Photo by Rosino
Life is short. In fact, it seems to rush by faster and faster. Many people give up on developing new dreams. And yet life is full of possibilities at every moment. I think it’s important to pack life with living to make it really juicy! My goal is to be able to lie on that last hospital bed and think, ‘Yes! I REALLY lived this life!’
Here is the inspirational story of Janice who started a new life at 75. I visited her just after her husband had died.
“What do you want to do with your life now?” I asked.
“My son wants me to go into a resthome.”
“You haven’t answered my question.”
“I’m too old to start something new.”
“If you weren’t too old, what would you like to start?” I asked.
“I know it sounds silly, but I would like to design clothes that women my age would enjoy wearing.”
Then she clapped her hand to her mouth. “But my children would think I’m crazy if I started something like that at my age.”
Six months later, Janice started her new business. Now, some years later, her designs have taken off and she is enjoying a new lease of life. She wrote to me a while ago:
“Following my impossible dream has changed my life. I thought the death of my husband was the end of the road, but it was the beginning of a new path.”
What would you do with your life if you could do anything you liked?
Comments
10 comments
I’m already doing it, and have been for a long time now.
Hi Jean, it’s great that you are already doing what you want with life.
The other day I was talking with a friend who was planning to change direction in life. I thought about my life and couldn’t think of anything that I would like to do that I don’t do now.
The only change would be to do some things to a greater extent than now.
If I could do anything I would BE more. I’m 65 now and retired and on crutches after BEING hit by a car. So I’m stuck at home and there is plenty of time for more BEING. But why oh why is it so bl…… hard? I sit for a few minutes and watch my breath, then I’m lost again within my mind. It feels like climbing Mt.Everest through the snow and ice and storms of my mind. Sure I will get there, step by step with endless patience and practice and grace. The air will get thinner and the view wider….. but if I could do anything I would take a helicopter up that mountain. Cheers.
@ Arne
Thank you for you comment, Arne. It seems like you’ve had a rough ride.
That’s a very important point that you make: that life is not about having or doing more, it’s about being.
Your metaphor of the mountain journey reminded me about the passion I used to have for mountain climbing. The satisfaction lay in the sweat, the hard trudge, the bl… not giving up–an then seeing the incredible view from the top. A helicopter ride just wouldn’t have been the same.
And maybe it’s like that with spiritual practice. We struggle, and that struggle is not just a touch of what we are yearning for, it’s EXACTLY what we are yearning for…just in disguise.
Thanks Mary, so true, thanks for reminding.
Now there is a fantastic question! I also love your choice of image. I wouldn’t change my current pursuits. They make me who I am and further my evolution. My full answer would be to continue evolving within and through others to become a more effective medium who serves human beings to the best of my ability. Every day, I develop my skills and self-understanding which I share in different ways. As my soul journey progresses, I will continue inspiring and assisting others while I also encourage and inspire myself. Its a mutually-beneficial energy exchange. Empowering others is a way to empower yourself.
@ Liara
Thank you for your lovely comment, Liara!
It’s wonderful that want to become ‘a more effective medium who serves human beings to the best of my ability. That’s really the sum total of what we can aspire to in life. i think it’s so important to unfold to our full ability and put that to use.
Mary…
I met and sat sesshin with Aitken Roshi at the Zen Center in Los Angeles many years ago. I guess Susan Murphy is from that same lineage and I have found her book, Upside Down Zen very full.
My first time here and I’m already taken with the sentiments expressed here. My interest (and my blog Fearful Habits: Channelling a Fear-free Life http://nofearhere.wordpress.com/ ) is especially about learning to live without fear. When I read the article above, I thought “one doesn’t need the death of a loved one to take a big, daring step in life. Fear, or the voices of fear–I call them the Little People who dwell in our minds just waiting to to prevent you from achieving happiness and fulfillment–take over. Death or not–it’s never too late to take that step! Thanks.
Hi …. I am fortunately at a position in my life at 34 where I can do anything I want now after struggling for 17 years. I just don’t know what to do - i could do anything now ……….. any suggestions? I think one dreams of being in my position for so long that when it happens you don;t know where to start. ??
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A Message from the AuthorWelcome! My name is Mary Jaksch. Goodlife Zen is a place for thoughtful discussions about how to lead a meaningful and happy life. I would be delighted if you would join the Goodlife Zen community by subscribing! It's free and you will be alerted to each new article either by email or on your homepage. Click here to subscribe.
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