We all do it. We all live. But sometimes we find ourselves asking questions.
How can I best live my life?
How can I make this life work?
How can I make my life count?
Well, clearly I don’t have all the answers. I live every day with far more questions than answers, believe me.
But try out these three simple steps. See if they work for you like they work for me.
These are not my instructions for life. They come from the American poet Mary Oliver –
Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
Pay attention
Open your eyes. Look around you.
Lift your eyes. Look up.
Engage all of your senses. See. Hear. Smell. Taste. Touch.
Notice new life. Notice life in all its fullness and complexity and diversity.
Be astonished
Be amazed. Be very amazed.
Awe is the natural by-product of Step One. If you are truly paying attention, then you cannot fail to marvel.
Embrace wonder. Be like a child. Linger. Enjoy. Really enjoy.
Close your ears to the cynics who would choose to suck the wonder out of your world.
See the light in everything. And everyone.
Tell about it.
Let this sense of wonder burst out of you. It cannot be contained.
Speaking out is the natural by-product of Step Two. You have something wonderful to share, so share it!
Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t be ashamed.
You have a story to tell. A unique story. A unique perspective. A unique take on the world.
Don’t keep it to yourself.
Share the good stuff. Share the wonder.
Share the love. Share the light.
This is a life well lived.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.
