When I do my presentation at schools and corporations about embracing failure and having grit, I start with the Mary Oliver quote, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Will you be bold, fearless and grateful? Will you travel, learn a certain subject, make an impact? And how does success, happiness and mental wellness fit into that journey?
I was saddened to hear the news that award-winning poet Mary Oliver passed away this week. She said so many profound things including…
“Listen–are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?”
“I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”
“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”
“Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
The power of words. I know that Mary Oliver has inspired many to do great things and supported many through times of darkness. A life well lived.
She knew how to pull a feeling out of your soul and give it life.
As we remember her legacy, may we all take a moment to answer her question about what we plan to do with our one wild and precious life. Then may we be astonished and tell about it.