I had planned to save this post until December 31st, but Elizabeth Edwards' passing yesterday has inspired me to share my thoughts earlier. This quote from her has quickly made the rounds of the internet:
"I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious."
I hope that people understand the Best Year Ever will not end on December 31, 2010. I plan to live every year left in my life as the Best Year Ever.
Maybe it was turning 36. Maybe it was Nate and Alex growing from babies into boys. Maybe it was hitting 10 years with Jon. Maybe it was my skin cancer scare. Maybe it was another grandparent dying. Maybe it was reading "Everything Matters." Maybe it was Mondo Beyondo. I can't pinpoint the moment that everything in my life shifted, but it did shift, and I have not been the same since. I will never be the same.
Has 2010 been an awesome year? Yes. Have there been bad times in 2010? Absolutely. Jon has traveled a lot this year, particularly after the acquisition. Part of my hearing is permanently gone. We've hit a rough patch with the kids. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. But every day, I wake up and choose to focus on the positive. I choose to grab life by the throat and LIVE IT.
I find it particularly touching that Elizabeth's quote was on Monday, the day before she died. Tomorrow might be my day. Tomorrow might be the end. That little shift inside me... it realized my days on earth are limited and I want to be proud to look back at my life. I want to live my life in a way that inspires people and makes a difference. I want to leave behind a legacy of happiness and love and joy.
When I did Mondo Beyondo, we had a list of affirmations that we could turn to as we needed. We were encouraged to write our own and I wrote the first thing that came to mind: "There is something MORE." Every time I look at that paper, I am proud because 2010 has been a year of MORE.
And I plan (no, I DREAM) that each year until my time is over will be a year of MORE.
14 comments:
beautiful, laura. your commitment to living your life to the fullest, to making this world a better place, to leaving a wake of joy in your stead, shines brightly. it's infectious!!!
Thank you for putting this out there today. If ever someone was living Mondo it was Elizabeth Edwards.
I love your secret statement of all bets off to dream of something MORE.
You have definitely inspired me to take more risks, see more, do more, be more. Thank you my friend for being awesome!
Goosebumps, Laura! You have inspired so many! I'm grateful to you for being in my life!
It is infectious. I was to make every day the best DAY ever. I am writing "there is something MORE" where I can see it daily. Thank you.
I have no comment that is worthy of this post, so I won't even try. Instead I'll say thank you! It is a joy to know you and be your friend!
Sniff, sniff. Very touching. Maybe best life ever?
I am in awe of your Mondo life.
*hugs*
You have changed and it's easy to see, and also inspiring! There's another blogger that I read that always says she's sucking the marrow out of life. Between the two of you, I definitely get out of my comfort zone more and do extra things with my kids. Now to do more for just me!
Love it!
I love you.
That is all.
I love your positive, and kind heart. I am so proud to call you a friend. xx
**tear** seriously. This was lovely!
I've never posted a comment on your blog before but I've always meant to - I've been reading your blog for probably a couple of years (friends with a few of the Boston twin mamas you know and a MOT myself). I was inspired by this post to come out of my lurker status to say how much of an inspiration YOU are to me. You've inspired me, who only has a one-way online relationship with you, to be a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, and better to myself. In addition to everything else, I hope you also realize what a contribution you are making to others. Truly, thank you for your blog!
- A longtime lurker who promises to make a New Year's resolution to comment more
Great post Laura, just beautiful! I am so impressed with your "shift" this year! You continue to inspire us all to not only be good to your family, but to cherish yourself, to appreciate every day to LIVE, to DREAM!! I am so very impressed and I seriously wonder if you sleep.
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