“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure ” ~ Joseph Campbell
How are you choosing to live? More than the work you do, more than the things you have — what are the experiences in your life that make you feel fully alive?
The Experiences of Life
Life is a series of moments. Strung together, these moments are the life we are living. Many of these moments are simply ordinary moments.
Eating dinner. Sleeping. Watching a movie. Cleaning the house. Driving to work. Etc. Etc.
And perhaps these moments feel just that way — “ordinary”. Especially those which we repeatedly do.
How do we make even these seemingly ordinary and daily moments come more fully to life?
The Adventures That Stimulate Our Lives
Stepping out of the comfort zone we’re living in is such a powerful way to re-energize our senses. And in energizing our senses, even the most basic of daily routines can become new again.
The photo above, is of my wife, Lora — just before she headed out on the track at the Milwaukee Mile to race in a stock car (a very awesome and cool experience!). In early June, she completed twelve laps in the Home Depot #20 car — being able to feel the exhilaration of racing, of speed, of cornering, of getting outside of the norm.
Note: If you’re having trouble seeing the short (and slightly humorous) video, click here.
Being outside of the norm, this moment in itself was filled with much excitement and with the sense of doing something new.
It’s so much more than that, though.
This moment is just that — a moment in time of this life we are living.
…just a moment…
Perhaps, though, that moment is one which somehow changes us. See, we are not the same person we were. We’ve had this experience (whatever that is). And from that experience, if we choose to let it be not just the experience itself, but something more…
…something more…
The experience of being alive, of being in that moment — of feeling (really feeling) a sense of connectedness to self, to possibility, to “being”.
What Can Be
Then maybe, just maybe, we can be more fully in the simplest of moments in our lives.
Aware of the textures of the foods we eat, the feeling the grass between our toes, the watching of the stars and feeling like part of something so much bigger.…
This experience of being alive, of not just going through the motions…it is possible. And it does not have to be just one-time flirts with experiences. It is possible even in the simple moments of our days. It is, when we choose to honor the self within and experience the moment.
Experience the Moment
This is a tough one. Oh, maybe in those exhilarating moments (like the race car), we are in that moment. What about all of our moments, though?
It would be a lie for me to say that I’m really (and fully) experiencing every moment of my days. And I’m sure it’s that way for you, too.
We get rushed. We get distracted. We zone out. And many more. Many more things which keep us from being fully alive to the experience of the moment.
So, this is not something that we’re going to wave a magic wand at, and suddenly we’ll be so alive in every moment. (hmmm…doesn’t work that way, I guess)
Small steps. Small steps in the direction of being more fully awakened to the moments of your day.
The Challenge
Pick something. It can be anything really — as long as it’s a regular part of your life. Breakfast could be a good one. Or brushing your teeth. Or driving to work. Something you do regularly.
Okay — now actively choose to be more aware during whatever thing you have chosen.
Aware of the sights, the sounds, the smells, the tastes, the feel — really, all that can be in that moment.
And in this awareness, let that feeling of being in that experience (as simple as it might seem) awaken you even more fully to the experience of living this life of yours.
Tell your wife, way to go!
Katie´s Last Fabulous Post ..Summer Yummin’
Thanks Katie — and Lora likes to GO!!!! (and fast!!) (contrary to what our kids sometimes think!!)
I love this post, Lance!
As always, your posts are so inspirational.
They make you just want to get up and try whatever it is that you are illustrating.
I take my hat off to your wife for trying out racing a car. How wonderful and exhilarating that must have felt!
Dorlee,
It was a very cool experience — and that was just for me, being there in pit row!!
And that’s it — we CAN do anything!!!
Thanks for the visit — it’s always great having you here!
Lance,
I love this invitation to be fully alive in the present moment! The special exhilarating moments are typically few and far between. I agree fully with the aspiration to make every single moment come alive.
And bravo for your wife!
Sandra Lee´s Last Fabulous Post ..Are You Serious About Loving Yourself Part 2
Sandra,
No matter what the moments of our life are…they are still uniquely ours. And what is it we are choosing to “be” in those moments, right.
Thanks Sandra — and this one particular moment was a very, very awesome one!!
