Just Keep On Livin'

The above quote is from Matthew McConaughey's latest personal ‘approach’ book (as he calls it) Green Lights.  If you haven't yet listened to it, run don't walk to get your copy… it's 100% worth your time and energy. 

Throughout his writing McConaughey's through message resonates loud and clear…

“Just Keep On Livin'!”

Just keep on livin' this one precious life.   

Just keep on livin' the moments before you. 

Just keep on livin' even when things feel like they are crumbling around you…. 

Just keep on livin', because we never know where the road before us leads and what twists and turns we might encounter…. 

But if we aren't enjoying the ride, how can we appreciate the final destination? 

In my last message to you I mentioned the tragic, recent loss of my Uncle.  Just days to follow there was a completely unnecessary act of hatred that was conducted in our home town, leaving two police officers (one of which my sister and I went to elementary school with) dead and their families behind. 

I bring these stories to the surface not to bring you sorrow (quite the opposite really)… 

but to inspire you to live the one beautiful life you have before you. 

Today, not tomorrow. 

During a recent training I was part of one of the spiritual greats, Tara Brach, asked us to reflect on the following passage: 

“Let the beauty you love, be what you do.”  Rumi

Then she asked:  

“What do you love?  What are the experiences you love that serve your inner being?”

… then she stated:  

“Do more of that!

How you live today is how you live your life.” 

Most of us find ourselves tumbling into what's next in life, without savoring the moments set right before us.  

Does any of this sound familiar? …

“When I get the degree then I'll get the job.  When I reach that point in the company, then I'll be happy.  When I find the man/woman then my life will be complete.  When my kids are finally out of the house, then I can find some peace and quiet.  When I get a handle on the alcohol, then I can feel rested and energized in my body.  When……….”

What about right now?  

What about all the things that are happening all around you as you stress, push, strive and land in the future. 

We are called Human BEINGS not Human DOINGS for a reason. 

Consider this….

Swap out that perpetual To-Do List for a To-Be List.  

“What do you love? What are the experiences you love that serve your inner being?”

Start your To-Be list… and make a commitment to do more of that each day of your life!

• Being in nature
• Swimming in the ocean
• Playing with my girls and hearing them laugh out loud
• Making delicious food in my kitchen with Bob Marley on the record player and candles/incense burning in the background
• Hugging my grandmother
• Hiking in the mountains where I grew up 
• Feeling the wind in my hair as the boat glides atop the water
• Sitting on my back porch with a cup of coffee in hand
• Grabbing quality time with one of my soul sisters
• Getting quiet and listening to the birds outside my window as I journal 

What's your To-Be list?  What brings your heart and soul joy today? 

This life is a gift, don't forget that.  Don't let the little things cause you to miss the big picture.  

“How you live today is how you live your life.”