How To Live Life To The Fullest: Have You Ever.....?
The World Is My Oyster
Do you remember laying on the grass as a child, looking up at the clouds drifting by, and daydreaming about the future? The warm, gentle breeze caressed your face as you thought about mountains yet to climb, riches yet to be won, and praise and glory that would one day be yours. It was all there waiting for you, and in your young mind anything was possible….anything was possible!
Now, for many, the childhood years are far behind you, and silly daydreams of excitement and adventure are fading quickly, replaced by the mundane, the daily grind, and the weight of responsibilities. Maybe you think back to those days on the lawn, and you smile, and you shake your head and laugh at the hubris that was necessary to believe that immortality was yours and the sky was the limit.
Where has the time gone? How could the unlimited become limited so quickly? The past is littered with wasted opportunities, and your mind begins to grasp the harsh reality of it all, that there is no second chance in life, and the bell will soon toll for you as it has for everyone who has inhabited this planet.
Maybe, just maybe, it is time to make the most of the time left. Perhaps there are a few things left to do; perhaps there are thrills that still await you, and perhaps there are opportunities that only require your participation.
Have You Ever?
Have you ever sat on a bluff facing east, waiting for the sun to rise? The ground fog sits atop the frozen mantle, your breath crystallizes before you, the eagle flies over head, and that golden sliver and symbol of life finally peaks above the horizon. You sip from your coffee mug, feel the cold bite your skin, listen as nature awakens for another day, and embrace each and every molecule that surrounds you, for at that moment, in that place, you are one with the universe.
Have you ever held a newborn baby? It is as though you are holding creation itself, a squirming bundle of energy that beautifully represents the wonder of life. In your arms is a lifetime yet to be lived; in your arms are thousands of kind acts, thousands of laughs and thousands of tears, all waiting for their individual moment. In your arms is an endless array of chances and opportunities, and in your arms is the face of love.
Have you ever danced in the rain, or made snow angels, or splashed in puddles like you once did as a child? There is an amazing freedom attached to tossing aside self-image and saying to hell with what’s considered proper. The devil-may-care attitude of youth is somehow lost as we grow older, but who is to say we can’t recapture those moments? Let your hair down and remember what it was like to howl at the moon and laugh at, and with, life.
Have you ever walked away from security to find out what life feels like on the edge? Teetering on the brink, a chasm awaiting you, swallowing that fear and experiencing an explosion of senses as you face a risk like so many who have come before you. Courage is not measured by the chances avoided; no, courage is the embracing of those chances, and laughing at the fear that once crippled you.
Have you ever experienced unconditional love, a love so pure that it defies logic? Giving yourself completely to another human being, and knowing that you will not be judged, you will not be chastised, and you will always be supported; have you experienced it? Have you treated someone as your equal, and have you found that an important part of you is missing when the other is not there?
Have you ever felt totally and completely alive? All of your senses are in concert, playing a melody as old as time itself. The hair on the back of your neck stands up; your heart is pumping the life-giving fluid at such a rapid rate you feel you might explode, and yet you feel, strangely, in complete control….and there is serenity, for you are where you should be, doing what you should be doing, breathing in and out to the beat of an ancient drum.
My ebook on Lifestyle Choices
- Lifestyle Choices: William D. Holland: Amazon.com: Kindle Store
Lifestyle Choices: William D. Holland: Amazon.com: Kindle Store
Sit With Me Awhile
The Numbing Effect of Normalcy
It happens in fine increments, so fine, in fact, that we simply do not notice them. One day we are making snow angels, then the next we are remembering snow angels, and then we find ourselves forgetting them altogether.
We remember the sunsets, but become so busy with life we can’t seem to find the time to witness one.
We remember the joy of dating our spouse, the reckless abandon and longing in the eyes, but the years have robbed us of that abandon, that longing, and one day the fire has died and with it the joy.
We remember risk, the adrenalin rush of diving headfirst into the unknown, but today we tiptoe the straight and narrow, shaking our heads in dismay when we witness those who take chances.