Hey Lance,
Wow that looks like fun! I’d like to do that. You just reminded me of the Lime Rock, Conn. experience near us my husband and I could do.
Love these lines, “Aware of the textures of the foods we eat, the feeling the grass between our toes, the watching of the stars and feeling like part of something so much bigger….”
Life gets lost in the sleepwalking sameness, where we feel safe. I try to get out of there as much as possible. As you point out, each day presents many opportunities to do that. Ones that usually get ignored. Then folks get to the ends of their lives and wish they had lived more fully and dangerously.
I know we enter the world little adventurers — that feeling of aliveness conflicts with the consumer model — it’s really an economic issue. Until we change our economic model to something more healthy, our schools will keep churning out non-adventurers. Graduation speeches crack me up. It’s the first and usually last time, you here that “reach for the stars, you can do it” talk. Why don’t they say that when you get there and reinforce it throughout high school and/or college?
They can’t — it conflicts with having complete control over us. Did I digress here?
Happy Father’s Day! G.
Giulietta Nardone´s Last Fabulous Post ..Doing “Battle-Fly” With Tim Thomas
Giulietta,
There were very limited days for doing this experience here in Milwaukee — and it would have been easy to have let it pass. And the thing is — had it came and went and we weren’t there, life would surely have gone on. Having the opportunity, though, to experience this — as with anything that takes us out of the norm of our days — it creates an opportunity to grow in new ways. And that is so worth it!
I love that term “little adventurers”!!! I’m also reminded of a movie I really love as I read this — “Toy Story” — and how Buzz is all about “reaching for the stars”. And it also reminds me about using our imaginations, and letting ideas come and grow in us…as we DO reach for the stars.
So, I’m thinking you’re onto something with this whole “reach for the stars” message! How can we share this concept with even more people (and not only share the idea, but really develop the belief that it IS possible)?
Giulietta, you always make me think more deeply — and I am so, so grateful for that (and for your presence).
And…thank you!! It has been a wonderful day today!
Hey Lance,
Great reminder on being fully present in the moment. We have to keep our lives fresh and get out of our routine in order for it not to become boring.
Finding joy in the simplest things can make this a reality.
Justin´s Last Fabulous Post ..5 Ways To Prevent Rejection From Ever Affecting You
Justin,
Yes — getting out of our routine really helps to keep things fresh in our lives. Couple that with really “being” in our more mundane moments, and life is just filled with so, so much possibility.
It is so much easier to appreciate and be present in those special moments of our lives.
It is difficult to find gratitude for the mundane. Maybe this is why we choose to go through those without awareness, just wishing for them to pass.
I wonder if it is not all about finding meaning in anything we do, even boring, everyday tasks.
I for one, have a lot of trouble with that.
Ewa´s Last Fabulous Post ..Fathers Day
Ewa,
Yes, those moments that are special have a way of bringing our presence, as well. Now, getting that in the more common daily activities — this really does take diligence on our part. It’s so easy to just go about the daily of our lives, not even really thinking about it (let alone being fully in that moment).
The meaning in the tasks we do — that’s a great way to focus on these moments. And it is, because when we do this, we are for one — more aware of that moment and the “why” behind doing it.
I know what you mean, Ewa — and I’m sure many, many more can fully relate to having trouble with this, also. For me — it’s choosing moments in each day and really focusing on them (a small percentage of my day — but still is step into more fully connecting with me)…
Hey Lance, this is great!!!! We can make the “mundane” an adventure — it’s all our choice isn’t it? I have to say I love adventure (tho not necessary to drive race cars to find it! ha!) This post sure reminds us all about being present and loving the moment. You’re the greatest example of that! LOVE ya!
hugs
suZen
Susan,
Choice. That’s such a key word in all of this. Because we always have that choice — in how we live the moments of our life (even when it might feel like we have no control).
Vroooommmm!!!!
Love and hugs,
Lance
Hi Lance
Whoa is that the coolest thing ever!!! I have always wanted to try a race car on a track. There is something in me to do something like this too… first off I LOVE driving and I love the thrill of the track and the ability to really push the car’s limits.
