t drink by the water’s edge!! A great thought to reflect upon this Sabbath Day!
.-= JenX´s Last Fabulous Post ..virtual sunday: adam and eve were lookers =-.
An inspiring post to carry with me today — thanks, Lance!
Last night I sat by the water’s edge (at a wedding, where water was actually a dance floor) and was reminded of your masterpiece entry about getting silly, letting loose, and letting my inner child shine. I couldn’t quite do it (let loose, that is), but that was okay. I was more aware, and more relaxed as I chose to just enjoy what was happening around me.
I appreciate how your kind advice stays with me, guiding me and whispering gently during moments like those.
Happy Sunday!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..For Love Or Money =-.
Hi Lance,
The quote is wonderful. The photo speaks to me even more this week. The pure, unadulterated joy these four are feeling just shines through — without seeing their faces! (And no fears that come with adulthood, too.) One reason I admire and love good photography.
Thank you. Have a great week!
.-= Linda Abbit´s Last Fabulous Post ..Feel Good Fridays — 7÷10÷09 =-.
Wow, I really like that one! It’s all about embracing the moment, being a part of it rather than being on the sidelines, which is a great message.
.-= Positively Present´s Last Fabulous Post ..don’t let the bad ruin the good =-.
Hi Lance,
I am all for jumping off the cliff and seeing where you land. There is no better way to live. You always somehow manage to land on your feet. It may be scary when you are in mid-air but without fail, we always somehow manage to land on our feet just as long as we listen to our hearts! I know the quote is about water but it applies to cliffs too. No sense in being a spectator in life. You have to get in there and make the most out of it.
Perfect picture for such a perfect quote!
Hope all is awesome, my friend!
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy News (July 19, 2009) =-.
This reminds me of the story of Joshua who led the Israelites across the Jordan river to the promise land. He had to step into the river before God parted the water allowing them passage. Joshua had to trust God and his provisions and plan.
How many times do we not step into the water and cross due to fear and not trusting. I’m like you Lance, I want to experience the adventure of what God has for me. In doing that, I have to trust and jump into the water of where he has led me. There I will have the joy of splashing in the waves and riding them to my next adventure.
What water are you diving into now my friend?
This is so true — Life is too short to do anything else.
.-= The Exception´s Last Fabulous Post ..American Dream =-.
Hi Lance,
I have managed some last bit of computer time before the trip tomorrow! I like this quote and even though it can have a very spiritual and wise meaning, I am taking that photo and message quite literally for the next 2 weeks, as it is my intention to completley immerse myself in being, and “be” the water, “be” the wind, “be” the forest and all else that I can unite with and feel with my soul!
Cheers!
.-= Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Book Review: Home With God In A Life That Never Ends =-.
I love knowing that my thirst will end. I have noticed this when I threw myself into anything that I only stuck my toe in before putting my body into it. This is a good reminder for me.
.-= carla´s Last Fabulous Post ..Guest Post: Eco-Designers Embrace Full Figures =-.
Thanks, this has reminded me of this strong desire I’ve been having to swim in the ocean, which I really haven’t done since I was a kid. Where I am, this will take some driving, but I think the experience will be worth it.
Fab quote Lance, I love that idea of becoming the water — so powerful.
.-= Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..I forgot about Awareness =-.
Lance,
Starting a new week with your Sunday Thought for the Day is the best. Become the water—that’s great advice. I like what Evelyn Lim wrote above: “have Courage by putting myself out there. Be the Courage! And then, my fears will end!” I needed this. Thanks as always for the inspiration, Lance!
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s Last Fabulous Post ..Keeping it Simple =-.
Hey Lance, love the pic — it’s a beauty. The quote’s a great one too. It’s sometimes hard to overcome tentativeness with things in life, step out of your comfort zone and throw yourself out there. In my experience, it’s when you do have the courage to do that, that you’re really living. Hmm, me thinks it’s time for another leap into the water!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..Friday Question – Advice For a Child =-.
