I don’t know where this originated but I stole . . . um borrowed this from my friend’s Facebook page because I found it full of inspiration and truth.
Here’s the thing, life is not worth living if we spend all our time worrying and stressing over things beyond our control. Life should be something we embrace every day with passion and joy.
I am hereby making a promise to myself to live my life as joyously as possible. I’m going to trust the universe to provide what I need, and meanwhile I am going to continue to work towards achieving the dreams and goals that I have for my life.
What exactly are those dreams and goals? Well they seem to be every-changing, but that’s okay. I happened to read a quote today from Martha Steward (not one of my usual sources, I admit). She said,
“My new motto is: When you’re through changing, you’re through. “
Changing dreams and goals is part of living. Learning how to embrace those changes to live a fulfilled and happy life is perhaps the most important thing we can do as individuals.
Again, I ask myself, what are my dreams and goals? I can only answer for this moment in time, but here is my list in no particular order of importance:
- Give Sarah a life full of opportunity, learning, and travel.
- Travel myself to visit all the places I still dream of heading (including England, Ireland, Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Alaska, revisiting Bali and Japan, and many places I haven’t even thought of yet).
- Write several books that actually get read, some for young adults, some non-fiction, some for adults.
- Direct some more professional productions for adults.
- Direct some more professional productions for children.
- Actually make a living as an independent, freelance writer/theater educator/theater artist
- Develop arts programming that makes a difference in people’s lives.
- Have a home that is my own. It doesn’t have to be huge, but something comfortable where we can live, create, and grow together as a family.
- Write a script and create a puppet show with/for Nathan.
- Find a way to merge my love of teaching/mentoring young women with all of the other passions of my life.
- Meet some of my favorite blogging buddies live and in person.
- Become healthy in body, mind and soul.
The list is long but not impossible. It is also a list that can last years, or change with time. I think for me it is not about achieving goals in a specific time period, but enjoying the journey as I work toward those goals.
All we need to know about life, then, is that life is worth living as passionately and beautifully as possible.


Aug 07, 2011 @ 13:27:01
Aah . . . that’s better.
Life should be more than a series of stressful moments strung together ad infinitum. Life should be a joyous journey of adventure and discovery.
On with the dance.
Aug 07, 2011 @ 13:34:02
Aug 07, 2011 @ 13:43:25
Great motto – hadn’t heard it before – when you’re through changing, you’re through. Yes!
Your personal goals look stretching (but maybe do-able) and worth trying for.
Aug 07, 2011 @ 13:46:10
Perhaps the stretch is part of the journey. I’ve never really been one for easy.
I know I may never achieve, but trying is half the fun.
Aug 07, 2011 @ 14:34:41
Great post…also…I sense in your replies a better feeling toward the future
you just sound much more…happier
Jaye
Aug 07, 2011 @ 15:11:22
It’s up and down Jaye, but I’m trying. Thanks for caring.
Aug 07, 2011 @ 20:14:52
I will tell you what you know:life is a process over which we have little control. The trick is to learn the value of the surprise. Nice to have a list so nice. Take care it is not your master. The ups and downs tell me you are oh so normal. Leveling off is still in the distance and reaching for being settled. Take this experience in dainty little bites, chew slowly. Swallow.
Before you know it you will have eaten the whole enchilada and digested it besides. Look how much confidence I have in you! Look in that mirror again and see that awesome woman the rest of us see all the time….workin’ it out.
Aug 08, 2011 @ 07:45:36
I think my list is still somewhat vague, and I want to keep it that way. When I am too specific about my lists, that’s when I start feeling like a failure for not achieving things on the list. So, I guess, I want a dream list that continues to be flexible and changes.
Aug 07, 2011 @ 21:11:11
Enjoyed your entry. And like the picture
Aug 08, 2011 @ 07:40:35
Thank you , and thanks for visiting.
Aug 08, 2011 @ 08:02:19
Great post! Love the last line, a lesson well worth learning. You have a great list of dreams, good luck with makign them all come true – you can do it!
Aug 08, 2011 @ 08:42:34
So can you Vicky! You know that, don’t you?
Aug 08, 2011 @ 10:10:54
Thanks Lisa. I needed a little kick to the rear from Optimism today!
Aug 08, 2011 @ 11:36:51
I’ll kick your rear if you kick mine. Well . . . you know what I mean.
Aug 08, 2011 @ 10:40:50
Your beautiful blog and message is inspirational. I have the words of Desiderata on my wall since the 1970′s and it is a comforting guide. Words seem to uplift me when needed.
Aug 08, 2011 @ 11:36:24
Thank you so much. Words definitely have the power to heal and uplift, as well a harm,
Aug 08, 2011 @ 17:29:12
I love your goals, Lisa! I too really want to visit Nepal and write some books–books that actually get read–great distinction, my friend! Hope you have a great week!
Kathy
Aug 08, 2011 @ 17:41:35
Kathy, I am sure that you will succeed in both those goals!
Aug 09, 2011 @ 06:20:04
I got this from a friend on FaceBook too! LOVE it!
Aug 09, 2011 @ 08:37:03
We are lucky Ed.