It seems like so many of us drift through everyday                                                                     life just waiting for the chance to escape from it, dragging ourselves through the week just to get to that weekend “get-away”, finding a retreat to go to, or, at the other end of the spectrum, engaging in unhealthy and self-violent activities in hopes of forgetting about life. Withdrawing, retreating from Life, essentially means not wanting to live it.

What can we do to live life to the fullest and not run from it? Acknowledging life as it is and, if possible, taking steps to change it is a start. That could be anything from finding a job you enjoy to eating better. Finding acceptance and gratitude for the things we cannot change can instill a sense of peace and open us up to lessons we need to learn. And embracing all that makes life life will open our eyes to the beauty that life is. Live life to the fullest by seeing the beauty in the everyday happenings of life: work, chores, caring for others, taking care of one’s health…

This Chinese Proverb epitomizes Living Life to the Fullest:

Before Enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water.

After Enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water.