Hey Lance,
Don’t tell Jannie I’m a water whimp! If I wasn’t I could do triathlons like you…
Love the quote and photo however I won’t be jumping in any to soon. Too life I’m immersed in the water forget it.
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..Natures Big Bold Playground =-.
I agree with the concept. A lot of people keep themselves on the sidelines of life because they are either shy or they fear the judgment of others. Sometimes we just have to be brave and stop caring what others thinking.
.-= Tim | Inspiration Central´s Last Fabulous Post ..Napoleon Hill’s Top Principle of Success =-.
Again Lance, you have provided a fully inspiring quote for all of us.
Diving in -
Great quote and picture !
.-= BunnygotBlog´s Last Fabulous Post ..Advertising Towards Dummies: Interview With An Advertising Professional =-.
@Hilary — As kids, it’s so easy to just do what feels right. Then…we get older…and more aware of how what we’re doing might “look”. And jumping in gets much harder. That’s a great point…and one for all of us to remember. So, here’s to jumping in!
@Janice — It’s great to have you here today Janice! Taking that leap…in faith…when it’s something we believe deeply in — how truly refreshing this can be!
@Oscar — I love this quote…becoming the water…becoming what we believe in! How powerful!
@Evelyn — Ahh, courage…a word that has had very deep meaning for me this year. Evelyn, I see you living this out, you ARE throwing yourself in, and it is wonderful to watch!
@Stephen — That’s right…immerse yourself! Even if it doesn’t work out, we know we’ve given it everything we’ve had… Great thought Stephen!
@Natalia — Thank you Natalia!
@Miz — “Become the water”…that says it all right there, doesn’t it! Become what it is we want, what our heart sings, what our soul yearns…
@Lynn — Sometimes we can look ahead and let fear stand in the way of us fully doing some thing. And when we let fear in, we hold back sometimes. When we jump in, though, it says to me that we’re giving it everything we have…
@Jeanne — Jeanne, thank you for being here today. I love this picture, it just really shouts “jump in” to me!
@LisaNewton — So photography has been your “water”, and look where it’s taken you by jumping right in — awesome, isn’t it!
@Lisis — Okay, Lisis, now I’m curious…and you’re making me wait until Monday!! Patience…I must practice patience…
@Jannie — Ha! Jannie, no I’ve definitely not written these…although I’ll have to work on that! Hey, I’ll let you know if I come up with something…you can be my bouncing board for ideas (look what you’ve got yourself into now!). So…let’s jump on into the water, right Jannie!
@John — That’s it — jump in with both feet! And that’s not to say we shouldn’t be prepared…but that at some point we have to stop just hanging around the edge and really jump into it! Good stuff John, thanks!
@Miruspeg — Peggy, it’s great to have you here today. That’s a great point you bring up, about our thirst ending. No, we don’t want that thirst to end. I read this as we can have multiple “bodies of water” in our life — at a given time, or over time. And each one, when we’re there at the water’s edge, is a moment for us to take that plunge…if it’s something that has deep meaning to us. So — thank you so much for bringing this point up — may we always have within us that thirst for more of what our heart deeply desires…
@Stacey Shipman — Hey, do you know what…I think I actually recall that post of yours! In fact, it was one I stumbled upon a while after I started visiting your site…and thought the message you shared was so good! Stacey…I know you’re jumping into some “bodies of water”, and I think that’s awesome!
@JenX — Jen, I love how you’re bringing this up in the context of the Sabbath. What is it we’re immersing ourselves in? What is it our God, our Creator, offers us if we immerse ourselves in Him? Such great thoughts for today — thank you!
@Megan — Megan, thank you so much for sharing this story. And part of it is getting to the water’s edge…and really being aware of what it all means to you. Megan, your words here today…they ring true for all of us, at certain times in our life. And your stating them here gives us all a little extra courage, knowing that we’re not alone, that we’re not the only ones who feel this way sometimes. So today, Megan, I thank you for the inspiration you’ve given to me and to so many others…
@Linda Abbit — A photo is worth a thousand words…how true! Yes, I love this picture and how well it complements this quote today…and really gives it wings (or maybe that’s splashes!).
