photo credit: Capturing Life – Capturing Memories
This was inspired by the short but powerful video at Jungle of Life. I think I want to watch it once a week for the rest of my life!
The quality of your life is up to you. Every moment is an opportunity to let go of the old and breathe in new life; to exhale fear and inhale love; to exhale pettiness and inhale magnitude; to exhale grandiosity and inhale grandeur.
Today, decide to make your life delicious, juicy and fun!
The following are suggestions based on my life and plan:
Wake up and smell the day
Go outside in the early morning and be grateful to be alive and while your out there smell the day!
Thrive on simplicity
Don't complicate you life. To me less is more because I don't want to spend time fixing and taking care of stuff. I don't purchase anything new until the old is worn out. My car, a VW beetle is 10 years old and still going strong.
Thrift shops, beauty schools and the library
These favorite places help me save money for traveling. The money I'm currently saving will be spent staying in a hotel at the bottom of the Grand Canyon and bungee jumping in New Zealand.
Spend time with people who matter
I only want to be with non-complainers, my family, friends and other weird, crazy and fun people.
Discovering new people, places & ideas
Blogging has allowed me to connect and know people from all over the world.
Make your life happy
Happy thoughts plus happy words plus happy actions = happy people. Karl can tell you how to "Work Happy" and enjoy life.
Absolute "No" List
Nope, I'm not going to judge, regret, gossip, or waste time doing other useless things that add nothing to the world. "No matter what you think you have no idea what is really going on" – Anasasi
Absolute "Yes" List
Katie helps people do kind, funny and silly and invites you to come along! On my list will also be using to magical phrases even more: I love you and thank you.
Take a risk
I'm going to live on life's edge. Risk taking is a way of life for bold people. Don't hesitate to take any step in the right direction, ever!
Rise above the ordinary
This is so easy to do when you stop following celebrities and tune out all media. Evita at Evolving Beings is an example of being extraordinary.
Take delight in life
I take delight in my family, friends, good food, a variety of music, children, the elderly, blue skies and sunshine.
Create good times for yourself Think of them as "Life's Coming Attractions." Peeps what good stuff are you creating for your future?
Loving relationships I'm makin' every relationship I have loving and peaceful. I don't have room or time for littleness or distractions.
Believe the best is yet to come
The best is yet to come for all of us. "Joy Girl, Megan is an example of the many, wise, friendly and caring people I've met online.
Create your own health care plan
In order to live a grand life I need to stay healthy. No one is more responsible for this than me! If you need a plan for health and wellness Stacey is your go to person.
Include nature
I want to live in the rainforest like Robin Easton did. She's going to tell us about it in her new book!
Dinner by candlelight When is the last time you set this scene at your table? Let's shake things up and see if we can do it once a week.
Appreciation and Gratitude There is nothing more powerful than living these out loud! We can't be grateful and unhappy at the same time.
Love life
Engage in it, give it all you've got. Write that book, make that phone call or call that date.
Life can be difficult, it's what makes us interesting, human and capable.
Celebrate that and positively anticipate your future. We are truly blessed!
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Related Posts
- 51 Tips for Living The Good Life
- 10 Tips To Living A Big & Bold Life
- Magic for Your Monday: Bold Steps for Living Your Dreams
- 2009: Twelve Months of Living Better with Less
- Green Living – Made Simple
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen! Great list and wonderful links to powerful thinkers.
.-= Mark´s last post…It’s Okay When We Don’t Understand or Remember All The Wisdom That Comes Our Way =-.
You have a knack for uplifting people and offering them tools to help themselves. That is a beautiful quality. Love and blessings to you!
.-= Liara Covert´s last post…Be the architect of your own life =-.
Hi Tess .. that’s a wonderful of expressing the way to go forward .. I love it .. so many good points .. a marker for us all – thanks and I love the sentences you’ve used and the way you’ve set it out. So good.
.-= Hilary´s last post…Rhinoceros chase – or how about a little rolling over with Hippopotami? =-.
I have watched this video many times since seeing it on Lance’s blog. Incredible…eye opening…life changing! Really puts everything into perspective… I know she is an angel!
.-= Caroline´s last post…Honestly I am more of a lover than a fighter…sometimes =-.
