Have you ever hiked a mountain?
I used to live in the foothills of the Rockies, at an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level. The air was definitely thinner up there. For someone like me, with exercise-induced asthma, it made physical activity that much more challenging--but there was nothing better than a hike up the mountain. To stand on the ledge and look out over the valley... Wow. Talk about perspective. You could see clear out to the lake, and at night? You've never seen stars so bright! Below was a sea of glittering lights, and above, the world was alive with miraculous wonders.
Perspective.
Do you have a vision of who you want to become, or what you want your life to be like? True happiness comes from accomplishing something, being able to climb the proverbial mountain of life, take in the view, and marvel at what's been accomplished. --But it doesn't happen without planning, work and perseverance.
I've been writing my entire life. No, literally. Before I could use words, I created pictures to tell stories. When words were inadequate, I turned to music. All three mediums satiate my need to create, to share, to build the world about me. I submit that this is part of the human condition: the need to create.
So what is it you are creating? Memories? A legacy? Success? And do you make a conscious effort behind them? More importantly, when you hit the pinnacle of your life, what is it you hope to turn around and view?
For me it will be a beautiful family with strong values, friends, memories of service and love, jagged moments of growth and overcoming, a writing career, and significant quantities of cheese.
So how about it? What is most important to you--and what are you doing to make it happen today?
I used to live in the foothills of the Rockies, at an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level. The air was definitely thinner up there. For someone like me, with exercise-induced asthma, it made physical activity that much more challenging--but there was nothing better than a hike up the mountain. To stand on the ledge and look out over the valley... Wow. Talk about perspective. You could see clear out to the lake, and at night? You've never seen stars so bright! Below was a sea of glittering lights, and above, the world was alive with miraculous wonders.
Perspective.
Do you have a vision of who you want to become, or what you want your life to be like? True happiness comes from accomplishing something, being able to climb the proverbial mountain of life, take in the view, and marvel at what's been accomplished. --But it doesn't happen without planning, work and perseverance.
I've been writing my entire life. No, literally. Before I could use words, I created pictures to tell stories. When words were inadequate, I turned to music. All three mediums satiate my need to create, to share, to build the world about me. I submit that this is part of the human condition: the need to create.
So what is it you are creating? Memories? A legacy? Success? And do you make a conscious effort behind them? More importantly, when you hit the pinnacle of your life, what is it you hope to turn around and view?
For me it will be a beautiful family with strong values, friends, memories of service and love, jagged moments of growth and overcoming, a writing career, and significant quantities of cheese.
So how about it? What is most important to you--and what are you doing to make it happen today?
Perspective is such a good P word! The car rolling downhill means different things to the person standing at the top or the person in its path at the bottom. For one there is no danger at all, for the other--disaster!
ReplyDeleteFor now, I am working to help my husband with his dream of passive income so he can retire one day. Creatively, I am plotting some paintings I will work on once we get done with this house.
Happy P Day!
tm
Ooh! That car analogy is awesome. --And I love that you work so closely with your hubbs. Nothing better than being shoulder to shoulder with your bestie, eh?
DeleteYes, when I was younger we hiked and camped alot. Sometimes the hikes were more difficult then others, but always the view was worth it. Now, arthritis keeps from wanting to do things so difficult; though I still like to walk and see the beauty of nature.
ReplyDeleteI don't have goals that strong. I sorta of take each day as it comes. Creating...with my knitting and crocheting creating things for homeless folks. With my family love.
A-Z
I understand with the arthritis. My knees are my weak point.
DeleteI love that you use your time for something productive and giving. Two thumbs way up!
I don't know what happened to my post so I'll re-do. Your topic today hit home with me. I write. That's what I do. I love it. I love cheese. I have Havarti with dill in the fridge right now. Yum. I also homeschool. My youngest graduates next month. Woot woot!
ReplyDeleteMmmm. Havarti with dill... We are birds of a feather, eh?
DeleteThank you for stopping by my blog. Happy A to Z to U!
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and philosophically enriched blog-post! I absolutely agree with you that true happiness indeed comes from accomplishing something for which we need to persevere and prepare ourselves.
I love your blog, and I wish you would continue posting everyday even after A-Z
Aw, thanks. If I had the sanity--and my functional time-stopper, I'd totally stick with the daily schedule. Alas, there are kids to teach, books to write (and read), a house to clean, lessons to plan, cheese to eat... ;)
DeletePerspective is a good P entry.
ReplyDeleteI once was having a really terrible day. Then I started reading Slaughter House 5. Suddenly, my day seemed really great, so all I can say is perspective is key.
Because no matter how bad your life is, it could always be worse, eh? ;)
DeleteBeautiful post! So many great things to think about. I used to live in the Rockies too and I enjoyed hiking immensely, even though it was no easy task.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with a-z. :)
Sometimes the hard things are the ones that worth the greatest effort, eh?
DeleteWhat a wonderful and beautiful place to live. No wonder you pushed yourself up those mountains. A great P post.
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the A to Z!
I'm trying not to miss it. :)
DeletePerspective is an amazing thing! And when I lose it a bit, I certainly appreciate friends offering it again. Thanks for stopping by my A to Z at http://janiceperson.com
ReplyDeleteI have found the things you work hardest for, you tend to love and cherish the most. And you aren't kidding about those mountains. I still live at the foot and take my kids up there often. So beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for a Liebster. I like your style!
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