Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper: What a Beautiful Life

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style.” — Maya Angelou

My friend Clay wrote me the other day to tell me about a book he’s reading. It’s called Seven Ages of Paris, and in it, the French writer Colette is quoted as having said the following just before she died in 1954:

“What a beautiful life I’ve had. It’s a pity I didn’t notice it sooner.”

That quote landed on me like a thud. I hope you’ll stop and absorb it, too. Make a silent vow to not be Colette, like I did.

Now, to be honest, I’ve been in Colette’s heels before. When I was younger, I was constantly running through life as I juggled work, my children, my parents and all the other obligations coming my way. My to-do list was pages’ long, and it was all of my own making. I wasn’t noticing anything along the way because I was just trying to get everything done and start all over again.

Thank God I came to my senses.

I write this message with the hope that you come to your senses as well. Life is to be noticed. That goes for the big moments and all the little ones in between. It includes the mundane, the normal and the everyday moments, like dinners with your family, movies with your kids, walks in the park and conversations with those you love and admire. It even includes the heartbreak you experience as well. It’s worth noticing in its own way because it is always life-altering.

What I’ve come to notice is that if we are brave enough to allow parts of ourselves to die—old roles, old beliefs, and old identities that no longer serve us—then we can evolve more fully into our authentic selves. Sit with that.

On the other side of letting things go—on the other side of the dissolution of what was—is transformation. So, instead of resisting the idea of letting go, ease your way into it. Notice the new you that emerges when you allow the old to dissolve, however painful it may be.

Have you noticed how life is always evolving in that way? How it isn’t a Disneyland ride or a reality show? Life unfolds in real time with real people, and you only get one chance to make it your own.

These days, I notice everything. I notice when someone steps up to help me. I notice when someone calls me. I notice kindness. I notice when people leave me encouraging (and not so encouraging) comments. I notice when someone stops me to talk about my Alzheimer’s work or The Sunday Paper.

I notice when my life feels full and when it feels empty. I notice when I feel happy and when I feel sad. I notice life’s complexities and its simplicities, and how each day can present us with a combination of both. I also notice that I’m aging. Whenever I notice that, I also think about what no longer is, and what keeps evolving as life ebbs and flows.

I marvel at how hard life is, and also how easy it can be. I also observe how unfair it is, how short it is, and how no two lives are the same. My life isn’t yours, and yours isn’t mine. Yours is your own to create, experience, notice and live.

If I’m paying attention, then I can probably learn a thing or two from you. I share my own thoughts each week with the hope that perhaps something I’ve learned in my life might awaken a spark in you. Perhaps my words or experiences will inspire you, strengthen you or move you to see your own life in a new way. That’s a big part of my life: noticing, sharing, serving and using my voice. It helps me make sense of why I’m here.

So if you feel like your life is going too fast, then stop. Commit yourself to slowing down. Start by noticing one encounter or one experience every day, and move forward from there. None of us know how long we have on this Earth, so make sure to pause and notice what’s in front of you.

Then when your time finally comes, you’ll be able to say, “Isn’t life magical and mysterious and amazing? Isn’t it extraordinary what I witnessed, experienced and noticed? Thank God I paid attention. Thank God I took notice. Thank God I’m not sitting here saying I missed the whole thing.”

Love,

Dear God, help me appreciate all the precious moments in this life you’ve given me. Sometimes it can feel like it’s rushing by, but may I never forget to pause and celebrate all of the wonderful things along the way. Amen.

INSPIRING VIEWS ABOVE THE NOISE

Life Coach Martha Beck Reminds Us That In Order to Stay Present, We Must Accept Change

In this poignant and personal essay, SP columnist Martha Beck explains how the acceptance of continuous change can help us stay present and focused.

Think It’s Too Late to Reach Your Potential? Not For Late Bloomers, Says Author Richard Karlgaard.

In his latest book “Late Bloomers,” entrepreneur Rich Karlgaard says that finding one’s way later in life can be an advantage to long-term achievement and happiness. 

A Neuroscientist Explains the Health Benefits of Women Supporting Women

When women work together, everyone benefits. That’s according to a piece from our friends at The Girlfriend From AARP. Cognitive neuroscientist Carolyn Leaf explains that “not only will we be more successful if we join forces as women, but we also will be happier.”

