“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.” – Norman Cousins

I saw this quote on a chalkboard welcoming people into a 7-11 store someplace on a Reddit post. Of course, things like this make me really see what is being said.

If you have read my blog for any length of time you know that it probably seems that I never lose that “lust for life”. I really don’t; as the saying goes “I’m not here for a long time – I am here for a GOOD time!”. I live as big as I can, seeing and doing and enjoying all I can as often as I can no matter what it is.

Travel is one of those things that makes always makes, and keeps, me so alive inside and I really enjoy every aspect of it no matter where I go. Even when things go wrong it’s no big deal – do the best that you can and keep living.

Being out in nature can do so much for a person, too, and it has been scientifically proven. You get out, smell the air, listen to the sounds, feel the rain on your face, see animals or other people doing the exact same thing you are for the exact same reason. It has a spirituality to it that is all its own. You can get lost in your thoughts, have a picnic under a tree or by a stream or lake and just take in all the magic.

I never give up hope even in the not-so-good times. We all get “down” at points in our life – life can certainly get pretty heavy sometimes and it can be difficult to stay positive. I have been through some really tough times at a few points myself. I never threw myself a pity party; I always tried to be proud, keep my chin up, and make the best of the worst – it is what you have to do. Early on many, many years ago during one of those times, I thought about my situation and realized that no matter how bad things are, there are people who have it worse and my situation could be worse than what I am experiencing.

I know sometimes life just seems to suck. Don’t let it. It doesn’t have to. Keeping that fire alive inside keeps you going in so many other ways. It really can be a great loss but it can also be far-reaching, and that is why you have to keep going.