Marks of a Life Lived Well

Written on 9-11-06

Does your life show evidence that it is being lived well? Is what you love most being expressed outwardly as well as enjoyed inwardly? Do your hands bear the marks of that which you love? Pictured above is not just a climber about to reach the top of a climb, it is an expression of true passion and devotion to that which is loved.

In this case the love is of rock climbing and the devotion is found in this climber’s relentless attempts at reaching his goal. Now as some may know, true rock climbers are not just about getting to the top of every route they climb; the true enjoyment of climbing comes through the process of getting there. It comes through the countless times of trying to perfect form and grace throughout the entire climb. It’s getting past the toughest parts of the climb without having to rely on the rope, thinking as if it isn’t even there. It’s jamming your hands into a crack over and over until you feel you have the perfect grip to proceed with. It’s taking a ten foot fall after attempting your first real crux move on a lead climb. It’s feeling the sweat come down your face as you focus so intently on that which is right in front of you, and anticipating that which is yet to come. The only thought going through a climber’s mind in a moment like this is that of pure enjoyment and satisfaction that his life is being lived well, going full on in what he loves doing.

So what is it that you love most? What makes you feel really alive? What stirs in you a deep passion to go full on in your pursuit of it? Are you enjoying each moment when you find yourself lost in the world of that which you love? What is it in your life that you are willing to bear the marks of?