@Positively Present — Embracing the moment, so true Dani! If we sit on the sidelines of life…we become a spectator in the story of our life. If we get out there, though, if we jump in — then life really becomes what we make it! And that’s pretty exciting to think about, and about what can be!
@Nadia — Nadia, I believe what you’re saying to be so true! Especially when we’re listening to our hearts. If we’re doing this, then it will turn out okay. And that doesn’t mean it’s all going to be easy, but it does mean that we’ll be in there doing everything we can — because it is something we love! Nadia, thank you for being here, and for continuing to shine your awesome light in my life!
@Laurie — That’s a great story, and fits this quote so well — thank you for sharing it, Laurie. Yes, let’s experience all that our Creator, our God, has in store for us! Laurie, keep diving in to those things that have deep meaning to you. And what am I diving into? Laurie, for me right now — it’s this place here (my blog) and a book idea I’m working on (something I have dove into…and while somedays are struggles and I think I’m starting to sink, I then realize I just need to try a different stroke to get back at it).
@The Exception — How true…life is short, and really we don’t know how short that is — so NOW is the time!
@Evita — Evita, enjoy your time away. I know this is going to be so good for both of you! “Be” is something I experienced while on vacation recently, and it was so powerfully moving for me. Evita, going into this planning for time to really “be” — I think this is going to make for such a moving experience for you. We’ll see you in a couple of weeks, my friend…
@Carla — I’m reminded of sitting at the pool, and dipping my feet in the water. And when I do this, I keep putting off really just jumping in. Yet, when I do jump in, it is so refreshing when that water hits my body! So…it’s a good reminder for me too. In life…here’s to jumping in and becoming the water of our dreams…
@Chris Edgar — Here’s to swimming in the ocean Chris! Have fun and be safe out there. And in life, here’s to jumping into those oceans of ideas that really resonate with us…
@Hilda — I love that idea too, Hilda. Becoming the water really says so much about going after our dreams…and that’s pretty wonderful!
@Jodi — Thanks for being here Jodi. Yes, the message Evelyn shared about courage was something that has very special meaaning for me. It’s something I wrote about in a post back in January, and I chose one word to be my focus for the year…and courage was that word. That post is here: http://www.jungleoflife.com/2009/01/05/and-the-word-is/ Jodi, choosing this word has been both challenging and liberating this year. It has been about becoming the water…and it’s been so good for my soul…
@Sami — That photo’s all about jumping in, isn’t it! “Tentativeness”…what a great word to share here Sami. That’s it…we can become so tentative to take that plunge…that we miss out. And even when we’re in one “pool of life”, another one may come along…and it’ll be time to jump again. Here’s to doing that! Oh…and Sami, should you take another leap…have your sister there with the video camera!!!
@Tess — (I’m typing in parentheses…so Jannies doesn’t see this…)(I think it’s working.)(It’s the water that’s the hard part for me too, in triathlons)(What’s neat about the triathlon, is that everyone does just that — jumps right in)(So, maybe you’re not immersing yourself in triathlon, but I know you are jumping right in in so many other areas — and that’s awesome!!!)
@Tim|Inspiration Central — That’s a great point, it can be so easy to care about what others will think. And the truth is, what matters is how it makes us feel, deep down, when we’re jumping into those waters of our truth…
@Bunny — Keep diving Bunny! And thanks for continuing to be here, and for all the support you’ve given me! You are awesome!
Water’s strength is its softness and persistence…Be like water indeed!
.-= Henie´s Last Fabulous Post ..Miracles Within =-.
Hi Lance. I can imagine the impending splash as these kids hit the water and their screams as they launch into mid-air. I’m a non-swimmer so this is something I would be quite happy to sit and watch… and not feel like I’m missing out. That is a good thing. Their enthusiasm is contagious so I’d be drinking that in.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..Roaming with the Metaphor =-.
I really like the picture … full of zest.