The problem with normalcy is that it becomes, well, the norm! It is a safe cocoon, true, but it is also binding, stifling, and oh so repressive, and I would submit to you that man was not created to live within boundaries and embrace self-repression. We were given two feet with which to explore, two hands with which to create, and five senses with which to experience all the wonders of life, from the sweet scent of a woman’s hair to the exquisite softness of a baby’s skin.
It Is Not Too Late
Try this exercise: breathe in….breathe out…and then live like your tail is on fire! Somewhere in the deep recesses of your mind, you remember how to do it. It’s imprinted on your memory; all you have to do is scrape off the years of rust and let your imagination soar. All you have to do is say “to hell with it” and act like a child once again! All you have to do is…..live!
Are there risks? Most definitely! You run the risk of becoming ecstatic once again. You run the risk of feeling your heart pound and your senses explode. You run the risk of reaching your potential and of looking in the mirror and never again asking “what if.”
There will be those who will witness your metamorphosis and call you silly, and childish, and they will shake their heads in disdain. Pay them no mind, for deep inside them they are wishing they had conjured up the will to take one last trip around the track, and to squeeze one last ounce of unbridled passion out of their lives.
Today is your day! Right now is your moment! Get down on that grass, look up at the clouds, and say these three little words…..have I ever?
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Comments
Bill,
I used a song on my Happiness hub called YOU REMIND ME OF MY DOG...
And I say that to you with the most reverence I have. Yes, yes, let us roll in the grass like little children and puppies...what a way to live the one life we are given...
Count me in! Voted UP and all that! Hugs, Maria
There really ought to be an "inspirational" button to push on HP. This is such great advice, Bill, especially for those who may be, say, over fifty or so, and can see that they, we , I may be nearer the edge of the horizon. Your book sounds like required reading for the down in the mouth, and a boost for even the most optimistic.
Thanks Bill, for being such a positive force!
- Author
Maria, you had me laughing with that reference, and I love it! What a great comparison....care-free and worry-free...that is the way to live life!
Blessings to you my friend; I hope all is well as the storm approaches. Stay safe and thank you for being who you are.
- Author
Xstatic, it is I who thanks you! I have had enough negativity in my life; I think I'll dedicate the rest of my life to the positives in life. Have a wonderful Sunday and again, thank you Sir!
On the edge..oh yes I have been there more than once. Somehow got through it all. There is a huge difference between being childlike and childish. I have always had that sense of childlikeness...And of course we are all childish at some time or another. I have learned that what you have does not make you happy..maybe life easier and more secure...but that happiness spark..is something you have or you don't. We have all had negative moments and times...but if you start increasing the positive moments ..one at a time..you can really enjoy life. Thanks for these great thoughts...and Happy Sunday to you.
Live today like no other, because with earthquakes in the West and Hurricanes in the East, who knows what next week will bring! lol Seriously, this almost makes you wonder what else is going to happen as we get closer and closer to December. It would be a real shame to find the end of the world taking place and not having enjoyed the last days! Then again, who really knows when "their" last days will be? Great job, my friend!
Bill, seriously had to vote this all the up!! So true about trying to remember for once being more like we were in our youth and try to live life to the fullest now. Many days I just don't seem to be able to muster the energy, but then I remember my kids are only this little for so long and that is when I do my best to do everything in my power to enjoy each moment as it comes. Thanks though for the gentle reminder!! As always shared all over, too!
A hub after my heart! I'd rather stomp in a mud puddle than eat in a fine restaurant. I'd rather watch clouds than a Springstein concert. I'd rather jump in a pile of autumn leaves than travel the world. You captured my soul in this piece Bill. I had my coffee on the patio this morning, listening to the birds wake up. A crow visited and called all his buddies over to visit. Caw, caw, caw. It was music to my ears and food for my soul. And then I read your hub and for now, this moment...the world is perfect.
When I was a kid, my dad would tell me you should never aspire to be grown up. You can be an adult, but don't be a grown up!
