Have you ever heard the phrase Don’t let the music die within you? I once heard Jim Rohn talk about that phrase and his interpretation of it and it has stayed with me for years.
He was know to have said that he didn’t want life to be just about the words…the words to the songs, the words in the book. He noted that they’re good words, inspiring words. Words in music and books can inspire and stir you up to cause strong emotions deep within. But he also said that it would be easy to let it slowly fade away, drifting into the the places we are prone to forget.
There is another quote I am reminded of; “The horror of that moment I shall never, never forget,” says the king in Alice in Wonderland. The queen’s quick retort: “You will though, if you don’t make a memorandum of it.”
And that’s what happens. We have these inspiring events or thoughts even that change the way we think, but if we’re not intentional about making them a part of who we are, using them the next time we encounter another trial, then what is the point?
We need to be intentional if we want to live our very best lives, even if we are living with an addict whether in active recovery or not. It’s both a decision and a chore. We need to live fully present, leaning into the relationships that are truly important to us because we only get one life.
And, it is important to know that even if the person with an addiction is acting out, you, the wife of an addict, can still have a full life. A life of peace, serenity and joy.
With the very best of intentions we read, we hear, we feel, we agree, but then, we often forget. Perhaps that is the ebb and flow of life but oh, please don’t let the music die within you. Don’t live a life of mediocrity because you think that’s the only life you can live while married to an addict. It just isn’t true.
Nelson Mandela said, “Your playing small does not serve the world. Who are you not to be great?” I love that! Who are you not to be great? The people in you life, and perhaps the entire world may be missing out on some pretty cool stuff if you choose to life small.
“In the end, life lived to its fullest is its own ultimate gift” (The Ultimate Gift).
May we never forget that the greatest value in life is to live it well.
Leave a Reply