Wise advice from my favorite doctor:

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

So much about the quality of life is really how we chose to look at it. It’s where and what we chose to focus our attention on. The quote above, from Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, perfectly illustrates that point.

Think of anything good that has ever happened in your life. A special relationship, a great vacation, the best school year ever, an incredible concert, your business taking off. Anything. The laws of the universe dictate, unfortunately, that all things will eventually come to an end. At some point, something is gone. A void will be created. When things that matter no longer exist, we are conditioned to focus on the loss and sadness that accompany it.  It’s a very natural reaction, one that I’ve quite often experienced myself.

WHAT IF… With our understanding of the temporary nature of all things, what if we could use that wisdom to change our response to life when what was no longer is?

The cornerstone of Living Half Full is appreciating all that you are and all that you have…right now. It’s about living a life of awe and gratitude for the life that you have…right now. It’s looking at the events of your life and the people and relationships within that life with reverence, gratitude, and appreciation. It’s considering yourself fortunate to have experienced something wonderful that now may be over. It’s learning to smile simply because it happened and you got to be a part of it!

OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE The moments of life are forever fleeting. Time isn’t waiting for anyone. It’s all temporary. Within the precious moments of our lives our greatest challenge is to live fully within each of those finite moments. To be fully present and engaged, extracting all that life’s moments have to offer.

It is unrealistic to expect never to cry when things are over. Beating hearts are just not wired that way.  But by remembering and cherishing what it was that you were fortunate to be a part of, the rain of tears will eventually give way to the sunshine of a smile. You’ll have realized how blessed you were to be a part of something great!

Only you get to chose how you respond to the events that shape your life.

Smile.

Live in awe of who you are.

Appreciate everything.

It’s a great day to be you!