This is a post of mine from a previous September. I hope you enjoy it!
What is the essence of a life?
A deep thought indeed, but putting aside the belief in the existence of a supreme being for a moment, what is the first notion that question conjures for you?
Is it the wail of a newborn when she is pushed from the womb, wet and shivering, into a cold world of bright light and jarring noise?
Is it a living being’s will and drive to survive?
Is it the slow and arduous process of becoming what your potential keeps whispering you can be, or the serendipitous ease of slipping into a role you were born to fill?
Is it what we cling to as we grow old, try to recapture, strive to enjoy in every waking moment, as the end draws ever nearer?
Could it simply be the state of being, dreaming, pondering and loving?
Or hating and enduring what the universe has given you?
Maybe, life is the constant of the everyday.
It’s the laughter of a stranger on a crowded subway, the silly song that got stuck in your head and you sang in the shower this morning, a face that suddenly smiles in your direction, a warm hug, a lover’s kiss, or a soft place to fall after a long day.
Perhaps it is the enduring memory of a giant harvest moon, the languid ripple of a pond you sat beside last summer, the smell of warm cinnamon in an apple pie, the taste of licorice, or the sweet sip of ice-cold raspberry Koolaid you loved as a child.
Some of life is lived between the lines of our subconscious, in the many subtleties of our private, innermost selves.
Life is all of this and much more. It is joy and disappointment, connection and camaraderie, isolation and despair, exquisite pleasure, and acute suffering.
Life is the endurance of the human experience and the divining of purpose.
Life is the continuity of unconditional love.
What do you think life is all about?
What is your answer to this enduring question?
Original post along with your lovely comments here.
Jennifer's Journal 
Love the line just above the race buddy photo. Appreciate your blog. All the best in the coming year, Jennifer.
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Thanks so much! I’m wishing you the same for 2023. 🙂
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Oh, I love the deep thoughts. But I need some time to think on this one. I have so many answers on the tip of my tongue, none of them complete.
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Thanks so much for reading, Kristine! Come up with any answers yet? 😄
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Ha! Still percolating ☕️
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Life is definitely all the above. It’s also a big pain in the you-know-what this year for me hah.
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Indeed it is. Hugs to you, Luanne! ❤️
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A beautiful post, Jennifer. I was thinking of you this morning as I watched the storm and terrible flooding on Canada’s Atlantic coast. I’m praying for your and your neighbors. I hope you’re all safe and sound. ❤
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Bless you, Diana! We are all fine on this side of the island, far away from where Fiona tracked. As far as I know there was only one casualty from Newfoundland, a woman who got washed away when her house did. Her body was recovered yesterday. Thank you so much for your concern and for reaching out. ❤️
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I’m so relieved, Jennifer. I remembered beautiful aerial photos of your island and how close you are to the ocean. I’m sorry about the death and hope that’s the end of it. Hugs.
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Thank you. Our house will be 100 years old next year, and nothing has ever come close like that before, and hopefully never will. With climate change, though, who knows what the future holds?
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Such a thought-provoking post.
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With no easy answers. Thanks, Sue!
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You’ve said things beautifully. An insightful essay that you clearly gave a whole lot of thought to.
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Thanks, Neil. I appreciate your kind words!
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Such a lovely post
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Thanks for reading, Joanne.
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A profound and poignant reflection on the breadth and depth of life. Thank you.
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You are more than welcome, Rebecca. Thanks for reading!
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A Beautiful contemplation of pictures and thoughts about life Jennifer. I’ve learned that life is living in presence with all that is. The good, the bad, and the ugly! 🤗🧡
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Thank you, Karen. You’re absolutely right about that. Some parts are terribly painful, as you know. But there is plenty to be grateful for as well. Hugs to you. ❤️
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🤗
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Loved the pictures, Jennifer. I’m glad you reposted this one.
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A few of my favourite pics that were nice to revisit. Thanks, Jacqui.
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Gorgeous post, Jennifer. A lovely and moving reflection on life.
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Thank you, Diana. I’m so glad you liked it.
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This is beautiful, Jennifer. It’s something I think about a lot, but could never have put it into words as eloquently as you. 🧡
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Aw, thanks so much, Barbara. There are many “why’s” we may not have answers for. Perhaps I’ve only scratched the surface.
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I love this! Thanks. Life is all that and more.
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Oh, absolutely, more than I can fit into one little blog post. Thanks, Darlene!
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