I spend my days reading student essays, commenting and marking errors. Sometimes, I read hundreds of papers a week. In addition to the writing I do for my blog, I also read a dozen blog favorites on a regular basis. Then, I come home and help my boys with their science projects, history exams or essay writing. During the summer when I am off, I read a few books. Many of my family and friends ask whether I ever tire or become bored with the same routine. "The same routine?" I ask. They do not realize my life constantly changes; there are no routines. I am surrounded by change... new students, new papers, new books, new assignments and new blogs. While others rest their eyes and quiet their minds in front of a television set, I outline new projects in my head, paint pictures of where I want to be and how I will arrive there. Trying to quiet my thoughts proves virtually impossible for me. Although many know me as quiet and think me balanced, I am far from it. Perhaps, my constant need to ask, evaluate and question stems from my thirst for knowledge, for I admit that I know so little. Everyday is a discovery, a learning opportunity, a moment that will soon pass and I must grab it before it's gone. And so, immersing myself in my work gives me great pleasure and satisfaction. My need for words, ideas, new challenges, ventures or projects far surpasses any need I have to sleep or rest or numb myself. This constant change brings with it much excitement and newness, so refreshing, so invigorating that it reminds me I am alive every moment that I move and breathe. No one should ever forget this...this "being alive." Living is more than just living; it's chasing your dreams and hoping for something even when every one else thinks you can't succeed. Living means waking up excited and going to sleep exhausted by the excitement. Being alive means I find happiness in a stranger's hello, in a child's smile or in a simple realization or discovery, nothing spectacular or overly presumptive just simple and real. If you cry when you read a good story, if your heart pounds with joy after a hike through the woods or if painting pleases your soul, then you truly live. And when we go, hopefully someone, anyone, will say we went out with "our boots on." -quote from one of my favorite films: Secondhand Lions 
Some bloggers who I think "wake up excited and go to sleep exhausted by the excitement"
Robin Easton at Naked in Eden
Skylar at A Wolf Adventure
GeorgiaFarmWoman at Life on a Southern Farm
I hope there are many more of you out there...........
Robin Easton at Naked in Eden
Skylar at A Wolf Adventure
GeorgiaFarmWoman at Life on a Southern Farm
I hope there are many more of you out there...........
Such great advice. You have even better timing.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
That is so funny, I don't mean ha ha funny, funny that before I got to the end I was going to say I was one of those folks too!
ReplyDeleteI laugh when I see all those commercials advertising sleeping pills. I am completely exhausted by 9:00 at night and wide awake by 4 or 5 to see what the day holds.
I too am thought of as quiet but my mind leaps from one fast thought to another trying to map out life in an organized routine, which is never routine in reality.
Good post.
Have a great day!
Wonderful post! It's great to know there are others that share in my excitement! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you, from my heart, that I am speechless from reading this. Absolutely moved to tears.... Reading this was like riding a huge blue-green wave that lifted me up until my face touched the warm sun and filled me with LIFE. Boy, you are one powerful writer. Holy Moly! Your feelings poured from your heart like a massive tidal wave: intensely powerful, honest….moving forward with great inner strength, courage and vitality.
ReplyDeleteYour description of yourself just blew me away, and the part about NOT numbing really excited me. I too refuse to numb. Mar, this sharing is so HUGE that I hope you don't mind if I print it out and put it on my wall. There is more beauty and vitality here than I can take in in one reading. This is something that I want to hold in my hands while I read it.
I found myself breathless over these words of yours:
“Living is more than just living; it's chasing your dreams and hoping for something even when every one else thinks you can't succeed. Living means waking up excited and going to sleep exhausted by the excitement. Being alive means I find happiness in a stranger's hello, in a child's smile or in a simple realization or discovery, nothing spectacular or overly presumptive just simple and real. If you cry when you read a good story, if your heart pounds with joy after a hike through the woods or if painting pleases your soul, then you truly live. And when we go, hopefully someone, anyone, will say we went out with "our boots on."
Second Hand Lions is one of my absolute favorites. When I watch that movie I sobbed and reveled in its beauty and love of life.
I got to end of this post and I have to tell you that I was really stunned when you listed ME. Of course that is how I live and feel and see the world, nonetheless it is such an honor coming from you. Love, Robin
Wonderful post! I am one that strives to do the same every day. I surely go to sleep exhausted after writing, the kids, the house, etc.... I say my "gratitude"list in the morning when my eyes open and set my intention for a GREAT day... the last piece missing is a comfy bed for a sound sleep and the new mattress comes in a few weeks -- wow -- I'll be GOLDEN! Thank you for the very important reminder! Gratefully, Jenny
ReplyDeleteInspirational, as always, my friend.
ReplyDeleteFor those of us who need a gentle reminder sometimes: it is good to be alive!
I can absolutely relate to how you feel. You give so much of yourself and your time, but to have the right attitude is crucial.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Justin
Hi Anna
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit.
Hi GFW
Glad you enjoyed the post. One needs only to read a few of your posts to quickly realize how "pleasantly exhausted" you "live" your life. :)
Hey Jessica
Glad to know you are part of this "elite group" that enjoys such pleasantries.
Oh my dearest Robin how I wish there were more people out there who could see the world the way you do, with love and appreciation for all that is good and true.
Hi Jenny
Enjoy your new "comfy bed" and welcome to the "pleasantly exhausted" club. Glad to know you enjoyed the post.
Hey Jennifer
It is true. It is good, very good to be alive!
Thanks for the visit Swappster
Oh yes...It's all in the attitude! Our attitude plays a vital role in our successes as well as in our failures.
This piece is truthful and very intresting... It reminds me of a poem similiar to what i wrote in reflections magazine,"Miles in these shoes" People(including family)don't really know how your shoes(life) really is until they've walked down the path in "your" shoes.
ReplyDeleteWell put. I consider myself allergic to routine and avoid it at all costs!
ReplyDelete"Living means waking up excited and going to sleep exhausted by the excitement."
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, that's a very apt description of a child who's starting to get to know the world he/she is coming to, after they've learnt to walk and are starting to learn to communicate. They wake up (excited) as quickly as they fall asleep (exhausted). Greedy for more, I'd say.
For us who has passed that stage, those who lives by that are lucky and very blessed. Though it's something that we can put effort and determination into, most of us are neither lucky nor blessed. However ...
However, some would work towards finding inner peace and joy in what we have and are doing. Happy is the person who "find happiness in a stranger's hello, in a child's smile or in a simple realization or discovery, nothing spectacular or overly presumptive just simple and real." It's content, and not nature, of our routines that'll bring "much excitement and newness". I'd be very happy if I can "wake up peaceful and going to sleep with no regret". But that sounds very ... old? Does it?