To 'Vivre' or Not To 'Vivre'...

Joie de Vivre! Pronunciation: `jwâ du'veevru
Definition: [noun] a keen enjoyment of living
Do you ever stop and think about where you are in life? Are you happy? Are you serving your purpose? Are you making the right decisions? Are you following your hearts desire? Do you have the job you always dreamt about? Are you driving the car you always admired? Is your income where you want it to be? What really matters?

Earlier this month, ‘Shake’ returned home from a much deserved trip to France. With my inability to meet her for a coffee and divulge in the details of her trip, we decided to spend a few quality minutes on a poorly connected phone call. We discussed our key life experiences of the month and ‘Shake’s’ main concern was our ‘lack’ of time. Here’s how our conversation took place…

“How can time be flying by so fast, I can’t believe I will be turning 80 in ONLY 52 years!” she expressed with concern.
“Umm, HELLOO….there’s still another five decades before we even get there, why worry about that now. At least you’ll still be over 5’ tall, how about me? I’ll barely be three feet by the time I reach 80!” I replied.

Why is life such a constant rush? Everyone is in such a hurry to ‘get there’. Whether it’s a hurry to get the job we want, a hurry to buy a car, a hurry to get married or a hurry to meet our deadlines, we’re always running for something. If for once we can close our eyes and picture ourselves old and gray lying in a bed taking our last breath of air, what is the one accomplishment we would be proud of? Would we really stop and think about the job we had, or the cars we drove, or the money we made or didn’t make? Or would we stop and remember the life experiences we shared with our loved ones? Success is the accomplishment of the goals we set for ourselves; maybe it’s time we stop and think if our ‘goals’ are really aspirations that deserve our time and energy. It’s important to stop and smell the flowers!

Here in Mexico, it’s amazing how everyone enjoys life and how calm everyone is. My first teachers’ meeting was last week on Tuesday at 10:30am. I made sure to get to school with plenty of time to spare to ensure my prompt arrival at the meeting. Much to my surprise, the rest of the teachers calmly strolled in fifteen minutes after the scheduled time, laughing and conversing. No one was stressed, no one ever stresses, or so it seems. I have learned to do the same. I don’t rush. Nor do I stress. When any appointment is scheduled here, you can be certain either it will be a ‘no show’, or an ‘hour later’ show. The Maryann before would be freaking out. Now, I am learning to take a step back, stay calm and be patient. It’s the new ‘moi’, new and improved! Life is an escapade and has so much more to offer than worry, stress, and haste. We need to think ‘outside-of-the-box’ and make things happen. I have been agonizing the past week over a temporary gym membership I got at a local fitness club. What was my dilemma? Well, the thought of going alone scared the crap out of me. It’s funny how little we think about doing the simplest things when we are in our own element. Being in a foreign country is different. Every morning I woke up ready to go and try the new gym, then, like a young child in school, I ‘imagined’ I had a stomach ache and decided I would go the next day instead. Well, by the time I actually gained the courage to go, my temporary pass was on its second last day, what a waste! Earlier on this week,‘V’ was in Detroit so no one was home. I needed to face my fears. I got in the car, drove to the gym, and did an hour of cardio. Then, I decided I would stay for the afternoon Pilates class, but, my enthusiasm quickly faded when I saw the swarm of girls, probably the ‘regulars’, lined-up at the door ready to take the class. Was I intimidated? Yes! Not because I couldn’t do the class, but because I’m not 100% fluent in Spanish. What if the instructor asked us to lie on the ground and stretch, and I misunderstood and did a head stand instead?! CAN YOU IMAGINE?? My point is, I took the chance, earned the courage, and went to the gym! I felt great leaving the facility; I accomplished my goal for the day! I even asked for the locker key in Spanish. I’m GUUUD!!! So, lesson of the day, don’t settle for anything. Are-you- nervous-to-go-to-a-gym-in-a-foreign-country-because-you-don’t-speak-the-language-very- well – GET OVER YOURSELF and just do it! Are you unsatisfied with your job? Look for a new one. Are you unhappy in your relationship? Leave. Are you impatient? BE PATIENT! The answers are simpler than we think. Our ‘Joie do vivre’ is for us to find!! Take a trip, plan a night out, sign up for that dance class you always wanted….enjoy life, and avoid stress. This way, you’ll be sure to have significant accomplishments to think about when you’re taking your last breath, 52 years from now!