A friend of mine recently pointed out there’s 2 camps in paragliding. One camp is the “just go for it” and the other is discipline and rigor, much like a pilot. In fact, he’s a pilot and learning to be a pilot taught him how important skills can be, when it comes to dangerous scenarios.
What I liked about his point was that, it really depends on the scenario. In other words, don’t be afraid to jump in with both feet, when that’s the only way you’ll learn and the risk is worth it. On the other hand, don’t just jump into things, when the risk is high and skills really make a difference. It makes perfect sense, but it helped to have it framed like that.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Discover the How to Your Why =-.
Lance,
Didn’t see this until Monday — and what a JOY it was. My Monday was already offering more bitter pills than usual — it’s so nice to have a “safe” place to visit.… HERE!!!
Thank you for the “turn around” on my day!
.-= Kathy | Virtual Impax´s Last Fabulous Post ..Social Media: It’s a Moral Imperative =-.
Love this quote. I am always in a grasping battle. I want this or that. When I just relax in the moment that I’m in I stop wanting. I just enjoy where I am.
Today, I will become the moment instead of grasping after it.
.-= Karl Staib — Work Happy Now´s Last Fabulous Post ..Why Don’t People Laugh at Work? =-.
I have fear of deep bodies of water. Seriously! So much so that The Lord has many times used a dream involving water to urge me to step out in faith. And I always do after much kicking and screaming, but Eeeek! (No cruises. Remember the Titanic?)
.-= Yum Yucky´s Last Fabulous Post ..The “Lazy, Outraged, Tired” Excuse =-.
Ahhh… commitment.… that thing that’s so hard!!! We just dance around and waste a lot of time and energy until we do that don’t we! But it’s only then that out thirst will end and we’ll be satisfied and actually have more energy instead of being so exhausted.
Lance, another good one.
.-= Jennifer´s Last Fabulous Post ..What is in Your Bank Account? =-.
I COULD complain that the waters too cold to jump into, but somehow the temperature isn’t so bad when you throw your whole self in than when you just dip a foot in…
.-= Sagan´s Last Fabulous Post ..Race Challenge: Success =-.
I believe that becoming the water is “being the change in the world we wish to see.” When you engage with something deeply, change can occur. It changes the circumstances and mostly changes us.
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Getting in Shape =-.
A truly thought provoking quote Lance! It’s only when we engulf ourselves entirely with what we thirst for that we’ll be truly content and fulfilled. Sure we can get a taste of it if we’re half in half out, but where’s the excitement if we don’t take our chances and jump right in?
.-= Rhythm Rob´s Last Fabulous Post ..ME Time =-.
I keep throwing myself in the water, but then for some reason, I get out again! Gotta stop that.
.-= FatFighterTV´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Masala Bhangra Workout giveaway =-.
Live life to it’s fullest! Enjoy life with reckless abandon! I could not agree more Lance.
.-= Marelisa´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Art of Conflict Resolution =-.
Hi Lance,
Great, as usual. I get the point. If we do things, don’t be half heartedly. Is that true, Lance?
.-= Arswino´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Power of Giving & Gratitude =-.
@Henie — I like that Henie, the idea of water as persistence…
@Davina — Ah, I love that thought Davina — the idea of the splash we can make when we jump in — to the water…to life… And either way, that’s something that is contagious and draws people in. Great thought!
@J.D. Meier — This picture really say “jump right in”!! And your whole look at skills and risks is so important — just because we can always jump in, that doesn’t mean we should without knowing what we’re taking on. Safety is an important consideration, and I think paragliding is a perfect example of something I would want to know a lot about before I went out there and did it. On the other hand, I could still jump in, and learn as much as I could…
@Kathy | Virtual Impax — Glad to have you here Kathy, and great to hear this helped to turn your day around — that’s awesome!
@Karl — Being in the moment, yes — that’s a great way to look at this. Being in that moment really says that you jumping into the water right there in front of you, and not looking out beyond at other “waters” that might be out there. Great reminder for us all, Karl — thank you!
