Get More Out of Life

Sunset over Lake Wissota    2/11/2018   dwm photo

A recent issue of TIME magazine focused on longevity - how people live longer; where people live the longest; which animals live a long time; and which ones don't.

Mayflys need to be quick, especially the females.  Their entire life cycle is less than five minutes after hatching - find a mate, lay eggs and good-night everybody.  Perhaps that is why Mayflys make a dent on the radar every year when they hatch over the Mississippi River (see image below).

Jellyfish are at the other end of longevity scale.  When confronted with danger, the "immortal jellyfish" reverts to polyp status then grows back to full adulthood.  Scientists have not determined their age limit.

In the list of long livers, Quahog clams are known to live 500 years, but they are clams living on the sea bottom, so maybe it just feels like a long time.  Red Sea Urchins celebrate 200 birthdays.  You likely know about the Giant Tortoise, which can reach 100 years one step at a time.

Mayfly swarm.  (image from WLIX.com)

Lives can be like the clams dragging through the mud or a Mayfly sparking briefly across the sky.

You have a limited amount of control on how long you live.  You have quite a bit more when it comes to how you choose to live.

Steady progress, shining moments, open to new moments; and ready for a good long slog are all good qualities when it comes to living our life.

We can get more out of life in the quiet and reflective times and by getting out of our comfort zone to do something the very first time.  As a shoemaker once encouraged, "Just do it."

I don't think this sentiment is original either, but I don't believe I've seen it before...

I wish you many years in your life, and much life in your years!