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!”