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Beautiful, perfect, and amazing…kinda like you, Tess!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last post…The P.I.T.A. Scale, and How it Will Change Your Life =-.
Yeah, this is a big one for me. Regret makes no sense for me, pragmatically speaking, since we can’t change the past. Yet I know how common it is. Just one of those things we can all benefit from getting out of our thinking patterns.
Eduard
.-= Eduard @ Ideas With A Kick´s last post…The ultimate tool for managing your emotions =-.
Hey Tess!
Love this article, especially the part about thrift stores, beauty schools, and libraries. I live less than a mile away from my library that I try to frequent often but don’t always make the time too and I LOVE thrifting! There’s nothing in the mall that can compare to an awesome buy at a thrift store
I also love traveling and that definitely contributes to my happiness and life plan so I don’t mind making sacrifices for it
.-= Kristie Ryan´s last post…The Big Three for Me =-.
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Tess — As usual wonderful words of wisdom to live by. I started to pull out my favorites and realized I liked them all.
You have such a generous spirit, Tess. It’s always a pleasure to visit and see the clever ways you help us help ourselves.
Thanks:~)
.-= Sara´s last post…Anti-Valentine’s Day =-.
Just what I needed to hear today, Tess. Thanks!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…What the Super Bowl Taught Me About Life =-.
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Tess,
That video is something that is really staying with me, too. Like Caroline, I have watched it several times. Each time, is a real reminder that life is now. And that we have choices, always, in how we live that life of ours. What a beautiful list you have here, and that’s really testament to the person you are and the life you are creating for YOU!
So…what Jay said…that guy knows how to call ‘em!!! You are an amazing person, Tess…and it’s an honor to know you…
.-= Lance´s last post…Acceptance And A Pair of Tiny Black Underwear =-.
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Hi Tess!
That really was a great “message” video on Lance’s blog. Your list is fabulous and right on. We shouldn’t wait until some illness comes along to wake up! I just blogged about my experience with this on my blog this week.
I’m sending your post to a few people who will LOVE it! Thanks so much for it!
Hugs
suZen
.-= suzen´s last post…Dr. Feelgood on Feeling Good =-.
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Lovely. Inspirational. True.
Thank you for being you!
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Amazing, we were both inspired by the same video- as I imagine were many others. I know her message to ” what are you waiting for ” was a strond message for me to just do it.
thanks for your inspiration
.-= Suzie Cheel´s last post…Monday Inspiration : Inspired By Angels =-.
Tess,
So well put! Ditto…ditto!
Thank you for all that you share, all that you inspire me to be. Absolutely amazing:)
‘You’re simply the best….!”
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I think it all melds in loving life. If we love life, we will appreciate everything about it.
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Tess, you have left me speechless many times with your words, but I think this one tops them all. This post should be a signature post somewhere. It should be printed on posters or something in schools and workplaces, and malls alike.
You are an incredible person – your joy and enthusiasm for life is so welcoming Tess, your wisdom so inspiring! Thank you, thank you again for this beautiful post.
And how you linked in so many of us into this, just is more proof of your kind and generous spirit – you think of others and always find ways to make them feel special. I am really so honored by this and by having you in my life
.-= Evia´s last post…Moving Beyond the Holy Day to Holiness and Wholeness Now =-.
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The one that stood out the most for me was, “I only want to be with non-complainers, my family, friends and other weird, crazy and fun people.”
People who complain too much, just bring me down. I like people who laugh easy and compliment even easier (as long as they are honest). There is no reason to complain because we have so much good fortune that we are lucky that life is this good.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…Welcome Forbes Readers =-.
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Mark,
Thank you! Thank you! And you’re one of those great thinkers as well!
Liara,
That’s a huge compliment coming from you. I’m honored and I appreciate you taking the time to tell me that.
Hillary,
You’re the best. xo
Caroline,
I got goose bumps (truth bumps) when I read about her being an angel. You got that right! I wonder if her spirit knows how many people she has touched?
Jay,
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways;) I appreciate you more than you know.
Eduard,
Yes let’s tell everyone, no regrets, no matter what happened in the past. Only lessons learned and movement and energy forward!
