I learned a lot about life this past year as first we sat beside Lou’s father as he moved on from his life and then as I spent the better part of the year fighting to get back to health. I’m not sure why those things happened back to back, but they humbled me, taught me so many life lessons and pushed me to grow into a better person, to live a better life. The RV and our travels are a direct reflection of that. As I lay in bed this year wondering if I would ever regain my quality of life I realized there are so many things that I’d put off doing, that I might not have the chance to do. With each day in bed I grew more and more committed to the idea that if I got better, I wouldn’t continue to choose work over play, to save for tomorrow all of the things that I want out of this life. I realized, during that time, that I’d strayed away from myself somehow, that I’d become a version of myself that wasn’t fully alive.
Travel and adventure are so important to me, have always been so important to me. To feel a deep sense of vitality I need to stretch my legs and see new sights, I need to feel uneasy about the unknown, I need to be awed by the magic of the world around us, I need to be outdoors. I’ve made that a priority since I’ve gotten healthier, and it’s completely changed my life. Each day I pinch myself when I wake up and look around at the landscape around me- I feel my spirit come alive as I run down the beach chasing a giant flock of seagulls, my heart feels like it may burst at the seams as I watch my husband and dogs explore this big beautiful world. I feel like I’ve started walking the path back to my true self, if that makes sense. It’s so easy to wander off the trail when life/society/expectations are pressing down. So I ask you, are you on the path you most want to be on?
I write all of this for those of you who haven’t had the crisis experience that’s forced you to take a long hard look at your life, to ask yourself does it make your heart sing, what you’re spending your days doing? Are you waiting for another day to live the life that you dream of? Because, as we know but have become so skilled at tucking away in the backs of our minds, tomorrow isn’t a promise- it’s a hope. It won’t come for all of us, or it may come but not look anything like we dreamed it would. So in that case, would you be doing anything differently today? Do you know what your dreams are? Are you living them? If not, what are you waiting for? This world is magical, this life is beautiful, it’s yours for the crafting. Please, live it hard. Live it with everything you’ve got. Be grateful for each day, for each moment, for each experience. Revisit the knowledge that tomorrow isn’t promised and let today be your greatest gift. xx- Sarah
Sarah, Your email spoke to me this morning. I had let the working portion of my life overtake my nights and weekends. Always waiting for the next “holiday” off work to spend with my family when every day is precious. Walking away from the computer/cell phone was a start. My Mom used to say “it’s the little moments” that make up life. I can’t get those years back but I can start today and go forward (with however many days I have in front of me) and make the most…make the BEST of each day. Thank you for your post. I often wonder, as you sit and type, if you know you are making a difference in bringing a smile or an inspiration, for so many of us. For that, I thank you. Hugs, Carmen
You are a brave woman. Fight on. Sending light and love from Ojai. Melissa
Lately I’ve been putting fun on hold because my stomach issues have been flaring up really badly, and I’m really busy between school and work. Today I said screw it, I’m writing a blog post for fun instead of doing my assignment. If I have to rush on the assignment and it’s not as good tomorrow, at least I enjoyed today!
Sarah, my friend showed me your blog + your post today. It is a beautiful reminder to us all. I love what you say about tomorrow being a hope + not a promise. This has become nearly cliche in our culture, to “live every day as if it was your last.” And then what do we do? Sit idly by and wait. Thank you for finding the courage to move + chase adventure. I love your blog + will definitely be back for more 🙂
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This was a much needed push for me to start thinking what I really enjoy and want in life after struggling with stomach problems for too long. Thank you for a blog that is so full of life and so inspiring! Have a beautiful day 🙂
Very inspirational quote “life is coming” thanks!
Lovely. I needed to read this today. Thank you Sarah <3
I just happened upon your blog this morning. Yesterday, I made the decision to leave my cubicle job that I have been so struggling to find any ounce of happiness in for the past 2 years. I’m going to leave and I’m going to do what I love and what makes me truly happy. As exciting as it is, it’s also equal parts terrifying – what if I fail? But this post, holy cow, it is exactly what I needed to read today. This is confirmation that I’m making the right decision. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I really enjoy your personal posts Sarah. They’re always so thought provoking and inspire me to be a better version of myself. Today, I spoke up and told a friend something she didn’t want to necessarily hear but what she needed to hear because I feel that she is self-destructing. It was a difficult thing to do and although she was upset with me, hanging up I felt confident I did the right thing. I don’t often confront people and the thought of it terrifies me at times but today I felt as if a weight had been lifted. It was a reminder to me that I do have a voice and I shouldn’t be afraid to use it.
I’m glad to hear you’re on a better path. And thank you for sharing your story with us readers 🙂
Taffeta & Tulips
Well said, Sarah! Sometimes it takes the world crashing down on us to make changes in our lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Enjoy your travels!
Yes yes yes. Thanks for sharing (and for that beautiful photo!). We all need to be reminded of this sometimes.
Sarah thanks so much for the much needed reminder.
wow…the timing of this entry …so grateful for this post (among others) but THIS ONE…thank you <3
This was incredibly inspiring. I’ve been feeling so tired and stressed from overextending myself, but this was the perfect reminder I needed this morning to start doing more of what I love.
Thank you, Sarah!
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