The Year of Inspired Living

“Tell me, what will you do with your one wild life?”

- Mary Oliver

Life is short.

We hear that a lot.  There’s no lack of people telling you to make the most of every day, to live to your fullest, to go out and “grab the gusto” while you can.  There’s no shortage of self-help books and self-help gurus determined to sell you the answer to how to find your passion and be your best self in three easy steps.

It’s still easier said than done.

At least, that’s my experience.

I’ve been a self-help addict for most of my life.  Starting with picking up my first Alexandra Stoddard book when I was in high school, I’ve probably read more than my fair share of advice on how to live the life I was meant to live.  Despite all that reading, I’ve often found myself stalled out.  Taking one step forward and thirteen (or so it felt) backwards.

When I really think about it, it was mostly me taking no-steps at all, while desperately seeking the next guru’s advice to tell me what I was doing wrong.

Then 2011 happened. In just a few short months we lost my 20 year old stepson to cancer, my brother-in-law to a complication from dialysis, and  everything we owned in a house fire.

And every where I turned there were headlines counting down the days until 2012 and the possible end of the world.

I don’t believe the world will end this year.  But what if?

That’s the question that’s been floating around my head.  What-if?  What if you knew you only had just a few months left before it was all over?  Would you stay paralyzed in your perfectionism?  Would you put off your dreams for just a little more research?  Would you tell yourself that the projects your soul yearns to complete should wait “just a little while longer” until “it was more practical to try?”

That’s what gave birth to my latest personal project:  The Year of Inspired Living.

This isn’t about creating a list of things to change about myself for the new year.  Or a bucket list of wishful thinking.  No, the “Year of Inspired Living” is about considering my core values and pursuing goals that reflect those values.  It’s about creating, connecting, and encouraging with a lot of mindful (and prayerful) selection.

My goal is to live each day in a way that when I reflect on it at the end of the day, I don’t feel regretful.

Some of the projects that are on my list already are:

• Starting a podcast
• Learn to paint
• Eat healthier
• Running a half marathon

I’ll be keeping track of more goals on my inspiration board as the year goes along. Can’t wait to share the results!