Tuesday, January 25, 2011

What Does it Mean to Live Life to the Fullest?


On the day Austin died, I found myself saying, "He lived life to the fullest." The next day, I opened the newspaper to see the headline: 

Austin Narewski 'lived life to the fullest'

Which tells me, even though I'm his mom and am a little biased, I'm not the only one who thought Austin lived his life that way.

But what, exactly, does it mean to "live life to the fullest"? I would love to hear your thoughts, whether it's:
  • A story or example of how you saw Austin live his life to the fullest.
  • What Austin taught you about living life to the fullest.
  • How Austin touched your life, because he lived life to the fullest.
  • An example of how you've seen someone else live life to the fullest.
  • Little things or big things that let you live your life to the fullest.
  • A quote that encourages you to live life to the fullest.
  • Anything you want to share on living life to the fullest...
My final plan is to create a book which incorporates ideas and photos, encouraging all of us to make the most out of life - whatever it throws our way. I'm not sure what the finished product will look like, exactly. I have an idea, but it may change as this takes on a life of its own.

I can't wait to hear from you and to continue to learn from Austin (and others) on how to Live Every Day to the Fullest. Because, life's too short to do anything else.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Austin's Mom

7 comments:

  1. I forgot to mention, Kailee Faulkner will be doing the photos - can't wait to see her amazing work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Austin taught me to live life to the fullest by his always smiling no matter what and his sincere interest in everything that was said to him...he accepted everyone...which today, is such a hard thing for most people to do, but I never heard him once say anything bad about anyone. He taught me to be different, better and to aspire to be these things...to not be afraid to do something just because of the risk it poses...but that the risk of life is half the fun. Its because of all these wonderful qualities that you couldnt help but to be drawn to him, he was like your own personal sun, always there to warm up your day if you were down, and if you weren't, you still felt his warmth in everything he did.

    I miss him so much :-(

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks Lindsey - I like that "Your own personal sun!" Austin did light up a room, without even meaning to...

    ReplyDelete
  4. He sure did! I remember being drawn to his light the very first day I met him. I wonder and hope he knew just how special he was and how much he meant to everyone..

    ReplyDelete
  5. I should also add, that he also made time for everyone in his life, he was always hanging out with people...before I met Austin-I used to be so bad at making time for people..I work a lot...school...busy,busy always on the go..but since meeting him and having the privilege to know and befriend him I've changed. My most formidable regret was the week before the accident..even up to the day before I'd been thinking, " I have to txt Austin to hang out soon, I havent seen him in like two weeks!"( I had txt him and asked about his summer and work etc) but I never got to that txt..idk why..a txt msg is a simple thing..and its something I can never undo. so now..I make time for my family, friends, etc as much as possible..because I don't know what tomorrow will bring and I don't want to have any regrets... i want to make the most of my time just like he did! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lindsey - that is so beautiful put... thank you!

    ReplyDelete