Kristie,
I get frustrated when the libraries can’t find or order books I want. It’s been a real lesson in discipline. But there are so many good blogs out there I tell myself I’ll read those instead. Why did the thrift stores take so long to find me?
Sara,
Thank you so much. I appreciate you so much!
Patti,
Your welcome…isn’t life grand when we learn so much from each other!
Lance,
Thanks for having that video Sunday and inspiring all of us. I couldn’t get it out of my head and forwarded the link to others. I got her message at a deep level and the great thing is if I forget I can hear it again. I love that we’re all here helping each other move forward in the blogging community. Think of how strong we’ll all be 10 years from now. It will be exciting to watch. And then think of the difference we’ll make as we all become better people and helping others on the way. Blogging rocks!
suZen,
I’m coming over to your blog to read it, thanks for mentioning it. I’m a little behind this week…my sister and two neices are visiting AZ from MI.
Belinda,
You too!
Suzie,
I’m so glad we know each other. How’s your meditation CD coming? That’s the other video I was inspired by…Bill Yates.
Joy,
More love back at you, girlfriend!
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Walter,
I agree when we love and appreciate anything…it grows and shines.
Evita,
I appreciate your kind words and know I feel the same way about you and your blog. I’m so excited to know you and it’s amazing to be inspired by someone so young. Most of my friends are several years older than me. As I grow older,knowing you reminds me of why they chose me as their friend.
Karl,
Thanks for all of the help and support you’ve given me on our blogging journey. I appreciate you.
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All good points here. Eliminate everyone and everything who does not support your goal in life fearlessly and without compromise! Of course, some people are difficult and just have to be in our lives no matter what (family members), and it’s just the way that things work. But, great point about that stuff in particular!
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Beautiful. Inspiring. But can we really let go of the negative, the whining, the small stuff? I’m not sure I can do it 100%. Maybe aim for less than 100% at first…
.-= vered – blogger for hire´s last post…Torn About Fat Acceptance =-.
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What a beautiful, inspiring list. And Tess, thank you for your incredible kindness (as I sit here blushing). Your generosity is a shining example and that’s another thing I’m going to try to incorporate more of into my life.
I loved your opener: smell the day. As a kid walking to the bus stop each morning, I used to do that — and NOTICE it. Spring has a distinctly different smell than summer, than does fall, than does winter. And there are variations within those seasons that if we simply take the time to INHALE and SAVOR, can enliven us.
The other thing I loved from your list had to do with spending time with high-quality people — whatever that means to us at the time. Just the other night, I had dinner at a friend’s house and she is (speaking of generous) one of the most open-hearted people I know. There were eight or nine of us there, and she had a spread of food that mimicked Thanksgiving. And none of us expected to stay there and eat — we were there for another purpose altogether! But she loves to nurture, and so all of us sat around eating, laughing and LOVING for two hours. The next day, another friend who was there with me called up and said, “Wasn’t that a special night?” And you know what? It was. I thought to myself, “More nights like that, please!”
Tess, thank you for always giving me ways to improve myself, and thereby improve the quality of my life.
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Underwear in the Jungle! =-.
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Atta post! Whew! Now that is what we call how to savor life to the fullest! Let me share to you this sayings.. i got it somewhere.. “LIFE IS FULL OF UNCERTAINTIES, WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHEN OUR TIME ON EARTH IS UP SO TAKE MANY PICTURES, LAUGH MUCH, HAVE A LONG WALK WITH SOMEONE, TAKE TIME TO LOOK AT THE STARS, EAT LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW, SING LOUDLY, FEEL THE COLD WIND, SMILE A LOT AND LOVE LIKE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN HURT BEFORE CAUSE EVERY 60 SECONDS YOU SPEND IS A MINUTE OF HAPPINESS YOU’LL NEVER GET BACK..”
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Dan,
I understand yet there are a few family members that aren’t in my life and never will be. I love them from a distance.
Vared,
That’s a good aim. I’m not sure we can quit 100% of the time either because we have egos and fall back occasionally. Yet if one wants to quit they can quit 98.9% of the whining, complaining etc. Just gotta make up your mind to do it and catch yourself even if it’s in mid sentence.
