If you read this blog often, you know I love a good quote. I collect them and use them every chance I get. Here’s my latest favorite:
Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
–Howard Thurman quotes, Philosopher and Theologian
If you like this quote as much as I do, I have a challenge for you. For the next week, observe yourself to see what makes you come alive. With that in mind, I’ve come up with my own list:
- natural beauty–taking a walk by the mountain stream near my home
- writing and getting into the flow of creativity where I lose track of time
- visiting with my daughters or visiting with good friends where we talk about deep, interesting subjects
- playing with our animal family (2 dogs, 3 cats)
- watching a really good movie or reading a great book
- anything that makes me laugh. I love to laugh
- Howard Thurman quotes
What about you? What makes you come alive?
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Great list! For me, I’d include all of yours and add on:
Fun, fast rides such as the swings at the North Carolina State Fair
Birthday cakes
Music, especially great classical pieces and oldies
Still looking forward to a post on The Secret Sense of Wildflower — no rush at all!
Hi Barbara,
I love your additions! Although, I’m not into the fast rides at the fair. (I can’t believe I used to do those double-looped roller coasters at Opryland and Six Flags when I was younger.) These days, I would be the friend who watches from the sidelines and smiles and waves at you every time you come around!
Thanks for stopping by. I will email you about the post! Thanks again for the offer.
From one of our wonderful email subscribers:
“Wow…This blog brings a smile to my heart! Off the top of my head, here are five things that make me come alive:
Remembering a good time spent with a dear friend or loved one.
Listening to the silence in a dark room.
Receiving a letter or message; (particularly a hand-written one)
Watching children at play.
Taking a train ride, anywhere.
It just occurred to me when I read my third entry, the reason I would rather text than call someone on the phone. You have to think about what you write. How many times have I seen someone making faces at the phone as someone on the other end was just jabbering away? (lol….Peace)”
You’re channeling me on a couple of levels. First, I too decided to do a quote as a blog post this morning, something I rarely do. Second, I am thinking of the next thing I’d like to do after finishing up my novel, and it’s something the world doesn’t “need” (not another iPhone app, I’m afraid) but it makes me come alive. Getting the funding to start it is the tricky part. I’m convinced it would either be a huge hit or a huge flop.
And reading your posts makes me come alive. Helps to realize there are other people going through the same thing.
I say go for it, John. It’s like Joseph Campbell used to say about following your bliss.
Also, it’s nice to hear my posts make you come alive, too!
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Here’s another comment from a lovely email subscriber:
“Hi Susan, The things that make me come alive. Good question!
Smelling coffee brewing every morning.
Visits to my therapist.
The sound of rain (we don’t get much of it in Ca.)
Freshly mowed lawn.
Flowers sitting on my kitchen table.
Walking with my grandson on a Saturday morning
Wow, I could go on and on but I don’t want to bore your readers. I loved doing this exercise because it made me realize how many things do make me come to life. Mary”
> Smelling coffee brewing every morning
BIG THUMBS UP.