Saturday, January 4, 2014

What kind of life do you wish to pursue?

Every once in awhile I want to read some poetry. Yesterday I turned to a book of John Keats’ work. In reading part of the introduction, I was motivated to read some of the letters that are included: it’s amazing how letter writing has become a "thing of the past.," which is sad.

In one letter he speaks of "the life I intend to pursue."

This phrase really struck me hard: who thinks about the life they intend to pursue? But shouldn’t we all? Sadly, we get started with living and don’t typically stop to think such things, but I believe it’s a worthwhile exercise. And, at 63 I don’t think it’s too late for me to reflect on this, though I would encourage younger folks to do this now, before they get too far along living.

This goes well beyond New Year’s resolutions; we’re talking about one’s life. Sadly, the very talented Keats died at a very young age (25), though he seems to have made much of the life he had.

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