“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
I love this quote. Reading these words reminds me how to stay focused as I pursue my best life. Here is one my interpretations of this quote; “If you want to create an amazing life, don’t just run mindlessly from one task to another, but rather first learn to long for the endless immensity of living an amazing life.” This quote seems to bring up more questions than answers, but hopefully you find some of these thoughts helpful as you pursue the endless immensity of life.
What is the “endless immensity of the sea” for your life? The “endless immensity” of life is all the possibilities and opportunities to experience the best, greatest and most excellent things of life. Life is full of so many great possibilities and opportunities. If you want to have a great life full of love, joy, peace, connection, purpose and contribution, then first spend some time learning how to long for the endless wonder and excitement. I believe that the foundation for these opportunities are things like joy, love, peace, goodness, humility, contribution, courage and purpose. How do we build a great life on these traits? What daily activities could you perform will constantly remind you to dream of the endless wonder associated with all the good things in life?
You could think of this “endless immensity of the sea” as the great vision, purpose or passion you have for your life. What is the life vision that flows out of your life? This vision and purpose should be congruent with who you are; the character traits and strengths that make you an exceptional person. Be careful to filter the voices of the negative naysayers who want you to be someone other than your true self. Does my vision and purpose cause me to create a better life? How am I learning to long for the endless immensity of the sea? Am I intentionally creating time to learn more about who I am, the gifts, talents I have to offer the world?
- Create a vision for your life. Write a statement that helps you focus on creating a life in which you experience the endless immensity of joy and love.
- Spend time each day thinking, dreaming and feeling your great vision.
- Make sure you create time in your schedule to intentionally learn about yourself and the endless immensity of life.
- Find some friends who will encourage and support you as you work to create a better life.
Hopefully you find some idea that is valuable and helpful as you build an amazing life.
