But seriously, in this age of texting abbreviations, acronyms DO serve a useful purpose! Anyway, I came across one I really liked, so I thought I would share it with you. It’s called the “L-I-V-E” formula and it came from the Dawna Markova book, “I Will Not Die an Unlived Life–Reclaiming Purpose & Passion ” So, here it is:
L is for love…what do you LOVE to do? Make a list and then be sure to DO it.
I is for inner gifts…what are your natural talents? What do others come to you for? And back to “L”- what makes you happy? Go ahead, offer them to the world around you.
V is for values…what’s REALLY important? How do you want to make YOUR mark in the world? What is your legacy? What do you want to be remembered for?
E is for environment…we have such a grand opportunity to make a difference in our world and the world for our children. Don’t kid yourself. EVERY little bit matters. But the way to make the grandest impact is to surround yourself with those people, places, things, and conditions that bring out the BEST in YOU. It will help your career, your happiness and your impact on our wonderful world.
Go ahead and try it. Dare ya. L-I-V-E a little…or a lot! And don’t forget to laugh along the way.
Last week I took my kids to the island of Maui with a friend and his children. Making that trip is something I have wanted to do for several years now. I wanted to share the underwater world—it’s silence, beauty and awe, as well as the view from the top of the volcanic mountains—with my children. The trip was wonderful. I didn’t wear a watch.
Have you noticed the difference in the hurriedness of life in the city vs. the relaxed pace of a beach town? I notice it each time I go to Florida to visit my family. I enjoyed it again in Maui. I believe the beach folks have the right idea. While the beauty of the locale helps to remind them to stop, relax and reflect, I believe we can do the same anywhere…with practice and intention. Life is not meant to be rushed through. We can miss an awful lot if we don’t slow down. And truth be told, it’s much more enjoyable at a balanced pace. What is that saying? “Life is what happens when you are busy making plans.” I’m not saying we don’t need plans, but how about building in time for what’s really important? Time to take care of our bodies. Time for family –true attention to our loved ones. Time for meditation and prayer. Time to take in the beauty around us—even if it’s not in the light green crystal waters of Maui—there IS beauty. We just have to open our eyes, slow down, take in the sounds around us and experience life like a child. With wonder, amazement, and sheer enjoy. Try it! Aloha.
Awe Inspiring….and yes, a little shameless advertising while we were over there!