This beautiful hub of yours arrived on my birthday. Very fitting. Some of these glorious things I do experience while others are still waiting for me to seize the moment. Perhaps when I do, the rest will come to fruition in the way it should. Thank you for this spectacular gift! Going to scrape away a little more rust now :)
- Author
Thank you Carol! Oh yes...the happiness spark! I have known some incredibly down and out people, who were incredibly happy. Like you said, you either have it or you don't, and if you don't, no amount of possessions will give it to you.
Have a peaceful Sunday, Carol, and thank you!
- Author
Rich, you got that right my friend! I'm not worried about the occasional earthquake....well, I don't worry at all...but the point is that I should be more concerned about the crippling stroke that could happen while I type this response. :)
No guarantees, buddy; Truly, people who take life for granted come close to pissing me off; maybe they need to experience the sudden death of a loved one to gain some perspective. :)
Thanks my friend and have a great day in Kentucky!
- Author
Janine, a gentle reminder for sure. Remember, I have been where you are, and I remember being exhausted, and there are days when finding enjoyment in life is damn near impossible. Happily for me, those days are gone, and one day they will be for you as well.
Hang in there, Mom, and thank you so much!
Awesome hub @billybuc. Thank you. I voted up.
- Author
Linda, you sweet-talking thing, you! LOL The world is perfect.....in increments. :) I just wish those damn crows weren't so loud. LOL
Okay, I'm done having my laugh. Thank you for being who you are; I am blessed to have you as a friend.
- Author
Natasha, I love that saying of your dad's. What a great line.....may you always resist growing up my friend.
Thank you!
- Author
Alex, a very Happy Birthday to you! I am so happy I was able to give you a gift today:) Thank you for taking the time on your special day to read this, and have a wonderful day....today and always.
bill
- Author
StephSev, thank you so much! I appreciate you taking time this Sunday and read and comment.
Thanks for reminding all of us to appreciate the little things, Bill. The unconditional love that goes unnoticed, the little baby....all these slip by if we don't grab hold of them and are more important than so many other things we look for! Thanks for sharing, and I share too.
Thanks, Bill, for reminding us that it's never too late to live life to the fullest! You are inspiring! Now I'm ready to go out at dawn and see the sunrise over the Atlantic...or maybe see Hurricane Sandy charge in to the Outer Banks...either way will be an adventure! :)
- Author
Stephanie, I sure hope it isn't too much of an adventure. Stay safe and best wishes to all of you as that monster heads towards shore. Thank you!
- Author
Michelle, it is so easy to take the everyday miracles for granted. Thank you for sharing and always being here. Have a great day!
bill....YIPEE! I'm game to being a kid again! (providing I can prove I ever grew up)... I know childhood is long gone, but I still have "silly daydreams." It has to be OK, because I'm not giving them up.
I do not know where time has gone. When I stop to actually think about this, it leaves me stunned and a little sad too. But, just for a moment.
I need to ask you and maria....Does "clueless" mean the same as carefree and worry free?? Just say, "Yes," please. ...UP+++
- Author
Paula.....YES!
I'm the same my friend. I can vividly remember my childhood, and my teen years, and my college years, and I look in the mirror and have a hard time reconciling those memories with what I see in my reflection. How the hell did time go so quickly? People say it seems like only yesterday, and I see the truth in that statement....it does seem like yesterday when I was doing all of those "childish" things.
I'm not going out any other way than kicking and screaming. I love life!!!!
Thank you my friend!
love, love, love! if only everyone could live like this, what a nicer world this would be! Thank you, Bill for always putting it right!
- Author
It is my pleasure, Randi, and thank you for always being here. :)
Thank you for this lovely reminder that there is still so much wonder and joy to discover and experience in our lifetime. Great hub!
I really enjoyed this Bill, a wonderful, motivating and positive message. The other week I was out shopping with my son, and we had a race running the wrong way up the escalators (running up the one that was going down...) it was really so much fun, despite the looks I got from other "adult" shoppers... some call me childish, but now I feel vindicated! :-) Great hub, love the message, votes and shares all round methinks...
