“Live life to its fullest.”
We all say it. Some live up to it their entire lives. Others struggle with it. The sea of little details and crises in our daily lives sidetracks us, creating fewer highs and more lows. We lose sight of the bigger picture.
In short, we exist rather than truly living. It often takes a major scare to realize we need to make an immediate, major change in our attitude. I’ve been guilty of falling into that trap more than once. What I refuse to be guilty of, moving forward, is staying in it.
This isn’t a sudden decision. I’ve been actively working on this since the end of last year, post-upheaval. I’m taking chances on the unknown, trusting that I can handle whatever is thrown at me, good or bad. I’m happier, less stressed, and enjoying my life in a way I hadn’t for longer than I’d truly realized. It shows in visible ways to those around me and in how I see myself.
I don’t want my biggest regret to be never having the guts to reach for what I want in life.
I recently had a visceral reminder that life is too short not to seize every chance we have. I sometimes face the future with a great deal of trepidation. Still, I’m pushing forward to the things I know are out there waiting for me.
“My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride”
lyrics quoted from “If Today Was Your Last Day” by Nickelback
So grab your life and shake it by the horns. Get everything out of it that you can. Experience the highs, the lows, and everything in between. When they finally write your epitaph, don’t let it read, “Never lived life to its fullest.”