Welcome! Today I’m initiating a 6-month experiment. I want to find out what happens when I take 6 months to LIVE. I got the idea when I was recently asked, “What would you do if you only had 6 months to live?” I originally answered, “I would be doing exactly what I’m doing now,” but then I thought about it some more, and that’s not true.
Why 6 Months to Live?
As I mention in the “About” tab, popular culture often focuses on re-evaluating one’s life in the most dire of situations such as terminal illness, bankruptcy, a break up, etc. I am deeply grateful that I am in none of those situations. Life isn’t perfect, but it’s good.
2008 Beijing Olympics
What would you do with 6 months to live?
After I was asked this question, however, I decided that if I knew I only had 6 months to live, I would pay more attention to those around me. I would pause longer to take in the beauty of the fall leaves. I would spend more time in nature. I recently returned from living in China for the past 3 years. While living there, it was easier to appreciate the ‘little things’ because there was always a newness and a strangeness to them. Breakfast wasn’t cereal, it was bao zi (a steamed bun). In my recent return to the States and even more timely return to my hometown of Atlanta, I find myself slipping into automatic pilot.
For me, a life worth living is one that serves a purpose and meaning for the one who chooses it. More importantly though is that feeling of being alive! It can come in something as large as a first trip across the ocean or in something as small as a cold glass of sweet iced tea.
Tree Climbing in Hangzhou, China
What could I do in 6 months?
I’m starting this blog for 3 reasons:
- Sheer Curiosity
- Personal Motivator
- Hopefully it will inspire others to pursue their passions and to really live!
You are all witnesses. I started this website on 11-11-09, but my first official day of choosing to LIVE begins on November 12th, 2009. I extend a personal invitation to anyone else who would like to join me at any time in my ponderings. Come May 12th, 2010, we’ll see what happened…
interesting…reader—Charlie
Thanks Charlie! Hope you’re enjoying Melbourne!
Awesome! Well, now I am inspired too! I cannot say my health is good and I will say that illness does cause you to stop and not only count your blessings, but to tell people how much they are appreciated. I believe I can do better in this regard after having read about your experiment.
Yay!! Thanks!
Great first post that has turned into a wonderful blog, experiment and way of life for you. Congrats.
Thanks so much for all your comments, Holly! I so appreciate you taking the time to look through the blog and share your thougths and “atta-girls!” Look forward to checking your blog out as well!
I love your idea! We should live like that every day 🙂 All of us … sometimes just a small detail can make our day.
Thank you! So glad you like the blog!