Monday, March 19, 2012

Depth of Life

"It is not length of life, but depth of life." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson was a 19th century American lecturer, writer, poet, and philosopher, who prevailed as a champion of individualism.

His words which open this blog do seem extremely poignant to me, when you consider that the special individual concerned who is the inspiration behind my charity campaign for Cancer Research UK, is having her own precious life cut prematurely short.
So I guess the over-riding message is that you must live for today, you must grasp every opportunity that comes your way, and you should try to fulfill all your dreams before it's too late...as life is too short!

My own life is pretty deep I suppose, but I'd much rather pack everything into it as best I can whilst I'm still here, than wait until the future unfolds...as you never know, tomorrow may never come?
I think my 'depth' comes from my continual struggle between trying to attain a simple way of life, whilst dealing with a complex state of mind...but I'm getting there as I work through the trials and tribulations that ultimately effect us all.

The charity campaign is now only just over a month away, which seems scary when I think about it.
I first thought up the idea last summer and yet here we are ~ so near and so close.
So much has happened over the ensuing months; so many twists and turns; a few additional heartbreaking events; but the overwhelming support towards the cause has been the biggest factor that I've encountered.

The South Downs Way Charity Trek in aid of Cancer Research UK
April 23rd to April 27th


All the planning has come to fruition, and all the support I've received from Jon, Curph, and Chappers as my willing co-participants, as well as all the kind comments (and donations!) from my co-workers especially, have proved to be an unexpected suprise...I have been genuinely touched, and have remained so throughout all of the organising.

I'm happy to report that I did initially remain off the booze for the past fortnight, meaning that I've haven't indulged in the dreaded munchies which alcohol generally leads me to, so my rather restricted, yet healthy diet also remains intact (sorry Jane!) ~ but I must confess to enjoying a guinness or two on 'Paddy's Day', purely out of respect for my Irish friends and family, so they could be assured that I was with them in spirit (literally!)
My next test comes at Easter when I'm due to visit friends in Somerset, but hopefully my will-power will prevail (don't worry, Trace...I'll still buy you a few vino's!)...although I am coming round to thinking that the occassional pint won't do me any harm, so long as it doesn't develop into a lengthy session. To counter balance this thought process, I've decided to sacrifice my daily Costa coffee, and restrict this to a Friday only treat.

Over the five remaining weeks prior to the charity event, I am going to be attaching five of my favourite photo's ~ this weeks picture is in honour of my aforementioned Irish friends and family, and was taken at Ruth's 40th birthday party a few years ago in Co.Laois, and also features the big man, Fitz...happy times!

As part of my moving on process, my 'Mr.Minimalistic' status has been further enhanced as I've culled yet more of my personal belongings, leaving me with just the bare essentials...but this is the way of life that suits me best, and as anyone who knows me well can testify...I always travel light!
So light in fact, that when I travel down under to visit the TWL in New Zealand in October, even though I'll be away for over two weeks, I'll still be surviving on hand luggage only!

"I was born a ramblin' man, trying to make a living and doing the best I can..." 

Ramblin' Steve

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