I am thrilled for Lora and so cool to learn this about her — I love how these little things surprise us that we would perhaps never think someone else would be into. Thanks for attaching the cute video clip too!
So yes, living life in the moment, living life past the challenges, and accepting each one as a gift of growth!
p.s. taking off to Maine’s coast for a week.… your photos a few years back implanted a Maine bug in me… so look forward to seeing the beauty of that coast
Evita´s Last Fabulous Post ..Consciousness Expansion Through the 5 Pillars of Optimal Health
Evita,
It was way super cool!!! (and I wasn’t even in the car!!) And it was so fun to hang out with my kids and listen to their commentary as Lora zoomed around the track (most of that commentary involved the words “go faster”!!!).
Have fun in Maine!! It’s a beautiful place to visit! (and now…I’m missing it!!)
Hi Lance:
Excellent post, thank you for sharing. It really hits close to my heart. As I get older, I’m realizing that things are becoming less important and experiences are becoming more important. Thank you for sharing your wife’s very cool moment and I’m sure it meant a lot to her that you were there watching. Great thoughts on a very important subject! Have a great Father’s Day!
Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy Bloomsday!
Hi Tim,
I’m completely there with you on the value of experiences over things. It’s what brings me the most meaning — the experiences I have in this life of mine.
And truly — these experiences are moments that in some way change us (even if ever so slightly).
Thanks!! It’s been a GREAT day today!!
Just once I wish you would tell me to be grumpy, and slam a door!!! Now I have to go out and be positive — yet again!!!! Urgh!!!!!!
Happy Father’s Day brother!
Emergefit´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Long Shadow Of War…
Roy,
Ha!!!
Have a great one, my friend!!!
Hi Lance,
How cool is Lora!??! I used to do a mantra during my morning meditation. I’ve recently changed it to setting my intention for the day…I decide to put more joy and love in my daily life. I’ve also adopted the word ‘soften.’ Hubs loves it! Southwest has wi-fi now so this is my first comment the air! LOL
Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..You’re Invited– To Change the World
Tess,
Lora is “way cool”!!! (although our teenage kids don’t always say that!!!)
I love that — setting an intention for the day — what a great way to start each day!
And — woohoo!! Wi-fi on the airplane — very cool!!!
Lance, you caught me! I was eating a bowl of cereal and am going to put the laptop away for a few moments and savor what I’m doing. I distract myself easily and naturally, but I know that when I’m more mindful, life really does seem to come ALIVE!
Wait, before I put the laptop away, I need to watch that video of Lora… !
Megan,
Ha!! I hope you savored your cereal!!
(…and I distract myself easily, too!) (and often…)
Hi Lance — thanks for this — it’s amazing, I think, that when we can learn to enjoy the simple, “mundane” moments of life, joy becomes so easily available and is no longer something that we have to constantly chase after by making more money, taking a Caribbean vacation, dating the “hottest” girl or guy, etc.
Chris,
Joy is right there for us, isn’t it. And yet, we rush around or sleep walk past it. So, here’s to really becoming tuned into the moments of our days…as many of them as we can…
…now, about that Caribbean vacation…
When you’re having a hard time in life or going through periods of tremendous personal upheaval, it is the quiet and mundane things in your life that you miss the most.
Joe,
This is such an excellent point — that we sometimes don’t realize what we have until we don’t have it…
Thank you so, so much for bringing this up — that’s something worth discussing more here in this space ( perhaps a post on that sometime down the road…).
As funny as it sounds –and as much as I get made fun of for it– I always attribute Adam Sandler’s movie Click for helping me remember to be more in the moment. We can get so caught up on autopilot doing all those things which really require no thought anymore, so life passes us by in teenie increments, which is really all we have anyway, and we’re on autopilot!
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Delena,
Well, just that word “Click” is a great reminder to “click on” our senses! So — I think it makes a whole lot of sense! Thanks so much for sharing what works for you — it has me thinking about this whole concept of turning on my own senses more fully…
Hi Lance,
Life is a series of “prescious now” moments, like a movie slowed down to frame by frame. I had a number of them yesterday enjoying my first boat trip on the Brisbane River getting a different perspective of the city (from water instead of land). I’m sure that your wife would have been thrilled with her “ride”, it must be an awesome experience.
