“I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well”.
~Diane Ackerman
"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth."
~Evan Esar
A few weeks ago one of my Saturday morning members shared the sentiment of these quotes with my meeting and everyone in the room just nodded and clapped in agreement. I’ve been thinking a lot about this concept of late, and I’ve been unknowingly working to apply it all summer.
To me, living the width means savouring the present moment. I have been so blessed this year to be living the most amazing life I know how. While I have had some challenges, I couldn’t be happier with everything that surrounds me each day. When I originally decided to go to school, I didn’t think I would be starting until this September. I think back to my frame of mind last fall, and cannot imagine having had to wait an entire year to begin school!! I think I would have lost my marbles and been incredibly unhappy. Starting school in January was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I don’t know how I ever could have done things differently. It feels so great to be living the life that I want to live and doing so many things that I love. 
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Living the width of your life also involves listening to your heart. I’m a go-with-my-gut kinda gal. Sometimes this gets me into trouble, but it’s always the right thing to do. It’s so easy to over think/over analyze any situation. This year has taught me that in my heart I know what I need to do, and it’s just about being brave enough to take a leap of faith and actually do it.
While we can positively impact the length of our lives through the choices we are making, it is absolutely up to us to live for the moment and expand the width as well. Every day is a new opportunity to do something great and enjoy the wonderful gifts that life has to offer. I am thankful for this amazing summer that I have had, and look forward to continuing to live the width of my life well beyond 2010.
What does living the width of your life mean to you?
6 comments:
Reading your post got me all emotional ;) I'm so inspired by your attitude, Ashley, and I don't even know you. Hope you enjoy your new school term!
Hey Ashley,
Ah yes, living the width...that expanse of present moment that can only be experienced and not thought about because it will have already passed. It's something I try to practice too.
I have had an incredible summer too which I believe was a testament to this attempt to live the width. It was a balance between taking active steps to what I wanted, and just having faith that the rest would fall into place, and being graceful and accepting if it didn't.
We've gotta meet up one of these days!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful post, Ashley. It is oh so inspirational.
Love this! What an inspiring quote.
I think living the width is filling your life with positivity, peace and happiness. Learning from every experience and taking in every opportunity to make your life the fullest.
I'm starting at IHN in 2 weeks and reading about your experiences there have made me so excited for my new adventure.
hey!! you have a wonderful blog. thanks for sharing your weight lost progress here. keep it up and never give up. you can do it.
What "Living the width" means to me: pushing my width. When I'm feeling cramped and limited, I want to spread those wings and realize my potential. :) Keep up your fab blogging!
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