Exclusive Q & A: Author Amber Scorah Reveals How Leaving Her Religion Fulfilled Her Life’s True Path

In this exclusive Sunday Paper Q & A, Amber Scorah, author of the new book “Leaving the Witness,” talks about why she left her life-long affiliation with the Jehovah’s Witness to start life over anew.

Too Much Screen Time, Not Enough Living? SP Columnist Patti Peterson Says ‘Look Up Once In Awhile!’

Do you find yourself looking down at your phone so much that you’re missing out on the world around you? My friend and SP columnist Patti Peterson reminds us to “look up, it won’t hurt you!” 

NEWS ABOVE THE NOISE

1. The Sunday Paper Architects of Change of the Week: 15-Year-Old Tennis Star Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff. It’s truly been incredible and inspiring to watch this young female athlete break new ground at Wimbledon! After another win on Friday, Gauff is now gearing up for her next big game on Monday. 

It’s been a remarkable week overall for U.S. women in sports. The U.S. Women’s soccer team goes up against the Netherlands this morning in the Women’s World Cup Final.

2. News to Make You Think: Could You Pass the Citizenship Test? On the heels of Fourth of July, it’s worth looking at the hardest questions on the U.S. Citizenship test and seeing how much you know about our nation. 

3. News You May Have Missed: New York Anchorwoman Sues Over Age Discrimination. Women face enough challenges in the workplace; age discrimination shouldn’t be one of them. NY1 Anchor Roma Torre is now drawing attention to the ageism she’s faced throughout her TV career. 

4. News You Can Use: How to Recover From Stress and Burnout. Before heading out for your summer vacation, read this advice from five experts on how to get rid of burnout symptoms and return to work happier and energized. 

5. News for Your Mental Health: A New Study Reveals the Extent of Our Mental Health Crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide rates are at the highest level since World War II.

6. Our Yippee! Moment of the Week: Girl Born Without Hands Throws Out First Pitch at Orioles Game. 10-year-old Sara Hinesley, who was born without hands, was given the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a recent game between the Orioles and Cleveland Indians.

THE SUNDAY PAPER REFLECTION

Such a beautiful sentiment by artist and illustrator Sara Ajna, known as @NakedHeartPoetry on Instagram. As I say in my essay, every day is an opportunity to evolve and shine your light!

THE SUNDAY PAPER DINNER CLUB

The Sunday Paper Dinner Club: We are all about inspiring hearts and minds, being in community and moving humanity forward. Here at The Sunday Paper, we believe that one of the best ways to foster connection is to gather at a table for conversation and healthy food. Since there is no better time to come together than right now, we hope you’ll join us in our mission. Join the Sunday Paper Dinner Club.

This Week’s Conversation Starter: Share a recent experience or encounter you’ve had that impacted your life. 

A Recipe For Your Dinner: This recipe for Grilled Lamb Chops With Strawberry, Cucumber & Feta Salad is from our content partner Olivia Crouppen. 

THE SUNDAY PAPER IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE WOMEN’S ALZHEIMER’S MOVEMENT

79-Year-Old Man With Dementia Remembers How to Play a Song He Composed Decades Earlier 

Paul Harvey’s son captured the touching moment on camera.

Join Maria Shriver and The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement for Move for Minds — a day of fun, fitness and life-changing information on November 2nd in Los Angeles! The day will transform your mind, body and soul — and raise money for critical gender-based Alzheimer’s research!

THE WOMEN’S ALZHEIMER’S MOVEMENT is a global movement of game changers, groundbreakers, and cultivators of hope. We’re working to wipe out Alzheimer’s and change the future for all minds

SHOP THAT “SUNDAY FEELING” 

Visit the shop on MariaShriver.com to get Maria’s book “I’ve Been Thinking,” her coloring book for Alzheimer’s “Color Your Mind,” the Maria candle, Rivet Revolution bracelets benefiting The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, and more!

Join The Sunday Paper Community

Do you have feedback on The Sunday Paper? Do you have ideas for content or changemakers that we should feature in an upcoming edition? If so, connect with us below.

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT I’VE BEEN THINKING

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