John Chupka

John is a social worker and the author of the book, It Went Without Saying, his family's story of inspiration, hope and forgiveness through addiction.

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

Greetings,

I am grateful to offer my perspective on the pathway to a meaningful life. I hope that these insights assist you on your journey.

I have found these to be the basic principles of a well lived live: ;
Know we are life itself
Express life with passionate loving intent
Experience the privilege of forgiving others
Accept forgiveness graciously
Celebrate daily
Live life a moment at a time

When we understand that we are life itself it frees us from the unconscious terror of feeling alone. We become aware that we are the very breath that sustains the bodies we inhabit. We can sing our particular note in the symphony of life's sounds and consciously hear the music of the entire orchestra. There is an acceptance of life as it is, with all its imperfections and glorious moments. This acceptance releases us from attachment to outcome. Life itself restores us and gives us succor when we grieve.

The willingness to intend, passionately, can be viewed as the compass of life. It is always true north. It reminds us of our purpose. Viewing life from the perch of loving intention broadens our vision and frees us from the need to make others wrong in order to be right. By living our intent in the present moment, we create the probability of future based upon our conscious desire.

One of the most extra-ordinary experiences in life is the offering and accepting of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a restorative process of reclaiming our innocence. In an intimate loving interchange of forgiveness the voice of condemnation is silenced as we accept responsibility for our actions. In that sacred interchange shame looses its power to keep us prisoner in the fortress of our own guilt. We are set free to love and be loved once more. It is a privilege to offer forgiveness to another because in the giving we share the joy of liberation from judgment and guilt. ;

The universe celebrates every wayfarer who has returned from the self imposed exile of judgment. As forgiven beings, we become participants in that celebration. The more we celebrate, the more joyful we become.
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We have made life very complicated. The task of remembering we are life itself, with the creative energy to intend miracles or heartache, may seem daunting. It is important to take this restorative process of reclaiming our innocence one moment at a time. Remember to celebrate each step along the way.