Survive to Thrive

So I've had a little dry spell from blogging recently, and it was upon receiving an email from my uncle a few days ago, that I was actually inspired to write something. He just celebrated his 2nd 'birthday' after a successful treatment of stem cell therapy, & in the wake of surviving a very serious autoimmune disease (because he did just that-- survive) something Shahriar wrote really struck a cord with me.

He said: "I choose to live."

The enormous weight of this very simple statement hit me like a concrete brick. "I Choose to live." What a powerful declaration these four words hold. Just the application of words provokes thought & contemplation. "Choose" being a proclamation of self-determination, & "life" being a promise to do just that- live. It inspires you to reflect on your own life, like a teacher writing her student a progress report that should be taken home to mom & dad.

Once you "graduate" into adulthood, you start to realize that it is you who writes the lesson plans & has the true power to change your life. If you want to live a healthier life, or want to practice more compassion with those around you, or hey-- if you even want to be more successful at work-- it is in your hands. You are your own boss. You are your own judge. & You are your biggest supporter cheering you on from the sidelines. Nobody is going to tell you to eat your vegetables, or to offer the homeless man on the corner fruit from your own basket but, YOU.

Life life in the driver seat-- not to the right (or left for my Brits) in the weaksauce passenger seat. Take ownership of your actions. Push down on the gas when you are tempted to brake. Life is as meaningful as you make it. Do not let your time on this planet be squandered away in vain.

Because life is a present that cannot be wrapped & regifted.

Take the "plastic covering" off your "couch," and get that baby dirty. Go outside and smell the trees. Swim. Play. Laugh. Draw. Love. Inspire. & Create. Submerse yourself in the vast shades of greens and blues that Mama Nature has created for you. Her most perfect creation amongst a world of living things. And let the yellow rays of sunshine that illuminate your life be marked in happiness & humbleness. As I have been humbled..

Because as my dear uncle so brilliantly put it: I choose to live.

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* I would like to dedicate this post to my uncle Shahriar, who inspires those around him with his lust for life on the daily.