Three Words to Live By

Live * Laugh * Love

by Anita Domnitz, RN, MS, ND

Cards, bumper stickers, signs, and various paraphernalia have displayed these three words together throughout the past year. When I first saw them they made me smile and say, “I really like that philosophy!” Three words that when put together have a synergistic effect. In other words, their meaning is strengthened when they accompany one another.

As we begin a new year let’s focus on these three words and explore how they could impact our lives. I’ll begin with dictionary definitions and take it from there.

LIVE, to continue to remain alive, to conduct one’s existence in a particular manner.

How have you been living and conducting your life? Are you happy, sad, mad, or scared most of the time? Let’s say you are happy. What contributes to that happiness? Do you want to continue as you are or are there more ways that you can add to that feeling of joy? For instance, have there been things that you have been putting off doing or saying? Procrastination is an epidemic! It is certainly acceptable to add to your positive feelings of being alive. Is your happiness covering all realms of being; physical, mental, and spiritual? Want to add more exercise, eat healthier, drink more water, read more books, enjoy more intimacy, contact someone dear, take up a hobby like painting, dancing, or woodworking?

How can you live more authentically? If you are genuinely content and satisfied with your existence then I applaud you and say keep up the good work. If not, take some action. Small steps or a large risk can yield much reward. Pros and cons lists are very helpful. Get in touch with your intuition and let it be your guide. Instead of being on automatic pilot, really notice how you feel about how you live.

If you answered sad, mad, or scared the questions are a bit different and the solutions may need some work. First, are you willing to give up the way you are living in order to feel better? What stands in the way of you being less stressed? Living in the NOW is a good first step. What is past is over and what is to come is unknown. The more time you spend in those places they become your NOW. It is fun to reminisce, just don’t live there permanently.

Same with plans, make them and allow them to unfold, but enjoy your life today.

One of the themes that comes up at our Angel Care retreats is: How can I be happy if they are sick? As caregivers we are witness to incredible strength, courage, and faith of those experiencing cancer. One of the insights we discover is that those with cancer want us to live and be happy! How about that! Be aware of the roles you have chosen to play with yourself and others. Victim, rescuer, persecutor, saboteur, martyr, procrastinator are just a few of the personas we take on and continue to be. Who are you really doing it for? This is your life and you must put on your oxygen mask before helping others. Get professional help if needed. Where there is a want there is always a way! Remember “ the secret” is that we become our thoughts. Positive affirmations are the most powerful tools to change our lives. If you don’t believe me, read Louise Hay.

LAUGH, to exhibit emotion of amusement, to refuse to consider seriously, to manifest joy, a burst of sound, joke.

Isn’t it fun to be around fun people! I know because my husband is one of the funniest people I have ever met. I experience at least one deep belly laugh every day. He really cracks me up! He is known among our families, friends, and colleagues as a bright, clever, and entertaining man who finds humor in every aspect of his life. Laughter feeds all areas of being. It releases endorphins for the physical body, relaxes the mind from unwanted chatter and worry, and tickles the spirit with notes of musical sounds that dance and sing. OK, so I got a little mushy, just wait until we get to love!

One of the key components for wholistic health is laughter. I am always amazed at the Angel Care retreats how healing and necessary laughter is to our bonding and well-being. Our groups meet for two days and there is much sadness shared, yet laughter is present from start to finish and with it comes comfort, acceptance, comradery, and understanding.

LOVE, an intense affectionate concern or sexual desire for another person, a strong fondness or enthusiasm for something, a beloved person.

I love the word and concept of love. I admit I am a hopeless romantic and that there is a passion in me that resonates to love. When we are acting and reacting from a place of love our focus, intention, and communication is genuine and kind. Love enables compassion, gratitude, trust, faith, care, forgiveness, sincerity, honesty, sensitivity, and creativity. Love has been treasured and measured since the beginning of humankind. It has been the subject of the most precious poems, songs, movies, and stories of all peoples.

Love is something to be cherished and nourished and never taken for granted. Our world problems of greed and competition could be much relieved if only we would embrace the love of each human being on our planet. As the song says, “What the world needs now is love sweet love...” Surround yourself with people who love you!

Rumi, a thirteenth century Sufi poet, writes at the end of one of his poems, “Close the language door and open the love-window. The moon won’t use the door, only the window.”

Make 2008 a magical year and gift yourself to LIVE, LAUGH, & LOVE.