Yes I remember those mornings in the Sierra Grande. Waking to the chill and still unlit skies. I remember making the campfire, and brewing the coffee, sitting on a granite boulder over a cold wild river and seeing the sun greet the day! The skinny dipping in the warm afternoons...I remember.
Mark
Another amazing one. I do remember days like that, and am waiting for days that are coming. Wel,l right now my life is exciting, and I am praying that what I am trying to do works. You already know what I am talking about. Thank you for writing this hub.
Michele
Bill, your hub reminded me of a time recently when I was at a playground and I got on the swing, and swung higher and higher, just like when I was a child, and I didn't care who was watching or what they thought!
Great Hub about living life to the fullest!
I learned repression early in life, Bill. I remember once in the little VW bug my dad drove with my mom in front next to my dad, and my bro and sis with me in the back seat, I was singing as a little kid with a pop/rock song on the radio. I was giving it my best shot at the british accent of the artist. My mom turned around and said "do you know how ridiculous you sound?" My dad said "I like the way she sounds and I like hearing her sing." Somehow, I believed my mom. I felt ashamed and never sang in the presence of anyone again.
I do everything ass-backwards, Bill. And, I'm glad. Now, past young adulthood, I see wonder in everything. I see miracles in everyday occurrances. I've reached a stage in my life where every day is another blessing. I appreciate everything. What I would have taken for granted as a child, now lights up my life.
Great article. It made me feel great just reading it. Thank you, Bill.
Billy, what a beautiful vision, finding the child in you. The child in me is never too far away.
I still get the urge to climb a trees, run through a corn field and skinny deep in the ocean. However, convention and arthritis tends to hold me back, so instead, I gaze at the sunrise and sunset, I try to take pleasure in the beauty and simplicity of a flower, a child's smile. I'm learning to appreciate the small things in life, now all I need is the time. :) Another great piece.
- Author
mpropp, you are very welcome, and thank you for another visit. May you always find the magic in life!
- Author
Jen, I love that you did that with you son. Bev and I get quite a few strange looks when we are out in public; I figure that's their problem because we are living life to the fullest.
Thank you!
- Author
Mark, what a great picture you just painted. I'm guessing those places are still there, just waiting for you!
Thank you buddy!
- Author
Michele, I do, indeed, know what you are talking about, and I'm sending a prayer your way. By the way, I love your new profile picture. :) Thank you Michele!
- Author
Debbie, I still love the swings! Some things we are never too old to play with. :) Good for you, and thank you for yet another visit.
- Author
Amy my dear, I'm sorry you had that experience as a child, but thankfully you are making up for lost time now. By the way, do you know how good it makes me feel to read that you feel great just reading something I have written? Thank you so much for that! I have a big old grin on my face right now!
- Author
Jo, you must mentioned two of my favorite things to do....running through a corn field and climbing trees. Love it, love it, love it! I am so happy that you are appreciating the little things around us; life is a constant joy!
Thank you my friend!
Yes, Bill, we must enjoy the beauty of God's creation in all forms. Off subject: you are the second hubber I've seen to post his book in a hub. I'm glad to know we can do that. Good hub, thanks.
A couple of weeks ago the little one and I rode the bike along Bayshore as the sun was setting. Now, we enjoy the most beautiful sensets here in Dunedin, but this one was beyond words magnificent. Drivers pulled over, runners stopped to take photos, dog walkers took a break . . . it was a scene that forced everyone to get into the moment. I know it sounds hokey, but it seemed as though the answer to world peace existed in that sunset, do you know what I mean? Anyway, your hub reminded me of that.
Yeah, I know, I'm such a hippie. LOL -Liz
Been there done that. Love is around us and it feels like we want to shout in the middle of the highway! Great exercise you mention. Great hub. Thanks fopr keeping up with your friends and with life!
Hi billy.. I am visiting.. and I got to read this wonderful hub.. Makes me glad to be alive.. Many blessings my friend
I will be back full time in a couple of weeks
Debbie
- Author
Liz, and I knew I would forget your name, so thank you for including it again.....I was a hippie wannabe during the 60's.....so I hope you never outgrow that desire to stop and look at sunsets. You don't sound hokey at all; in fact, you sound like someone I want to call a friend for the rest of my life. :)
Thank you Liz!
