You Only Live Once, But if You Do it Right, Once is Enough

LIFE WELL LIVED

A life lived is a precious gift

Of hope and strength and grace,

From someone who has made our world

A brighter, better place

It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad

With smiles and sometimes tears,

With friendships formed and good times shared

And laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy

Of joy and pride and pleasure,

A living, lasting memory

Our grateful hearts will treasure.

-Author Unknown

What does it mean to live a life well lived? Everyone has a slightly different definition of what makes for a life well-lived. To me, it means that you are living a happy life of which you are proud. A life you live by your standards. A life that is filled with happiness, achievement, a positive impact and legacy.

We all learn by example. As kids, our parents, teachers, coaches, etc. help build our character. There are always some people who have a positive effect on our lives. And there are possibly a few people who we look at and truly admire. If we are lucky, we come across someone in our lifetime who not only has a positive effect on us and we truly admire, but we want to emulate. In short, someone who is exceptional.

Exceptional people radiate a sense of inner elegance and are graceful even amidst a challenge. They are able to handle themselves in a noble and ethical manner. I met such an exceptional person when I was 8 years old and for the past 52 years I have had the fortune to witness a shining example of a “life well lived.” I lost my “life mentor” last week. Now, as I sit here at the computer with tears in my eyes, I just want to say, “Thank you, Anne Hodnett, for a life well lived!”