Great post Lance. Being aware of our moments & embracing them, I feel makes Life special. Also some or many, of our seemingly ‘ordinary’ moments may be very special moments for others less fortunate.
be good to yourself
David
David Stevens´s Last Fabulous Post ..Say Yes more often
David,
Perspective — that’s such a great word to use here! And it is, because when we shift our perspective (like you on the river or Lora in the race car) — we see things in a new light. And that’s such a great way for us to move forward in our lives (should we choose to do that).
Here’s to embracing the moments that make up the life we are living…
Love it– How are you choosing to live? More than the work you do, more than the things you have – what are the experiences in your life that make you feel fully alive?
Well today i am choosing to listen to that small quiet voice inside more and follow my inner guidance so this will be empowering for me and in turn you and others– I am also embracing the idea that what i do is fun
Love
Suzie
Suzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Color Prescription 2– Orange
Suzie,
I *love* how you are choosing to “be” today! I just sense that this is something that you hold deeply in your soul — and what a gift that is, to come from that place…
May your day today be filled with moments of connection and fun…
Hi Lance,
First of all, you have a bad a** wife!
Second, thank so much for the reminder to be fully present in the moment. It’s something we all know to do, and we all regularly forget. I’m sipping my morning smoothie as I read and write this, and I’m suddenly so aware of the texture, the taste, and even the morning sounds coming in from outside. And just like that I’m present. Thank you!!! I’m putting up a post it to remind myself to do this more often.
Hugs,
Melody
Melody | Deliberate Receiving´s Last Fabulous Post ..How I Got Rid of Pain Using the Law of Attraction
Melody,
I *love* it!!
Our senses are such a part of us…and yet, it’s way too easy to ignore them, especially in those things which we repeatedly do. So that’s it!! It’s about being more aware, and just noticing all that’s there in the moment (like your wonderful smoothie). Mmmm…and now I’m thirsty, for some reason!!!
xoxo
That is so cool that Lora did that. I’ll watch the video at home later!
And I’ll take that challenge. Maybe while flossing.
Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Dragon wings– where it came from and thrive
Lynn,
Thanks!!! It really was cool!!!
And flossing is a great one — something we do (well…*ahem* sometimes, for me, anyway!) and just so easily zone out while we are…
What a thrill! I’ve taken F-1 race lessons myself but can attest none of those thrills compares to deeply understanding the wonderous nature of our daily lives. My greatest thrill is experiencing awareness while going for a walk with my parrot, Shakespeare on my shoulder. I love your challenge today Lance, indeed we can find that same ecstasy when doing the dishes.
Rob,
It was a thrill!! (and I didn’t even race!) And your F-1 race lessons sound exactly the same — very cool!!
And yet, beyond all of this — we have many more moments of events in our life that are much more regular. Are we aware in these moments? (just like your walks with Shakespeare) When we are — even just so slightly — we more into a deeper appreciation for this thing called life…
Thanks Rob — your words always enlighten…
Lance, first, love the wife adventure — LOVE!
This is such a great post as always!!! One thing I have learned with time & age, those moments we thought as ordinary are from from ordinary… They are some of the most important moments in your life. Do not take anything & especially family for granted!
Jody — Fit at 53´s Last Fabulous Post ..Gratitude Monday
Jody,
It was definitely an adventure!! And Lora rocked it behind the steering wheel!!
Each moment of our life is extraordinary…if we choose to see it that way. And when we do, we connect more fully with what truly matters…
Thanks Jody — love what you have shared…
Woo hoo for LORA! Her face says it all. LOVE that pic!
This post really makes you consider each moment and become more aware. I’ve been contempleting the passing moments quite often lately. It’s nice to slow down and really savor them. They go too , too fast (like Lora! HA).
Angelia Sims Hardy´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Square Root of Father’s Day
Angelia,
It was such a COOL experience!!
It is so easy to just let the moments of our life slip by. Reminds me of a saying I’ve heard: “the days are slow but the years are fast”. How true that is…
And…contrary to our three kids thoughts on speed, YES, Lora was going fast, too!
