A sneak peek at some new Living Wide swag that will be available soon. In order to gain traction, an idea has to answer the most basic question: why? And here, the answer is simple. By living wide, you live well. And it's our mission to bring that simple goal into everyone's reach.
Insights
Positive, Effective, Unstoppable Determination
You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your grief and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.
Ralph Marston
#yes
#determination
#intention
#keepmoving
Shared from the amazingly inspirational Jeannie Kern.
Fake Camus
In the midst of struggle, I found there was, within me, an invincible peace.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible joy.
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy.
For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me,
within me, there’s something stronger - something better, pushing right back.
Albert Camus
So, this quote (and there are several versions floating around) is often mistakenly attributed to Albert Camus. Turns out that none of them are his work. He did write about the midst of winter and an invincable summer, and perhaps seeking economy of words, he thought that enough. Other anonymous authors seemed to think his words needed elaboration, and more than a few have taken a crack at it. Setting the authorship of specific words aside, it is a beautiful idea, an idea that was his, and is oh so true. When we open our hearts, incredible strength can be mustered in the darkest of times. And when this strength is directed in ways that are productive and personally meaningful (that is, living wide) it’s amazing what can happen.
On the Shortness of Life
The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today…
The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.
Seneca, On the Shortness of Life
By "immediately," of course, Seneca meant "wide." And it's good advice for all of us, whether we are fighting poor health, or not.
Learning to Ask for Help
Shared from the incredible Niki Hardy (www.nikihardy.com).
It's often difficult for those dealing with critical illness to ask for help. But it sure is worth the risk. One of the blessings of an otherwise tragic circumstance is that your eyes can be opened to the goodness that is all around you.
We'll be friends forever, won't we?
The whole family went to the Alliance Theatre this afternoon to see their 50th anniversary production of Winnie-the-Pooh. The audience was close to three quarters young folks and, while a bit noisy at times, it was fun watching the play through their eyes. And I was reacquainted with the wonderful simplicity and innocence of Pooh. One of my favorite exchanges:
"We'll be friends forever, won't we Pooh?" asked Piglet.
"Even longer," Pooh answered.
Forever is an unsettling idea when you tend to measure the value and quality of life by its length. But when you focus on the width of your life, you open a new dimension without limits. A channel through which you can pack so much joy and meaning into each and every day that the idea of forever is transformed into something magical. A measure that is both infinite and can be experienced compacted into each and every moment of our lives. Pooh and his colleagues in the Hundred Acre Wood are far smarter than most give them credit for. And that is what has always made them special to generation after generation.
Living Wide to Live Well
A lifetime is a moment
a heartbeat,
or if you're lucky — a few.
Live every blade of grass
Soar with your wings while
you still can fly.
Taste every fleeting second
Bloom towards the infinite sky.
Terri Guillemets, "Lifebloom," 2011
The shortness of our lives, whether truncated by critical illness or not, sometimes robs us of today. While we are busy worrying about the end of our life, to come at some uncertain point in the future, we miss opportunities for joy in the present. Living Wide is about filling every day with meaningful experiences that swell our hearts. That make us laugh. That make us love and feel loved.
Live every blade of grass. Soar while you can still fly. Taste every fleeting second. In the face of the profound uncertainty that we all share, its the only strategy that makes any sense.
Living Wide
And Here Goes...
With credit to the amazingly courageous Ray Newt.
Forging Relationships, Building Community
The incomparable cancer advocate, Chris Draft, whose beautiful wife passed away from lung cancer shortly after they were married, loves to say, “we have to love on our own.” We have to make sure they feel loved. By “our own,” Chris means lung cancer survivors, breast cancer survivors, colon cancer survivors, critical heart patients...you get the point. Anyone struggling with a life threatening diagnosis. AND all of those that care for these warriors and struggle through their own battle. My own journey has been defined by the goodness of people that have been everywhere I’ve looked. Old friends, new friends, family, fellow survivors, doctors and clinicians, caretakers...even strangers. I have been buoyed up by an abundant love that, like Chris, I want everyone to experience. It’s imperative. Only the goodness and love of others can make the survivor’s journey bearable. Or dare I say a blessing? That is what Living Wide is all about. Hope for everyone. Joy and grace for everyone. A smile and a hand whenever needed. Join us. And spread the word. We need everyone to make this work. Forging relationships and building community. We’re just getting launched, but check back regularly...there’s much more to come.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
It's night before it's afternoon.
December is here before it's June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is famous for being a children's author but offering something for everyone. Likewise, this question, "How did it get so late so soon?" is not just for those with life-threatening illnesses. We will all ponder it at some point in our lives. And that's why Living Wide is not just for some of us, but all of us. Live wide, brothers and sisters! And encourage everyone around you to do the same.