Be a superb meteor.

If I were my own best friend I would read Jack London (c. 1905)…

“I would rather be ashes than dust!

I would rather that my spark should burn out in a

brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dryrot.

I would rather be a superb meteor,

every atom of me in a magnificent glow,

than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The proper function of man is to live,

not to exist.

I shall not waste my days

in trying to prolong them.

I shall use my time.”

***There are so many things to say about this Jack London quote. First, there is the idea of fully living life. Second, there is the intimation of life being brief. Third, there is the idea of living to live, and not focusing on how long that might be. I love all of it.

None of us know how long we have in this lifetime. Of course most of us hope for a long and fruitful life, but if you were given the option of a great, but brief sojourn versus a long but dull existence what would you choose? Why not make your mark today? It doesn’t mean your life will be shorter. It just means you will be living more fully. Why not burn brightly? Why not blaze? 

Perhaps the secret lies in living so fully – by burning so brightly your life may feel as if it is passing by quickly – but it is really that you are using each moment to its utmost. Thanks Mr. London. I will live like a superb meteor.