Lora is SO COOL. I love that you have video, too. Life is all about experiences and just being in them. Sometimes I even think stopping to take pictures ruins the moment…the memories are best left in my mind and my body. I think adventures like this (or whatever adventure means to you) is what gives us confidence. To believe in ourselves and our abilities. especially with a little support from friends, family and professionals (when needed!)
Awesome experience.
Stacey,
Lora rocked it out there on the track!!
And that’s so true — adventures (however we define that in our life) help to give us confidence in ourselves and in our possibilities. And from that, there’s this extra added potential to step out there and live a bit more, from knowing what we have done…
Thanks Stacey — really appreciate your thoughts on this!
absolutely love this.…speaks to my
heartiest places
and stirs up pretty significant joy!!!
Thanks and look forward to
swimming around here some more:)
–Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
It’s great having you here — thanks for joining in the conversation!
And that’s a wonderful thing, isn’t it — when we can stir up the joy within. So, so glad to hear this (thank you!), and wishing much more of the same as you swim around here…
When I first saw the picture, I thought it was your wife, then I said, “no, that is a professional race car driver”! Turns out it is her, she is obviously getting professional at living the dream. You two are very blessed to be a part of each others amazing adventure! Blessings to you both!
Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..New Blog Home
Audra,
Lora sure does look professional, doesn’t she!! It was a very awesome experience — and we had fun just being there in pit row, and watching it all!
.…life is a wonderful adventure…
I haven’t left a lot of comments but I had to on this one. I am so jealous, Lance… what an incredible opportunity, story, experience. My wife took a dive out of an airplane just a few short years ago and it is something that defines a moment in her life. As I say, there’s no better way to live than to create a memory in every moment that can be cherished for a lifetime. Amazing…
Darren Sproat´s Last Fabulous Post ..Then Life Happens Inspired Artwork
Darren,
This was a very cool experience for Lora…and for my kids and I just watching — such a great experience too!
And both Lora and I went skydiving a few years ago — also one of those moments that had a big impact. I remember being on the edge, ready to step out of that plane (okay — if that wasn’t one of the most difficult thing I did…). And had I not taken that step, I would have missed out on something so, so freeing, so spectacular, so awesome. So — very, very awesome — what your wife did!
Here’s to really and truly living our lives…
Wow! I think Joey Logano should be scared for his job
That’s such a cool experience, I would love to do that someday.
Such a good message behind this post. It’s easy to be present in the unusual experience, but being able to find presence and contentment and joy in the ‘ordinary’ has so much power.
Andrew Olson´s Last Fabulous Post ..7 Ways to Shed Cynicism for Good
Andrew,
It’s great to “meet” you!
Ha!! I *love* it!! The Home Depot #20 driver…yes, he SHOULD be scared!!
And that’s it…while being “in the moment” in something like this is very possible, it’s those other more ordinary moments that can have an even deeper impact on our being…
Thanks for joining the conversation here!
Hi Lance.
Oh my, you have an adventurous spirit in your household. Good on Lora! And what a wonderful role model for the kids (and neighborhood).
Although some of us live a more stayed life than driving a fast car, I really appreciate your reminder of awakening the moment. Whether it be the distant sound a small plane, the sensation of the shower, the palpable tenderness in a conversation, or the taste of fresh collards, each moment truly is a gift when we are awake at the wheel.
Many thanks.
Susie @ Wise At Work´s Last Fabulous Post ..Tapping the Well of Rejuvenation
Susie,
Yep…Lora is a great role model! (although we DON’T let her drive like that through the neighborhood!!!)
And that’s it — it is really the how we are experiencing each of the moments f our days. Because the moments that make up our life — so, so many of them are seemingly ordinary moments (although, maybe we should really view each moment as extraordinary…). And being really in these moments, there is so much power to really live.…
Thanks Susie, it’s great having you here!
Wonderful, thank you for sharing this with us Lance. We do forget to enjoy the moment. When it comes to brushing our teeth we should stop and enjoy it. What if we where in a country that they can’t brush there teeth like we can. Enjoy the moment and appreciate with gratitude.
