Recently I read a post by John Cheever that said, “… and I think of what an enormous opportunity it is to be alive on this planet.” Talk about a positive view of living! I wonder how many of us have this mindset, because to be fully alive means engaging all that we are at a moment in time with all that touches us at that moment. Granted that this is my definition but I find it difficult to accept anything less.
Being fully alive is a mindset because it is an intentionality that is not only focused but active. You can’t interact unless you are active. Risky? No, I don’t think so. Not if we are to be all that we can be. And yes I know that this seems to carry with it an intensity that could be consuming. An example might help to clarify: think of something that you believe in to the point that it determines your actions. Do you have a principle or a philosophy or a passion that moves you? If you don’t… what’s stopping you? The price of commitment?
No one wants to live a watered down life yet many people do for lack of courage. It takes courage to be fully alive… fully engaged… fully active. ‘Fully alive’ is always individually defined because no one else can do (fill in the blank) but you. NO ONE can defined this for you, it’s your responsibility and your opportunity. Too often we let others’ definitions and expectations dictate who we are and the value associated with this… but there’s really no personal involvement.
Now is the time to do this, to be this. You are never too young or too old to start. But if you don’t know how to begin or where to start then stop. Stop where you are and take a look at where you’ve been – do you want to continue? If so, then you have your starting point. If not, then you need to decide where you need/can change to where you want to go. Your journey is yours. Being fully alive is a mindset that is worth pursuing…
…but, what do you think? what do you believe?
