The Two Fundamental Questions
Have you seen The Bucket List? I know that everything crosses my path exactly when it’s supposed to. Bill and I had seen the movie a couple years ago, and it magically ‘showed up’ again last night. So with pizza on our TV trays, we headed downstairs to relax on our puffy brown leather couch and let the movie sweep us away and inspire us.
Briefly, the movie follows two terminally ill men (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) on their around-the-world adventure with a wish list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.”
If you haven’t seen the movie, see it! And if you have seen it, see it again. It’s a movie that will take you out of the ‘details’ of your life—and whatever drama you may have created—and connect you with what’s most important to you and what matters.
I was incredibly touched by a part in the movie when the two are sitting in wonder, gazing at the Pyramids in Egypt. Morgan Freeman’s character talks about the ancient Egyptians and their belief about death. He goes on to explain the belief by saying that when Egyptian souls got to the entrance to heaven, the gods asked them two questions. Their answers determined whether or not they were admitted to heaven.
The two questions:
–Have you found joy in life?
–Has your life brought joy to others?
As you, my readers, know, this blog is about the importance of following the things in life that bring you joy…and spreading that light to others. I love the simplicity of these two questions, which gets at the primal essence of why we’re here on earth.
So I’m going to keep this short and sweet by saying:
1) Watch The Bucket List
2) Ponder those two important questions
3) Get started now on your bucket list; your life is waiting for you!
Thoughts? I’d love to hear from you…
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MICHELLE STIMPSON
is a trusted authority on Positive Change and Joyful Living. She works with women who are ready for a change in their life, and she's the creator of the Positive Change SystemTM - a step-by-step process which helps women make the lasting meaningful change they yearn for. Ready to take charge of your life? Go here to learn more and schedule a complimentary Get Acquainted call to see how Michelle can help._______________________________________________________
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Hi and thanks for visiting - so glad you're here! This blog is especially for cool people who want to experience joy and live a life of purpose. Welcome!
Hi! Not only will you see me “show up” in many of Michelle’s stories and posts here, but I also serve as Michelle’s editor, helping her clarify intentions and make her posts shine.
What a wonderful message, Michelle. I have not seen the movie, and will do so now. Thank you for your continued inspiration. I hope you know that you bring joy to many – and we’re grateful.
Resourcefully Yours,
Kris
Believe it or not, I HAVEN’T seen The Bucket List!! Thanks for your glowing recommendation – I will be sure to check it out and I love the questions that echo your mission so beautifully. :)
thanks!
you always remind me to keep things in perspective!
Loved the bucket list…next day started my own list and have accomplished a few things already, not even realizing they were on my bucket list until reviewing it later on. What a great message of remembering to find joy in EVERY circumstance that happens in life. You only have one life, why not live it to the fullest extent and more importantly JOY FILLED!
@ Kris: Yay! I’m so glad you’re going to see the movie. Let me know what you think! I appreciate your sweet message…and especially you being a subscriber and sharing your thoughts. Thank you.
@ Liv: HUH? Yes, I was surprised you hadn’t seen it! But as we both know, everything comes along when it is supposed to. Guess this is your time to let yourself relish in the message of the movie. Can’t wait for your review!
@ Angela: Thanks for being here and I’m so glad that the blog helps you keep things in perspective. We all need those “reminders”; makes life a little easier. :)
@ Kim: How COOL about starting your own bucket list–good for you! And I love how you’ve already been able to check off some things. Keep working the list and enjoy every moment of it. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for the great post Michelle and the great reminder! It was so fun to see those 2 questions posed at the pyramids – it reminds me that what I am really doing is bringing joy back to the lives of those impacted by eating disorders. When I say that in my little elevator speech it can sound so trite but when I think about it in this perspective it is a much larger concept.
You have a wonderful way of saying what we need to hear.
Becky
@ Becky: AWESOME! You are right…it is a huge and wonderful concept that you are talking about and through your work, you bring such joy to the world. I so admire you for that, Becky! Thank you for always supporting me and this blog. :)