Living a Full Life
What does it mean to live a full life? To live every moment to the fullest? Sometimes I look at my life and think… my… this is rather drab.
In doing some, ahem, research for Chris’ soon-to-be-launched dadblog, I discovered this guys bio and thought, now that’s an interesting person, lol.
You know the feeling, the itch, the urge, you get every now and then to DO SOMETHING GREAT? I get bored easily, I suppose. Having a baby was my last big accomplishment, and it wasn’t that terribly long ago (8 weeks almost! Woah!) My next big accomplishment will likely be declaring bankruptcy, which is not exactly something I’d put on my list of things I’m proud of 
Now, I know the everyday tasks of working and mothering are pretty grand, as uneventful as they may sound in comparison to riding elephants in Sri Lanka! But I don’t really want to look back on my twenties and remember ONLY the unspectacular everyday things I did. So many moms say this but, but… “I used to have dreams!” lol
Okay, I’m getting to a point here, I swear.
Chris and I have been talking about backpacking Europe (probably staying in hostels and mostly doing just one location — we are thinking Barcelona) for our 10 year anniversary. Which is in 3.5 years. We’ve had this idea for some time, and I personally wanted to take off to Europe with a backpack since even BEFORE Rory and Lorelai did it
This will require much planning, much saving, grandparents willing to watch the tots (this shouldn’t be too hard! lol), … and a vasectomy. But I want to announce it on my blog because I want a bit of accountability to work towards this goal.
Sometimes the survival of the “day to day” keeps us from seeing too far into the future. I hesitate to make a playdate for next week! But I don’t want to neglect the importance of making room for a few great experiences too. Life HAS to be about more than just paying bills on time, heh?
I’ll try to keep the blog posted as we intentionally work towards this goal. I’m going to start a little push pin board in my room dedicated to this plan. A nice little visualization tool, ha!
So, back to my original question- what does it mean to live a full life? What does it mean to you? Do you have some rare and amazing adventure to look back on or that you are planning for? I wonder what you guys dare to dream about…
8 comments
PawPaw rambles…
Our dreams of adventures can be in God-sync or ego-sync, even some of both. They can be legitimately alluring and/or fleeting illusions.
I believe a good goal is the development of a majestic and well-balanced personality. Wholeheartedly love and worship God,love and serve men and women; find increasing joy in fruit-bearing service.
We can hardly expect “to satisfy the curiosity or gratify all the latent adventure surging within the soul in one short life in the flesh…Harness your energies and bridle your passions; be calm while you await the majestic unfolding of an endless career of progressive adventure and thrilling discovery.” (UPapers)
Lovely thoughts. I am almost scared to dream bigger than paying off our monthly bills and credit card debt. It’s like I don’t want to get my hopes up of getting past broken down vehicles and trips to the ER because then the day to day will depress me. IDK Vivian. I think you’re right – life has to be about more than paying bills on time.
This reminds me that we have an eternal lifetime of adventures. Makes the twenties seem pretty microscopic!!! Thanks, dad
I know what you mean DeeDee… maybe its something we can do WHILE we strive to pay bills on time, something that makes the paying bills on time seem worth it? Perhaps that’s what this whole plan for backpacking Europe is for me… something to look forward to while I muddle through stuff like debt
I don’t dream that big I guess….I know the bills will get paid and if they don’t and it’s truly out of my control I won’t let it get to me. There are far more positive things to think about even if they don’t directly affect our day to day. I want to add to our family so badly
I don’t want to get depressed if it doesn’t happen right away…..but that’s my dream to have a bigger family and be a good parent.
Ps I want a girl b/c mason keeps asking for a little sister ;p
I didn’t know ya’ll were trying, Ryann. I will send prayers your way;)
Viv,
Lay it over to God and I’m sure you’ll get your wish or something better. In the meantime, continue to enjoy each moment.
I’m not sure I have any specific dreams besides having children. I do love and crave the experience of travel, like you.
Your post reminded me of something I read – was it Stephen Covey? – “Begin with the end in mind.” A little morbid to think of your own funeral, but imagining looking back instead of looking forward is an interesting perspective and ignitor.
Rachel
Good quote, Dad. What page/paper?
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