Thank you for the wonderful reminder. Life is wonderful when we enjoy our moments.
Blessing,
Debbie
Debbie,
That’s such a great point — it becomes easy to take for granted some of these things that are part of our daily life. And yet, without them (like toothpaste!) life could definitely be much more challenging.
Here’s to seeing the beauty in all the moments of our days…
Hi Lance,
Your wifey’s so cool!
Those are the things that actually make me feel alive — being in some adventure. I’m craving for one these days. I think I have to try what you said so that I won’t feel disappointed that I’m stuck at work.
Hi Calli,
It was such a cool experience!!! (and I was only an observer!)
There’s something about adventure, and how it heightens our senses (it sure does for me). Even when we’re not off on some big adventure, though, it still IS possible to really be in our moments…when we focus on being aware (easier said than done!!).
Wishing you many moments of deeper connection…
And…it’s great to “meet” you!
You said, “It would be a lie for me to say that I’m really (and fully) experiencing every moment of my days. And I’m sure it’s that way for you, too. ” I like that. It’s the truth. It’s sometimes not easy because there can be conflicting demands. However, each moment is a choice. I try my best to make a conscious choice on how I spend my time.
You’ve certainly got an amazing wife! The adventure sure sounds rather cool!!
Hi Evelyn,
Yes, each moment IS a choice. And it’s really very easy to let moments just slip by…
So, even if we can take a few of our moments each day and be more consciously aware of them…what a great step that is into being “in” our lives…
And — thank YOU!!! Lora is amazing…and fast!!!
Hello Lance, thanks for reminding us that we are never the same with every experience we have. We do change with the things that happen to us, especially when we’re fully aware of the experience of the moment. Life is this very moment we experience! We’re so blessed to be able to appreciate it and to share it with those we love the most.
Hi Joyce,
So, so great seeing you here today!!
…and it really comes down to the choices we are making in the moments that are our life… When we choose to be more fully aware of each moment, these moments (as simple or complex as they are) become more meaningful and connected to us.
Thanks so much for the visit!
I admire her! You’re one lucky guy to have a wife who can drive faster than most men I know lol! Thanks for the inspirational message Lance. Life is indeed a series of an adventure and every little thing we go through each day is part of whole journey. Such a nice message
Hi Jill,
Thanks…I admire Lora too!!
This really was a very cool experience — and I was only watching!
Adventures…big/small/in between…each moment of our life is really some sort of adventure (especially if we view it that way, life’s moments become more filled with meaning).
Thanks for visiting…and it’s great to “meet” you!
Adding diversity even to “ordinary” activities can really add a lot of spice to your life when done right. Simple experiments — like trying a new dish/food every now and then, or exploring a little beyond your music/movies tastes can be incredibly rewarding. It always leaves me with a new-found appreciation for life.
Steven,
Yes!! Just adding some diversity to our daily activities can be so enlightening. And it can be as simple or as grand as we choose — all of these experiences shape who we are and how we view life…
Thanks!!
Lance,
WOW! Watch Lora go! Hopefully seh doesn’t drive that fast around town! LOL
What a great example of seizing the moment and being present in it! Isn’t so easy to adopt a “life of anticipation”. A life where we think only of what is to come, instead of what IS. Great lesson here Lance and delivered with such a good spirit.
Keith,
Ha!!! No…she’s a little better behaved on the neighborhood streets!!!
And — I love that — being with “what is” instead of only thinking about what “is to come”. While there is something to anticipating that which we see coming, there’s something also very special about being in the moments that are our life…
Hi Lance,
What a great experience would it have been for your wife. I salute her for doing this. And i really agree to you that small steps taken in the direction you want to go take you a long way.
Shivam,
Thanks!! It was definitely a very great experience!
Hey Lance — How are you sir!
“Experience” has been a live in me this week (hence my post yesterday)!
What a cool experience your wife got to take part in. I’m sure it changed her life in some aspect.
I consider myself to be a student of life. I rarely get board because I’m a researcher (of many things) and I love doing stuff and learning the lesson from it. Everything has a lesson, even things that go bad. Keeping this in mind allows me to live within my perspective. Allows me, for the most part, to be in a great mood and happy.
