Live Life Lightly

 

By G. E. Shuman

 

          Over the past several years I have haphazardly collected little sayings, mottos, and bits of humor or wisdom on the notes app on my phone. Often, when thinking of what to write a column about I refer to that collection for inspiration. Today I went there and came across the three little words that are the title of this writing, live life lightly.

          When I see some phrase like that one either on a plaque or maybe a bumper sticker, and think it’s worth remembering, I take out the phone and just add it to my list. I often don’t even remember where I originally saw the words but have found that saving them in this way ensures that the sieve that my memory seems to have become doesn’t sift them away forever.

          I like that little admonition to live life lightly. To me it means to perhaps live more simply and honestly. It means to not take myself too seriously or think too highly of the person that is ‘me’. It does not mean that I should live indifferently to the needs of others. It does mean that I should live without judging others. To me to live life lightly also means to show tolerance, but without surrender. It also means to not fear the future.

          It has taken me many years to realize this, but I do feel that I can experience true joy, (when I seek it) in the acts of sharing, loving, and giving more than anywhere else. I believe that kindness is the best gift to give, and that gratitude, (as I once saw on a car bumper sticker) is the best therapy.

          To live life lightly, to me, is also to realize that nothing is, and no people are permanent or perfect. We will be more at peace if we enjoy things and people when they are and how they are. (Believe me, I’m still working on this one.)

          It has often been said that we should try to enjoy the simple things. Lorna and I have recently redone several areas of our home and have ‘hoed out’ many pounds of possessions that had become just ‘stuff’ to us. We have found that a part of living life lightly is to live it more simply. I believe we have also discovered that the mind of God Himself can be better understood, His Glory more appreciated in studying His creation, not in acquiring more creations of man.

I recently read, (and copied to my collection of thoughts) what was said to be the true definition of the word aloha. The writer said that aloha did not originally mean hello or goodbye. It meant: “to consciously manifest life joyously in the present.

          To me, that is the best way to live life lightly.

“It’s Not Easy Being Green”

 By G. E. Shuman

 

          So, while I was in the shower this morning, (Yes, this is how I’m starting this column,) a song came to mind. It’s a song that you have heard a million times; one that has, since that shower, been ceaselessly swirling around in my mind.

          You already guessed what that song is, (If not, check the title above.) and now it is probably ceaselessly swirling around in your mind, too. Sorry. There is just nothing like spending a day thinking of good old Kermit the frog singing away at the top of his little froggy lungs. Again, sorry.

          As I write this, the summer sun is struggling to shine outside. The spring and summer of 2021 have been the rainiest, darkest, coolest that I can remember. I know that some years, what are supposed to be the warmer seasons here in the North come along and feel more like fall. This year is one of those years.

          Still, looking on the bright side, (If not of the sun, at least of the situation,) everywhere I have been here in northern New England this summer is simply bursting with green plant life. The tree leaves are huge and of a thousand different greens; the corn is as high as an elephant’s eye. (I heard that someplace before.)  Lawns are lush, flower and veggie gardens are gorgeous, and the hills are alive! (I heard that someplace before, too.)

          If there is a point to what you have just read, and I think there is, it is that into each life a little rain must fall. (Okay, so next time I’ll use more of my own words.) If, when you look out the window tomorrow morning, it is a dark and rainy day, remember that it’s worth it. It’s not easy being green.