I don’t remember the first time I read these beautiful words by Mary Oliver, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” but I’ve read them thousands of times since. It’s a big, scary question, but one we can benefit from visiting frequently.
I haven’t always known the answer to this question, and for a long time, I didn’t even consider it. I was too busy, and too consumed with everything I thought I was supposed to be doing. My life was on auto-pilot.
When I began to simplify my life, I realized there was another way, and so much more to consider about how I was spending my time and energy.
1. Write every day.
When you put what’s on your mind on paper, your thoughts become real and something to actually consider. Be honest even if you are afraid of the answers. Your mind can easily dismiss your dreams, but your eyes and heart cannot.
2. Capture beauty.
Learn to appreciate your surroundings and capture photos of what you think is truly beautiful to help you define the wild and precious in your life. Try a creative photography course, or create a daily photo challenge for yourself.
3. Make space.
Box up everything in your living room and put it in another room. Only bring things back into the room that contribute to your wild and precious life.
4. Make time.
Make an appointment in your calendar at least once a week that is time just for you. Use it to take a walk, read a book outside, or to visit a museum or art gallery. Make this weekly date sacred.
5. Make love.
Give your time and attention to someone or something you love. Engage, connect, and the love you give will come back in so many ways.
6. Express your gratitude.
You’ll never be happy with a new way of living if you can’t recognize what you love about your life right now. Look around you right now and identify 10 things you are grateful for. They are always right in front of you.
7. Let go.
If there are struggles standing in the way of your one wild and precious life, ask for help and see if there is a better way through. Make the heavy things light when you can, and give yourself permission to let go when it’s time. Consider that you may be holding on to things you think are holding you.
8. Change course.
There is nothing wrong with changing direction, or changing your mind, and charting a new course. Explore, be curious, and be open to something new
While we can’t be certain about how our lives will unfold, when we decide to be mindful about how we spend our time, and the people we want to be, we have a shot at not only knowing the answer to this lovely question, but living it too.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
August 4, 2015 at 10:00 amI love the way that simple living can open doors to so many better things! Life is lived in these small actions that breed joy.
Sandra Pawula says
August 4, 2015 at 12:26 pmThis is one of my favorite quotes too! It really helps us put things into perspective. Love your suggestions, especially to write everyday and to make a weekly (or more often!) date with myself.
Cheryl says
August 5, 2015 at 7:58 pmLove this! Courtney, you took a beautiful quote and created a concrete lesson. Thank you!
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
August 4, 2015 at 12:34 pmI loved this! Writing every day has really opened up my eyes to what deep desires I have and has helped me to go about achieving them in productive ways 🙂
Jill says
August 4, 2015 at 1:30 pmI love this post! My hardest thing is letting go; letting go of worry, preconceived notions, fear. However, your reminder that not letting go is standing in the way of “wild and precious” has given me renewed hope.
Thank you.
Camilla @ Summer Isn't Over says
August 4, 2015 at 5:01 pmSaving this to read when life gets a bit hectic and I forget to appreciate the little things! That’s one of my favourite quotes 🙂
Amy @ More Time Than Money says
August 4, 2015 at 7:03 pmWhat a thought provoking quote – it makes me think that is been over a year since I have really reflected on my current course and if it is still taking me where I really want to go.
karmit_1 says
August 4, 2015 at 9:46 pmThank you, Courtney! I look forward to each and every one of your posts. This one is a masterpiece, imo. Soooo many great suggestions that are truly gems of wisdom, that are very clearly and concisely presented – wow. I especially like – 4. Make time. I will start to do it once a month and I can already imagine the transformation that will result. Then, over time I will work towards having a once a week appt.
matty says
August 5, 2015 at 5:31 amI love this poem and teach it in my classes; what an amazing question. What will I do? From kindergarten it is pushed into children that they must conform. Think of how the little things walk down the hall with their hands behind them to keep from touching the wall, instead of teaching them that touching a wall leaves fingerprints that must be either cleaned or painted. No consequence; just conformity…
Interestingly, this is the place I have been the past year. I am cleaning out my house and the people in my life who don’t leave me feeling positive. These toxic people (and things) suck the joy and energy from life. I no longer want to be that kindergartener walking with her hands behind her…
Theodore Nwangene says
August 5, 2015 at 5:54 amThis is simply fantastic,
Life is very sweet but we sometimes make it so boring and complicated by the way we thinks and the way we do things.
I love the idea of being thankful. No matter how hard things can be for you, if you sit down and count your blessings, you’ll discover that you have so many reasons to be happy and thankful.
Also, making love is very essential because, you’ll always get whatever you give out.
A very mind boosting post mate, thanks for sharing.
Jessica says
August 5, 2015 at 1:19 pmI just loved this post!
xx
Jessica
Sao Paulo / Brazil
Vincent says
August 6, 2015 at 3:40 pmWhen we let go of things that no longer mean anything to us, we can change course and do what’s better for our wild and precious journey.
Thanks for the reminder Courtney.
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com says
September 5, 2015 at 10:33 amReally nice post Courtney and all stuff I believe to be SMART 🙂 I too love that quote from Mary Oliver and read it often. Everything on your list is extremely valuable and I think the only thing I would add is to “Stay Curious!” Far too many people seem to shut down as though they already know all there is to know and I believe it cuts us off from the adventure before us.