@Yum Yucky — Josie, you have a fear of water?? I’ve seen video though, with you and buckets of water!! So, dreams…can bring up some of our fears — yes, they sure can! The Titanic? No cruises? But how are you going to get to Greedy Island???
@Jennifer — Commitment…when we’re committed to jump in to that “water”, to really submerse ourselves in it — that’s when we become refreshed in what life really is all about! So, are you ready to jump in? Am I ready to jump in? You are, Jennifer, in many ways, becoming the water…
@Sagan — That’s it…it can be easy to sit on the edges and make excuses for not jumping in, although really the water’s fine — it just feels cold when we’re just sampling what could be…
@Audra — Audra, I love the way you’ve expressed this! When we become deeply involved in something, when we’ve immersed ourselves in it, change DOES happen — to us and to those affected by what we’ve done. And that thought is such a life-affirming one. We change the world by changing ourselves first…
@Rhythm Bob — The excitement is in jumping in…just like these kids jumping into the water — life is much the same way!
@FatFighterTV — Hmmm, and why is that? Why is it that we’ll sometimes jump in, only to get back out again…into that water of life? Fears. The unknown. Pressure. Not knowing. The list could go on. And in all of it, this is something that makes us take a deeper look at ourselves. And that’s good too. So, Sahar, recognizing this, that’s the first step. And honestly, we all do this — have things we jump into, only to pull back…And it’s good for all of us to think about what it is that pulls us back. Sahar, thank you for this thought today…
@Marelisa — Here’s to really and deeply living our lives!
@Arswino — That’s it, Arswino. Especially those things which have deep meaning to you, these are the things that are so worth really jumping into!
Love the Sunday inspiration Lance,
Being one with all that’s around you is the way to truly live. It is truly empowering.
.-= Zeenat {Positive Provocations for mind body&Soul}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Finding Your Happy Endings =-.
Lance, this is a great thought provoking quote. Jump in the water and become the water. It requires risk and letting go. We need to jump into things and then go with the flow. This feels very much how I am living my life right now. I am trusting “the water” to carry me and I am not going to fight the current…
@Zeenat — “Being one with all that’s around you” — that’s great, Zeenat! When we connect deeply with our surroundings, I think not only our passion shines, but also our compassion. And that’s all pretty great!
@Caroline — Leaving the shore can be risky, yes it can be! There is safety in having our feet firmly planted on the shore. Yet, we’ re missing out on what deeply matters to us when we do this — and that’s an even bigger risk. Caroline, keep trusting in the water you’ve immersed yourself in. You are a beautiful soul, and that is shining out from the water you’re surrounded by…
Oh Lance, you KNOW I relate to this quote. It is also very timely for me because I just today wrote something on my post about “becoming”, and my trip did not go as planned. So I am so glad to read this. If I were to pick a core truth (for me) to live life by it would be the very premise of this quote. I cannot’ tell you how deeply it resonate with me. I think it is one for my wall. It also goes along with the whole theme of your recent post of Randy’s speech. Yes, we must LIVE. must dare to take risks, dare to fall down, dare to fail, dare to reach so far “beyond” that we move into unknown territory and break new ground. You are so right to encourage us all to do this, Lance. I always go away from these pages feeling richer. I am hugging you for that my beautiful friend. Thank you SO much. This made my day today.
.-= Robin Easton´s Last Fabulous Post ..Journey of Soul =-.
Robin,
And you did dive in, and become the water, Robin. Maybe it didn’t go exactly as planned. You know what , though? You still became the water on your trip — and really looking at this more deeply, your visit into your soul was even more of a “becoming the water” moment. And maybe that’s the ultimate “becoming the water” truth there is, when we venture openly into our soul, to see even more clearly what’s there (not that it’s always clear). Robin, thank you for sharing about your journey, and for being here today.
What a great quote! I happily throw myself in!
.-= Lisa’s Chaos´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weathervanes =-.
This image and quote fires me up this morning. I’m ready to tackle this day with gusto. Thanks, Lance!
Wonderful picture, wonderful words!