- Author
Stillwaters, thank you for the visit once again. Regarding posting your book site, the only restriction is the book has to relate to the subject of the hub. HP will flag you if you post a book that is non-related to the subject of your hub.
- Author
Joseph, you understand as well as I do, that family and friends are what life is all about....and of course, love! Thank you my friend, and prayers for you as the storm comes onshore.
- Author
Debbie, it is always a pleasure having you visit. I look forward to your return, and thank you!
Blessings to you always,
bill
Your writing is so inspiring, maybe i'll tiptoe through the tulips again, but i'll have to wait for spring to arrive. I am learning each and every day that life is precious and there is much to do. I have this desire to adopt a baby, but I put it back into the things to do someday. Strange that I have this desire. When I see a baby in a store, I want to hold it so badly. The man who mows my grass told me that he adopted two children and they are the joy of his life. Thank you for sharing wisdom my friend..Cheers.
Bill, as I read this I sensed you had reached an epihany. There was a crescendo which wound down at the end of 'Have You Ever'. I heard you talking to yourself for whatever reason necessary, then when you reached the end of 'Have You Ever', which is where Bev came into your self talk, you became more calm. You had found the answer to your consternation. Yet you still shared with us.
You had a moment. You called out and you received the answer. Are you as proud of yourself as I am of you? Do you realize what just happened? Whoo Hoo! You did it! You did it!
l love you with all my self, Bill!
Sha
Thanks for the tip, Bill. My book is directly related to my hub.
Bill, I love these hubs, the positivity that exudes out of your writing. Wonder why we as adults lose that gay abandon which we as children had? Would taking a lighter view of life and things help? Just wondering!
Up, beautiful and awesome.
Oh Bill, Bill, Bill,
While reading this sheer piece of written joy here . . . one word after the next and then the next and then, well, we are on that mountain top again. That last part . . . "It's Not Too Late" really brought it home for me. I even did the breathing exercise and oops, there's that little flicker of flame again coming around from . . . Ha. I love your running the risks of . . . sounds thrilling . . . to live again!
That previous section on the numbing effects of normalcy . . . well how profound . . . and numbing indeed!!!
Love this write. Glad you have woken us up to actually LIVE THIS LIFE!!!
Voted Way Up In His Love, Faith Reaper
- Author
Stillwaters, you are very welcome!
- Author
Rajan, I think adults just get too bogged down in work, paying bills, and handling other responsibilities, and it's sad that it happens. I appreciate you my friend, and I'm happy if my positive hubs help others in any way. That is why I write. :) Thank you Sir!
- Author
Faith, I am overflowing with a love of life, and I want everyone to share in my joy! I look around and see so much sadness; if my words can help for even five minutes then what a rush that is for a writer. :) Thank you my dear; you are a jewel and I am proud to be your online friend.
Peace and happiness to you, today and all days,
bill
Courage to me is walking through fear to see what's on the other side. Certain members of my family would say I'm too old to be doing that now, that I should be more concerned with security. But I just did it again today, and today another hard knot inside of me opened up to let me love more deeply and experience more fully. I love this hub, billybuc. It captured life for me beautifully!
- Author
Ruby, I love that you are even thinking about adopting. Blessings to you; you have given this adopted child a big smile. :) Whatever you decide, I am sure that it will be for reasons of love.
Take care of you, and I send you a smile in return.
bill
- Author
Watergeek, thank you so much, and I celebrate with you. I don't buy into that b.s. about being too old. I know people who worried about security and died in their thirties....how secure is that? Life is a crap shoot at best and I'm all for getting my money's worth while I'm still breathing. :)
- Author
Sha, you are a doll, and thank you! Yes, I fully realize what happened.....it has been a long climb, as has yours, but man I love the view from the top. :) I deserve happiness, and you deserve happiness, and damn it, we are going to get what we deserve. How cool is that?
love you too my dear,
bill
True freedom in life is never growing up. Once you grow up, you lose the child within. To me, it was never worth it.