Great reminder Lance– thank you so much!
Hey Jk,
As you know so well…experiences really are such a big part of LIVING this life of ours! (and your Disney trip just sounds so, so amazing!)
And when we see that — that there’s something we can take away from all the moments of our life — from the small and simple to the big and grand moments — life just becomes so much more wonderful…
Thanks for being here…and even more, for consciously choosing to LIVE your life!
What is our life? Just a moment between past and future… So, live it up!
…life IS to be lived!!
Ah, Lance, another fantastic post — and very close to my heart this one. It’s lovely to see a pic of your gorgeous wife about to hit the track! Dave will fully approve, with his 10 years of pro superbike racing, not to mention all the other adventures. Living in the moment and taking risks is a way of life for him. So much so that people have often asked how I cope, but exactly as you say: it’s a Gift! Nothing can be more precious than actually Living and never taking a second for granted. Thanks for shining, Lance — you’re a star
Hi Naomi,
Okay…just from the pictures I’ve seen, I would say that Dave is definitely an adventurous guy!!! And hey…you, out there in the African wild lands…I’d say you live the adventure, too!!
Here’s to living…really living…this life we have.…
It is amazing how quickly life can zoom by without us even noticing it. I love this post, Lance. It reminds me to slow down, to savor, to *experience* life. I did a sensory exploration a couple of years ago where each day I would focus on one sense and journal about what I experienced. It was an amazing experience in awareness and presence, in actually paying attention and registering the stimulus signals my senses were picking up. I love how you tied the senses into this post — they really do help us stay present if we just pay attention to them. Beautifully written!
Andrea,
We (two of my kids and I) were looking at family pictures (and videos) from a few years back — wow, how time DOES fly! It seemed like only yesterday they were that little — and today, they are teenagers…
And I just kept thinking — what wonderful memories (did I fully appreciate that, in those moments, though??).
Your sensory exploration sounds so, so fascinating — and it also reminds me of a leadership workshop I attended a couple of years ago (complete with yoga mats and boxes of Kleenex). We did one particular breathing exercise (this workshop was so, so different than anything I’ve attended before…and so, so meaningful for me) and afterward, as we ate our lunch — I could not get over how fully I noticed the tastes and textures of that meal (it was such an amazing experience).
So, thank YOU for sharing about this sensory experience you had — it brings up such wonderful memories for me…
Lance
xoxo
Lance… I’m only just catching up here now after a couple of extraordinary weeks… doing something totally exhilerating for me [an intensive subject at University] 8 incredible days jam packed with 13 weeks worth of curriculum. It was intense [to say the least!] And I got to savour every moment because there simply wasn’t one to spare!
Loved this post. Tell Lora I think she’s incredible. I love racing too… [no seriously] I used to race my little Austin Healy Sprite in lap dashes and hill climbs and was lucky enough a couple of times to take out the ladies hillclimb championship. Life is nothing unless we are extending ourselves and making it happen.
Another great post Lance… thank you!
Jean!!!
How COOL!!! <– Y-O-U, out there in your Austin Healy, racing!!! I’ve got this great big smile right now, as I think of you, zooming around the corners!!
Okay — and then there’s the your more very recent experience at University — more COOL-ness!!! And I just really sense how you have soaked in the beauty and joy of these 8 days.
And — I’ll pass on your thoughts to Lora!!! (which, I know she will LOVE!!!)
Woohoooooo!!!!!
Lance
xoxo
Lance, this is exactly the mindset that I’m still missing. All work and no play has made Nick a dull boy…ha. Seriously though, I think we can all use your great advice — really appreciate the small moments and the simple things in life. Live in the moment, right?
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There is a saying “Experience is the best Teacher”. there’s so much things to learn in
our experiences, savor every minute of your life. It’s also nice to look back those
experiences that teaches us in grow and mature.. I enjoy reading your blog, very nice!
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I guess once you overcome the fear of failure, everything becomes an opportunity
that’s what is stopping most people from achieving more — being afraid to change what currently work into something that might work better.
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