Careful. I sometimes wonder what that word really means. Does it mean avoiding risks? Or does it mean living life bogged down by cares?
If I take the first meaning, I remind myself that I’ve often lived life too carefully. Too worried about hurting others. Too concerned about doing the right thing…. And yet, at the other end of the spectrum, I’ve indulged in risky behaviour too. Not been careful at all. Made terrible choices.
If I take the other meaning, I realize that I’ve been careful that way too – allowing worries to get me down.
Perhaps, the word really has a third meaning.
To live life as if you care. Care-fully.
Care for yourself, first of all. Nurturing yourself. No guilt. No fear.
Caring for others in the way they need to be cared for. That takes thought and courage. Sometimes, caring for another might really mean leaving them to their own devices.
Caring for strangers. Reaching out to those who have no one to care for them. Making a difference by smiling at a stranger. Doing small acts of kindness when no one is watching.
Caring for the Earth. Not wasting. Not hoarding. Sharing resources.
If you asked me how I’d like to be remembered when I’ve passed, I’ll tell you that I want people to say, ‘She was someone who walked care-fully.!
“It is inevitable that I will leave a legacy simply because I cannot walk through life without leaving footprints as I walk. Therefore, I would be wise to consider the path before I make the prints.”
― Craig D. Lounsbrough
Joining the wonderful Kristi Rieger Campbell and other fab bloggers for Finish The Sentence Friday.
Joining Part Time Monster for #WeekendCoffeeShare
Coffee picture courtesy Shutterstock
Love your definition of Carefully – to live life as if you care. Brilliant.
Thanks, Kelly.
Perfect – to walk care-fully is leaving a kind and care-full legacy. Love!
Thanks, Kristi. I just had to catch that prompt. Thank you for setting it up.
I too have experienced times of being extremely careful or not at all. Loved the thought behind walking carefully. Just one simple way of lliving can change not only ours but other’s llives too.
I like it how you have said – To walk care-fully which is different from not taking risks or to be bogged down by worries but to live your life fully with care. This would be same as living with awareness.
I love how you said we need to care for strangers, loved ones and ourselves and that’s living care-fully. Such a liberating definition and that quote is perfect.
I absolutely agree! Caring for ourselves is important and should be a priority! Great post!
Wow I love the quote you’ve shared at the conclusion. No matter how careful we are, it’s impossible not leaving footprints.
I love your take on the concept of care-fully and couldn’t agree more on the topic of self-care. That is so important and I think necessary for so much else to fall into place.
Great take on the prompt! Care-fully is wonderful.