Hi Journal & Friends,
When I was 20, I thought I had forever.
In a few days I'll be 61... and now I think differently. I want to have not wasted this gift called Life. I want to BE the person I was created to be, to live a DELIBERATE life, to live on purpose and with passion.
This Time theme tends to
show up in my art, too...
I know some of you don't watch videos... you skim in 30 seconds and are off to the next blog... I get it, really. So, just for you, I'm including some of the lyrics from the video below. :-)
I was struck by it... how much it expressed my longing to live a life that matters, that leaves the world a tiny better for having been in it.
I Was Here
I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of timeKnow there was something that, and something that I left behindWhen I leave this world, I'll leave no regretsLeave something to remember, so they won't forget
I was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was here
I want to say I lived each day, until I dieAnd know that I meant something in, somebody's lifeThe hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leaveThat I made a difference, and this world will see
I was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would be
I will leave my mark so everyone will know
I was hereI lived, I lovedI was hereI did, I've done, everything that I wantedAnd it was more than I thought it would beI will leave my mark so everyone will knowI was here
I just want them to knowThat I gave my all, did my bestBrought someone some happinessLeft this world a little better just because
I was here.......
Some have cattily said it's an arrogant song by Beyonce, like she thinks she's "all that". Well, I don't see it that way.
I see it as someone who wants to LIVE their life with purpose, with intention, not wasting it and wanting to give back. To love and to be loved. To live a DELIBERATE life.
That's the cry of my heart, too. I don't need the applause of the audience, or my name in lights, or pats on the back. I DO need to know, in my heart of hearts, that I did my best to live, love, and give.
On my darkest days, I admit I cry and have regrets and feel I missed the mark. But most days now, I feel like I am at least reaching out, aiming higher, and trying to make Time count for something... to be the person God created me to be... "that I gave my all, did my best, brought someone some happiness, left this world a little better just because I was here..."
From Dr Phil's book: "Be realistic about what you can control and what you can't."
My verse for today: "Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
My quote for today: "I will live this day to it's fullest. Time is the coin of my life, and I choose to spend it wisely." --Carl Sandburg, paraphrased
Enjoy the Journey,
Loretta
=^..^=
DAY 878
15 comments:
Loretta, just for today, BE THAT PERSON that you so long to be. Just for today. I know you can do it for one day. Then tomorrow, do it again. and again. I believe in you!
Before I make another comment, I want to say I love that bit of "Time" art. I really, really like that a lot!
AND..the before pic. I'm glad you put that up, cause even with my faulty eyes, it's claer you've made amazing progress. Look at the before you. Look at the current you. What a difference. It's a clear transformation. Maybe it's not the AFTER AFTER, but it's definitely a good after. You just lOOK changed, better, prettier, more "whole".
And the next after..well, you keep at it. That's all we can do with God's grace, continue to work on it and make progress. Life is eternal. God has given up that...mortal life is finite, but immortal life, no one can take that from us. A resurrected body--perfect and unspoiled--is in our future. I can't run like THIS..but I will be able to run THEN.
I will work on this mortal body. You'll work on yours. But time is against us..we will age more and sicken and die. And then, REAL life begins. :D
But, hey, let's make the best of this, our time in the mortal flesh. :D
Onward.
((((HUG)))) I am with ya baby and I know whereof you speak... ♥
I think it's beautiful (as are you).
Happy birthday when it gets here! And happy day until then. :)
Loved the words to the song...and the sentiment that they hold. And it's a goal to shoot for, you know, living our best, giving our best.
And, better yet, I'm glad that when we fall short of that mark, which we all do, that Jesus paid the price and forgives. :D Yes, really glad about that!
HEY. We're the same age til Sunday. :D Then...you're oldeer than me! snicker.
Speakkng of that. Much of this post hit home for me. The wistfulness in parts of it. I've been a little distressed at the thought of being 60. So old. So much time passed... well, never mind. You expressed much of it for me.
Deb
P.S. Thanks for the kind words on my last post, by the way. They were like a warm hug from one who understands.
Beautiful song and something we should all strive for!
You have had such amazing results Loretta!
First, I have to say that the photo you posted from Christmas this year, you look gorgeous.
We have to make peace with our pasts. With all the things to hate, there were lessons and good things in those years. Those years shape us and make us who we are now.
There is so much to be grateful for. I once didn't see that. When I finally did, my whole world changed. And it's so much better for it. :) Keep reaching and seeking. Find the peace. And hugs when you need them. :)
I just looked at the before and after pics you have up. Amazing! Keep it up, you look great. I can not believe the difference. That is so cool.
You have such a sweet and kind 'written voice'. I wish mine came through like that...
It makes what you say really sink in and that's good because you have a lot of great stuff to share.
Maybe your struggles are some of what you are meant to use to have changed this world for the better. I'll bet you have made a real difference for so many by reading your story already.
I love your recent Christmas photo. You're very pretty, Loretta.
:-) Marion
I get it completely, It's my philosophy and hope too...and it really has nothing at all to do with the weight you are...it's what you are doing with your life,and if the weight is a hindrance to living fully get it out of the way...if the fear is a hindrance, get it out of the way, If the anger, or the job, or a person...whatever it is that keeps you from fully living...get rid of it..and the things that make it better you get more of..And you live each minute. That is not a song from a person that thinks highly of themselves...that is a song of someone who thinks highly of life. Big difference.
One day we will look back and say... OH! It was just that easy all this time? WOW!!! I got that... you got that! A gentle awakening!
:D
With the sentiments in the song...you have made a difference to my life--made an impression on me. I can always count on your support, and it means so much. No, your name is not in bright lights, but you are one of my favorite people even though we have never laid eyes on each other. I think I would choose you for a sister any day.
Thank you all for such wonderful, warm and kind comments!
Feeling all warm n fuzzy now. :-)
Two things:
1. You were the first person to ever make an impression on me here that lasted this long. Fake it until you make it and to have faith in what I can do. You definitely made a difference here. Enough to bring me back after a hard fall.
2. That Christmas Photo of yours is stunning. I mean downright beautiful. Who you are shines through so brightly!
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