lifefullyinhabited

                                “But I am living one life in particular, and that life must be fully inhabited for me to thrive as an artist.”  Julia Cameron, Finding Water   p. 38

I found this quote  last week while reading this book on creativity.  I really like this quote.  I think it applies to all human beings, not just artists or those aspiring to be artists.  I have thought about this all week:  what does it mean for me to live a life fully inhabited?  Is my life fully inhabited?

I can answer the second question more readily.  I live partially inhabited.  Part of me lives like I want to live someone else’s life.  I don’t always embrace the life I have. 

Even writing that, I cringe.  In writing that, I have to admit to petty jealousies,  small envies, and blatant ungratefulness.

So, what will I do to fully inhabit my life?  LONG PAUSE  Honesty:  I have to start with confession. 

            Lord, I’m sorry for not fully appreciating the life I have.  I’m sorry for sticking my nose over the fence to sniff around someone else’s newly mown lawn.  I’m sorry for thinking that lawn doesn’t have weeds and it’s not fair!

Next, I have to realize I have the rest of my whole life to fully inhabit it.

I don’t have to do everything on my “bucket list” today.  I can pace myself.  Start small.

I don’t have to have it all figured out today.  Whew!  All that I have to do is the next right thing.

I intend to spend the rest of my life discovering what it means to fully inhabit my life.

“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  Paul, letter to the Ephesians chapter 5,verse 15.