Friday, April 1, 2011

the key to living artfully...


Someone once said, "I think everything in life is art." I think that's true. But, I think the key to living artfully, and savoring this beautiful life we've been given, is passion. We must live passionately.

Three years and one month ago, I wrote this:
Living passionately is important to me. I think if you asked my husband, Jeffrey, to describe me in three words, passionate would be his first. I couldn't resist. I just asked him. I was right.

Here it is. I live big. At least on most days I do. I believe that life is better when you laugh. That laughs are better when they are loud and long. I believe that you should never miss a chance to ride an upside-down roller coaster. And that when you ride it, you should keep your hands up and definitely scream your head off. I believe that dreams are valuable in their own right, but that the best dreams have hands and feet. I believe that life is too short to waste. So turn off the TV and start talking. I believe that to live passionately, you must live with intention. And thoughtfulness.

So.

Let's think. Let's think about how we live. How we choose to spend our time. About what is important to us. And what isn't. About what brings us joy. And how we can bring joy to others. Let's think about our personal passions. Won't you join me?
For one month each year, I invite blogging friends to join with me in a celebration of passionate living. April is that month. Let's celebrate personal passions. There will be frequent posts, special guests, and a give away or two. I hope you'll plan to join us.

18 comments:

Mrs. E said...

I'll be back! You inspire me!

Rita said...

Passionate is a very good word for you! You do live a passionate life in all you do, in all you say and in all you write. You are always fun to be around. I love you. I'm looking forward to all your "passionate" posts this month!

beth said...

i love that saying and just pulled it off of a tumblr website last night....along with a whole lot of other sayings. is that where you found it ?

anyhow, i think what you're doing sounds great and i'll join in the fun somehow :)

Scrappy Grams said...

When I got excited about learning from dear blogging photographers, I found my passion. It's the first I've felt since my loving mate died in 2006. So I welcome this month, the month of personal passions.

Gigi Thibodeau said...

You KNOW I'll be here, reading along!

I loved what you said about TV. We haven't had cable in several years and only use our TV to watch the movies that we select together at the video store or on Netflix. Life without television is a very good thing, indeed. I never miss it at all and it frees up oodles of hours for far more fun things, like coming to visit you.

Big hugs, lovely one,
Gigi

Jennifer Richardson said...

Excited about your
month of passion
and so feeling the whole
life is art
thing!
With you,
Jennifer

Erin Wallace said...

I'm excited about your month of passion! I've always been very restrained so I hope to learn a thing or two from you; living vicariously!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. Such an inspiration and always meaningful. I am joining you in celebrating personal passions. I think it's a wonderful idea.

Kyra said...

I believe in what you believe too..it's just one lifetime that we have, we can't afford to waste, we have to live it and fill it with all that we want to do, with our life force...We have to love this life, and I love mine, every single moment for me is to live and to live with all that I have to offer..njoii :)

Tracy said...

Passion and Joy those are key ingredients for the art of life, I couldn't agree more, Relyn! Lovely idea this... Once a month already have a special post, Being Here Now, in which I savor the delicious moments and little joys happening to me, sensual pleasure and more--it's one of my favorite posts to write. :o) Life is art... it is, and life too short not to relish to the fullest! Happy Weekend, my friend ((HUGS))

Amy said...

And that's what I love about you ... that you live with passion!

Jeanie said...

what a perfect quote! Passion is indeed glorious. Life is so short -- it's silly to waste it. I look forward to this month with you and fellow bloggers!

Jeanne said...

I love all of your postings
I love you

Roban said...

I can't wait to read more about living with passion. You are so right about the television. I confess that I've wasted many hours in front of that thing. Without it, we have time to create and share with others. This is the beginning of my spring break, so your post had perfect timing!

Char said...

i'm looking forward to participating

Anita said...

Love this post!

Marilyn Miller said...

I love joining you whenever I can. My passion is travel and soon I will be doing that. I do want to laugh more and louder, that is something I know I don't do enough.

Jaime said...

You have taught me so much about truly LIVING in the time that I have known you, Relyn. Your words are always so meaningful and bursting with passion.
You have helped me see how important it is to live with intention and deep appreciation.
I just love you.

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