“Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
~George Bernard Shaw

It is too easy to take our day – and life – for granted. It is too easy to not pay attention to the splendor that surrounds us, and to walk through life on a sort of autopilot. To not be present for our moments and to not give our moments our fullest and our best.

It is also easy to dive into our lives – our moments – and make them burn as brightly as possible. We simply have to make the decision to do that, and then keep reminding ourselves to dive back in and pay more attention when we forget.

As far as we know, we have one go at this life. One chance to walk this earth and experience all there is around us. We get to choose how much we want to give to it, and how much we want to get.

When we’re engaging with others at work, are we making those relationships burn with connection? When we’re leading – or following – are we making those opportunities burn with strategic thought and intentional action? When we’re with our friends, families, and loved ones, are we making those connections burn with closeness and understanding? When we’re diving into a task, or working on a problem, are we making those endeavors burn with purpose and power?

We can make our lives – and relationships – burn intensely. We can pay attention, and be Thoughtful and extraordinary, if we want to. We can make that choice.

How have you burned your candle brightly?
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