- Author
Deb, I agree completely! I just isn't worth it, and I ain't going there! :) Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. I admit, my circumstances were somewhat unique.But once I was free of "I can't" my world opened up. I can go to New York just to see Cats. I can make flags float in air. I can save this industrial arts program. Rich... hardly.
Bill, the sad fact is it took Geoff and I almost 12 years before we watched the sun come up together. Can you imagine?! Absolutely ridiculous. I'm glad we have now, and I'm glad we are trying to live life to the fullest. There is so much to explore, do, experience, try for the first time, enjoy, embrace. This was a fantastic article friend! Sharing all over today. Great job! :)
Beautiful hub, inspirational and motivates me! Thank you. Voted up and beautiful!
Thanks to share this motivational and informative hub.
There's nothing like shaking up that routine to make you bring back the memories and try (or re-try) all those fun things. I love your pictures, too, BB. You are incredible!
- Author
Martin, unique for sure, and blessed! Thank you!
- Author
Mel, it makes little difference that it took so long; what is important is that you now do it. Best wishes to you my friend; thank you and have a wonderful week.
- Author
livingsta, if this has motivated you then I am a happy writer. Thank you!
- Author
Deepak, you are welcome, and thank you!
- Author
Cyndi, you are oh, so right! Incredible? Well thank you; I'm just a guy who has finally figured it out. :) Thank you lil' Sis!
A wonderful read as always and leaves much food for though.
As inspiring as ever and here's to so many more for us both on here.
Eddy.
- Author
Eddy, I look forward to many more shared between us. Thank you my dear and blessings to you always.
Billybuc, you are 100 per cent correct on everything you mention in this inspiring hub that reminds us to take time for the important things...that are FREE. I watch the sun rise every single morning on my walk...if it's raining, out comes the umbrella, the gray clouds in the sky floating overhead.
I walk through a church lot every single morning, and I literally hug the big ball of orange mums and sniff their aroma...and say, "THANK YOU GOD for these awesome flowers!"
I am in awe of the way nature is right on schedule with the leaves giving up, and the purple sky against a silhouette bare tree...a phenomenal sight.
Everything you talk about is an encouragment to live every second of life to its fullest.
You ask, 'have you ever held a newborn baby?' I did a few weeks ago, little Connor Joseph, my first great grandchild. I could have held him forever.
I take a coffee mug on my morning walks, smell the neighbor's pine tree...a wonderful way to start the day.
GOD BLESS YOU REAL GOOD. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
PS: I FINISHED YOUR BOOK AND I WILL BE WRITING YOU SEPARATELY ABOUT IT...COULDN'T WAIT TO SEE HOW IT WOULD END, AND I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED. You have a super creative mind!
Right now we are in the direct path of Hurricane Sandy, and it is due here soon, so we may lose power. Will stay in touch, you are a terrific writer!
- Author
Lea, I have loved your enthusiasm for life for a long time now, and you never fail to bring a smile to my face. Thank you for the vitality you bring to this world. I know your life is not easy, but you carry yourself with grace, and you have such incredible compassion for others. I am grateful for your friendship, and thank you for your kind words about my book.
Regarding Sandy, I pray for all of you on the east coast. Please make sure we are told when the worst is over, so we know you are safe.
Blessings always,
bill
Great words from a fellow Boomer Bill. As Hurricane Sandy is starting to crash through our lives here on the South Shore of Long Island, I'll skip the part where you suggest lying on the grass, for now. I shall soon experience Mother Nature as never before in my 66 years. Thanks for encouraging me to make it a positive one.
This hub is so beautiful and inspiring. It feels like a breath of fresh air.
- Author
Rfmoran, yes, you can skip laying on the grass today....please stay safe my friend. My prayers are with you, and thank you!
- Author
Catmalone, thank you so much! That is a lovely comment.