Megan,
How blessed you are to have friends to share love and laughter with like that without any expectations. You are truly blessed and so am I for knowing you!
Oh I mailed your package yesterday. So keep an eye out for it.
Samantha,
Every minute you spend a minute of happiness you’ll never get back…if that isn’t right to the point. Have a happy Friday!
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Tess,
First, thank you for the link! I appreciate it.
Next what resonated with me most is the line near the end “Life can be difficult, it’s what makes us interesting, human and capable.” I received a phone call yesterday that an uncle I am extremely close to suffered a devastation – a house fire that ruined much of the house and their belongings. Thankful that everyone was ok, I realized these are the times when people are most important – not money, not stuff. And when you are surrounded by loving people who can support you that’s how you will eventually make it through the challenge. Which leads me to then resonating with your tip “creating loving relationships.” We need people!
I was told one “Better to regret something you’ve done than something you haven’t don”. It struck me when I was younger and I’ve carried it with me ever since.
.-= Stacey Shipman´s last post…Stretch Break: Side Bend and Simple Chest Stretch =-.
Outstanding list. I can feel my energy resonating at a higher level already!
.-= Carolynn´s last post…My Journey Outward – Connection =-.
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Oh Tess…wonderful. Again.
Each one so simple in itself. Harder to achieve as a whole but when broken down into these beautiful segments – so easy to digest and cease each one.
Perhaps we should implement these principles into the school curriculem and work philosophies!
.-= simply stephen´s last post…eco friendly packaging made simple =-.
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Another tip top post Thank you…I haven’t watched Lance’s video YET! just working on catching up on reading everyone’s GOOD STUFF these days.
I think Davina is saving for that Grand Canyon hike too…wow that sounds like something that would bring joy and a smile…worth figuring out
.-= Patricia´s last post…ANTS or Automatic Negative Thinking ~REPOST =-.
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Life is a wonderful adventure and it is full with great challenges.
Everyone should be facing life and its good and bad sides, rather than escape from them. Why? Because you can not escape from your reality. However you can change and enjoy it.
.-= Marko @ CalmGrowth´s last post…How to Be Interesting =-.
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Carpe diem
There is no rehersal for life. We live it once, so live it wisely and in happyness. A sad day is a lost day and they run out all too soon.
I am working on it. As I sit here, unmovitivate…cruising the web, wasting time…I have a sense of dispare…sort of. My life is taking a dramatic new path…I am, most days, exhilerated by my new adventure. Today, I am a bit perplexed. Trying to really grasp hold of what I want, what I am doing.
This post comes at a perfect moment for me. I practice what you speak of…I live it with all that I have. Moments like today are hard…they confuse me…Thank you for being a moment of clarity.
.-= Dawn´s last post…Those sneaky little things called…Feelings =-.
Stacey,
Oh yes we do need people. Thanks for sharing about your Uncle…I’ll be sending kind and peaceful thoughts his way. Having people helping us get through tough times can make all the difference in how we heal our emotional wounds from the devastation.
Carolynn,
I’m all for our energy increasing and everything that helps it to do so. I think your blog does exactly this.
Stephen,
That’s a great idea…schools, work, families…everything!
Patricia,
Yes to the Grand Canyon, joy and smiles everything lack of stuff, clutter etc makes room for:)
Mark,
My intention is to enjoy and grow through good times and difficult times. Even if it hurts;)
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Hi Tess. I love the idea of dinner by candlelight with the TV off. It’s been ages since I’ve done that. As for turning off the negative chatter, it’s exercise
I catch myself a lot. On the plus side of this, it feels positive TO catch it and let it go. The more we practice the better we get at not letting it bring us down.
.-= Davina´s last post…Take a Spiritual Bawdy Break =-.
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Ha! Very nice list.
A lot to agree with there. The bit that rings a bell with me right now is saving money for a holiday. I am cutting right back on some stuff so that we can go on holiday later in the year. Every cent saved goes towards the holiday and I KNOW we will get there!
Thanks
Gareth
.-= Gareth´s last post…It’s a long way to the top if you want to blog and roll… =-.
Davina,
Yes the candle light sounds fabulous and isn’t it great that we can feel positive rather than beat ourselves up for the negative. Isn’t life grand?
