Up until now almost all of my life has been about education, about preparation, about getting ready for the "course" of my life. And now, so to speak, the "course" of my life is finally beginning. The time is finally here for ME to write the story of my life.
Over the last, nearly, 22 years I have witnessed a lot of people's stories unfold. And with that have also listened to a lot of perspectives on how to live life. And I think it is important to listen to other's words of wisdom but in the end you have decipher which of these words speak truth.
One of my favorite places to draw from is of course the Bible. Some people want to quickly throw out the Bible because they do not believe in Christianity but, the Bible can only be one of two things. It can be words form God, as I believe, or it can, at the very least, be words form wise philosophers whom have observed lives for thousands of years thus either way the Bible should be considered a pearl of wisdom.
One story in the Bible that I think really applies to the secret of a successful life is in Luke. Peter and the other fisherman had been unsuccessful in catching fish and they were then directed to turn to their boats and to go out deeper and let down their nets again. Which they did and when they did so they were met with enormous success. Here are the words that were told to them "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets."
In some ways these words are a metaphor for life. Launch out into the deep, don't live in the shallows. Live in the deep waters. Grasp every ennobling experience thats available to you. Embrace every dimension of living that challenges you, that educates you, that elevates you. Live for purposes greater than yourself. Loose yourself in the service of others. Don't mindlessly conform. The promise here is that when you launch out into the deep your nets will be filled.
Mitt Romeny says one way of launching into the deep is getting married. He says "if you love someone, get married. Compiling your life with another person is challenging and rewarding. Some people choose not to get married because they want to take more time for themselves, others plan to wait well into their thirties to get married and by doing this are going to miss out on so much of life." People say being married are the most difficult years of your life and yet the best at the same time.
Sounds like a paradox but, doesn't it make sense? They are the best years in part because they are the most difficult years! When your living to the fullest beyond yourself, beyond comfort, life is most full and exhilarating.
Romney also says your occupation is also a part abundant living and launching yourself into the deepest waters. "It's not by happenstance that we earn our daily bread by the sweat of our brow." Your job expands your skills, your abilities, your energy, and your time. Diving into your profession with hard work and passion will leave you feeling exhilarated.
The depths of life experiences are beyond description because you can only live it. And thats what I plan on doing taking changes, living outside of my comfort zone, taking opportunities thrown my way, and making memories.
In 28 days I move to Oxford Mississippi, in 30 days I begin my new career, and in 98 days I marry the love of my life. ( I look forward to keeping this blog updated on my ventures!)