Aww yes Billy~let's free ourselves of these chains that we CHOOSE to put on. I say daily to my family that I'm just a grown up kid. I think it's so important that we don't get stuck in the day to day things and forget to smell the roses, the violets and everything else. After cancer I was given the gift of remembering the blessing that life is. I giggle, I walk barefoot in the grass, I look up at the sky at night with awe of the stars and thank thank and thank God for what we have. Your hub gave me goosebumps and made me feel good. You know your such a good hub friend to me. Your writing is exquisite, real and always a uplift and inspiration. Thanks for being you Billy~Now I must go and check out the incredible woodpecker that's out my window
Although I pride myself on being that person who still enjoys the early part of the morning when the sun is just coming up, my ultimate goal is to make it back up to that mountain and hang glide into my fear.
Billy - I believe those of us who have truly lost almost everything as well as so many dear loved ones learn to appreciate what is matters most in this world.
But not today - Sandy will toss me like a small piece of tissue!
This is one of my faves by you so far Bill! I say 'so far' because I know you have many more drops of knowledge to share with us. Your uplifting hub is a pleasure to read and share.
This was just wonderful Bill. You really do have a knack for inspiring us and making us think. I do remember laying in the grass and staring up at the clouds. I think we all need to lay in the grass every now and then. Thanks for making my day a little better. Bill
What an awesome hub. The beauty of being an older parent has been that my daughter has reopened my eyes to the wonder of the world around us and so far these 10 years have been a wonderful ride.
- Author
Beckie, yes, I think it is wise not to do any hang gliding. Sandy wants her time in the limelight so just give it to her; she will cause whatever damage she feels like causing, and then we will move on with life like we humans always do. Be safe my dear friend.
bill
- Author
Thank you Christy! This is Bev's favorite so far; I'll tell her you said you like it best. :)
- Author
Minnetonka, thank you for your friendship; you made an old writer very happy with those words. Life is a miracle and needs to be treated as such. To miss out on the lovely moment of star-gazing or woodpecker viewing is to miss out on so much of life. Thank you for being who you are!
- Author
Bill, it is my pleasure, and thank you for the kind words; I greatly appreciate it.
- Author
Glimmer, you obviously get it! Kids do have a way of helping us to focus on what is truly important. Thank you for that great comment my friend.
Bill - you make me smile - it's as simple and basic as that! I feel good when i come to visit - and always better when i leave!
i adore morning - early, early - me, coffee, and the world - alone with each other for that very special moment - and - you make me feel that here!
i have lived life to the fullest - and like you - was given a second - AND a third chance..
i will never forget and i will be grateful every single day!
Well, it's time to go take a little nappy-poo - it took soooo long to get all the way down here and i'm absolutely exhausted from scrolling..LOL..
hub-sharing, my friend!
- Author
Leslie, I'm so sorry about the scrolling issue! I don't know how in the world I can stop it, unless I choose to start doing recipes. LOL Just kidding all of you recipe writers!
Yes, getting that second or third chance certainly does open our eyes, doesn't it? I'm sure glad you are still around to keep me company.
By the way, you paid me a huge compliment....if I make you smile and feel good, then I figure I have done my job as a writer, so thank you!
Bill, this is my second visit here and I enjoyed the read again. Such a good message on how to live life to the fullest. It's the simple things we enjoy that make life so wonderful. Just sat with my hubby today and chatted... nothing special, but so good to have a time to laugh together. Yes, have you ever? Voted up.
- Author
Dianna, thank you for telling me about the time you spent with your husband. Those are the moments that truly define our lives. I know that you understand that. :)
Have you ever jumped in the ocean waves until you can't jump anymore...have you ever stayed up all night talking and laughing with a friend...have you ever crawled on the floor playing trains with your grandson....you are so right, its never too late to be a child and see the world with childlike eyes. Its never too late to remember how the love of your life became the love of your life...as always Bill, great hub with great thoughts.
Voted up, awesome, and interesting.
- Author
Arielqiao, there are many who need positive reinforcement in life; I am happy if my writing does that. Thank you!
- Author
Mary, I'm so happy to hear from you after that storm. Yes, jumping in the waves.....so much fun in life and so little time my friend. Thank you!