Gareth,
Faith combined with action brings success. Where are you going?!?
Tess, you just keep shining your love and light for us all and I love you, love you, love you!! So much! Every blogger you linked are shining stars too!
Are you really going bungee jumping in New Zealand? And hmmn, Davina is saving for that Grand Canyon trip too? Does this sound like a party emerging? Do you have dates set for the trips?
You are soooo WONDERFUL, Tess. Are you sure you’re not a mirage, or something?
xoxo
.-= Jannie Funster´s last post…The Sweetest Bloom =-.
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HI Tess.
Well, it seems we are all inspired by your zest for life and how wonderful is that?
What I love is that all the things you mention are about daily life, something we can do every minute of each day.
Life is about what is right in front of us, like you say smelling the day that is right here, enjoying the stuff you have and of course saving for New Zealand, yeah.
Practical is what I like because that is what I can change, my daily doing in simple yet profound ways.
I know that you will not be a person who says, “oh I was planning to bring you some chicken soup when you were sick but somehow I never got around to it, sorry. You are the person who will plan it AND bring it . THAT is a big difference and that is why you are loved. Xox Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last post…Love is the real Father Christmas. =-.
Hi Tess,
We are going over to the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. We live in West Australia so, even though the holiday is in the same country, its on the other side of the continent! We actually got married on the beach there last year so its got some special memories for us. Fun place too.
Enjoy yourself over in NZ !
Gareth
.-= Gareth´s last post…It’s a long way to the top if you want to blog and roll… =-.
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I wandered here from Davina’s blog — I love Commentluv! It keeps leading me to more wonderful people. I could relate to much of what you said and your commenters said. I have friends now… all over the world as well as some business relationships because of the blog.
I love what I learn, who I meet, and wish there was more time in the day.
This is one of those posts, I wouldn’t mind on my wall, out there to savor in little bites whenever I can.
.-= Julie Walraven | Resume Services´s last post…Cultivating Networks —> Right Place, Right Time =-.
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Love & Delight are two words to live by. Thanks for the perfect reminders. I could spend the next year implementing your list . . .
.-= Heidi Lyn´s last post…Love Is In the Air =-.
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Jannie,
Well you’re invited to the party if you want to come. I think Davina is saving and planning. No dates yet. Looking into Grand Canyon for either this fall or next. When ever the hotel at the bottom of the Canyon has a room open. We are not carrying our stuff to the bottom!
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Julie,
Thanks for stopping by and I’m happy you found something worth while. I love comment luv as well but especially Davina!
Heidi,
Yes let’s do that implement delight and love, good idea;)
Wilma,
Chicken soup? Yes I’ll bring some when I come even though we won’t be sick. We’ll just need energy for all of the playing we’ll be doing.
Wow, what an awesome list Tess! I absolutely need to come up with an absolute No list, I’ve been thinking of doing it for awhile now. Every time I come to your blog I leave inspired and motivated, thank you!
.-= Lana – DreamFollowers Blog´s last post…you won’t love THERE if you don’t love HERE first =-.
Hello this a great moving article for someone like me who has been living a somehow down life. Thanks. I need more of these inspiring articles that want to make to wake each morning and face life with a bold face. Count on all the highlighted objects. Everything that will come and face each problem with a stern and decisions and made up mind.
The blogger is very talented and upholds the dignity and deserves a very good title to be an inspirer. It pays everything to read your posts. Thank you for the writing. Its truly inspiring
Hi Tess!
You post faster than I can read, so please excuse this late comment!! I just want to tell you that I really love these lists you make and the variety of topics you cover. Living a life of no regrets is a biggie on my list. I particularly like your Absolute No’s List and your Take Delight in Life List–what you wrote under that one is special.
Thanks for putting this together and spreading your sunshine!!
Lots of love, Jodi
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last post…Affirmations for a Good and Happy Life =-.
These are great tips we all need to review and incorporate into our lives. They remind me to embrace the day, be present, keep it simple and treasure those people who are most important in my life. Now I’m going to check out that video. Haven’t seen it yet.
Val@Holistic MindBody Healing´s last post…Aug 15, Talk to the Trees
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