Beautiful sir! this was a hub in motion for me, every word I read, was a picture before my eyes. Such a beautiful message, sometimes we just fail to look at things right in our way, don't we? A pleasure to read, thank you :)
- Author
Shruti, I greatly appreciate you and I hope you know that. You are so young and yet so wise and in touch with what is important in life. Thank you my dear friend.
It is up to the individual to make life enjoyable and if one fails in that part life would be boring, with such simple ways life can be most beautiful. You have opened the freedom of life in your Hub
- Author
DDE, I love life, and I'm happy that my love came through in this hub! Thank you for a great comment, and I wish you blessings as you go on with your life.
I love the line, "as it should be." In my life's journey, I haven't always agreed with the choices that seem to have been placed on my blueprint for life but I do recognize that every single important thing has happened to get me to this very moment. Sometimes I was being pushed, at other times pulled and there were moments I had to be dragged but, here I am! You're a constant source of inspiration and insight. Thanks for your positive and loving work. -K
- Author
Krsharp, I understand that completely...more often than not, I was dragged. :) I think perspective comes from the hardships and the inner-battles; at least it has for me. :) Thank you for your kind words my friend. Someone once told me...."Bill, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is the war is over; the bad news is you lost. " I remember that often!
Have I ever? Yes, I have! I love your Hub though it made me feel a little guilty.
Guilty of trying out too many things, crossing too many boundaries and acting crazy too many times.
But hey, I lived! And I still do, taking risks, feeling young as a kid but wise as a woman though one thing I will never enjoy....
The cold, the shivers, the early morning fog or frost. My worst nightmare to be honest...LOL
But you've seen my last Hub and walked with me, so I'm right where I want to be:-)
Up, shared and Beautifully written!
Living life to the fullest, has taken on new meaning these days, as we are all discovering.......In 2012, if we have a full belly, a full gas tank and a full schedule of working, scrimping and saving ....we are living life to the MAX!! which rhymes with TAX....aka the knife in our BAX!
- Author
Escobana, okay, maybe you don't need the cold and the shivers. LOL I love that you take risks and chances, and that you live life to the fullest. There will be time to rest when we are dead; until then, LIVE LIFE!
Thank you!
- Author
Paula, you are in rare form this morning. Love the poetry at the end. I would love it more except that it rings very true. Sigh! Well, at least those of us who know how to live frugally don't have to fall as far!
Thank you Paula!
I love the message in this hub :) Makes me think of that saying.. "live each day as if it were your last" and it's true. We really don't know... and with all of the beautiful things we have to see and do, it truly is a shame to let it pass us by. Thank you for another great hub :)
- Author
Thank you, Jamie! I always enjoy having you pay me a visit. I have to see if you have done anything new lately...I'll be right over. :)
Bill, I say 'yes' to all those things, with the exception of experiencing uncondtional love from someone other than family. I'm not sure that's even important to me anymore. At my point in life, I'm busting out and doing with life what I've dreamed, at least part of if. I did always dream of having a love that never stopped tickling, but that has fallen to the wayside. Maybe one day? Maybe one day I'll want that again? For now, I'm satisified with becoming the person I want to be. For the moment, I'm the only character in the book.
- Author
Sha, I haven't read you start to finish, but I'm pretty fond of your book so far! Great main character!
What are you doing on here on a Monday? Very nice to see you my dear!
love and hugs,
bill
I can relate to this hub very intimately.... Mostly to the holding a new born...
My sister is 10 years younger to me... and I was the first from the family to hold her when she was born... and feeling is tough for words to explain...
Happiness is something we all seek.... but you know Sir Bill... most youngsters at my age .. say have developed a very twisted meaning of happiness.... I wonder why is that... That is why i currently live alone... cause none of the folks around me think the way I do.... absolutely none...
I seriously hope some redemption for them
As for the hub... awesome in every sense
- Author
Rahul, you are so young and yet you feel so deeply. That is a combination we don't see often in this world. I know it is painful at times, to feel so deeply....but the world needs people like you, Rahul, so keep on being the person that you are.
Thank you my young and wise friend.
113