In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Sunday, November 15, 2009

LOL

When I first started playing around on the computer I came across the letters LOL. I thought it meant “live out loud”or “lots of love”…until my youngest daughter set me straight. Of course this was after she had a good laugh over my lack of computer lingo. So yeah, it means “laugh out loud”…hmm, I like that too because I do tend to laugh out loud quite a bit… but still to this day, whenever I see LOL or use them myself, I think “live out loud” or “lots of love” and I smile at the memory of my mistake and the humor it brought to my daughter.

Not long ago, I came across this quote.

"If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, I will answer you: I am here to live out loud." – Émile Zola

I turned to google to learn more about this person behind the quote. It was interesting to learn that he lived between 1840 and 1902. Which means he likely said this in the 1800’s. Why does it fascinate me so much that someone living back then, talked about living out loud?

This also gets me thinking about how many of the wise words that encourage or inspire me were written or spoken many years ago. Many of these people, were people that lived out loud. I am sure that when these things were said and recorded at the time, they had no clue that their words would become quotes, hundreds of years later. They may not have known what a difference they were making in the world either.

Anyways…back to LOL…In my desire to live out loud I’ve sought out  to observe people that are already doing so.

I look at the people I see living out loud and these are qualities I see in them…

They know who they are.

They are honest about who they are.

They aren’t trying to be someone else.

They know they have shortcomings and weaknesses but don’t use them as excuses.

They know what they want.

They are confident.

They do not subscribe to the “it’s all about me” mentality.

They listen to their inner voice of wisdom.

They are good listeners.

They know what matters to them.

They are lovers not haters.

They aren’t afraid to fail.

They don’t see mistakes. They see opportunities for growth and learning.

They face their fears.

They aren’t afraid to try new things.

They don’t have to know everything.

They are willing to ask for help when needed.

They have sincere smiles.

They look you in the eyes.

They take risks.

They are willing to learn.

They have peace.

They laugh out loud.

They have a contentment about them.

They make decisions and act on them.

They aren’t lazy.

They are neither over busy or uninvolved. They are balanced.

They aren’t living for approval or to be noticed.

They don’t need everyone to like them or approve of them.

They treat themselves well.

They take an active role in the care of their physical bodies, their health and their emotional well being.

They live life instead of standing on the sidelines.

They give of themselves to something greater, that will benefit others.

They do things they are passionate about.

They have lots of love for others.

They have joy.

Their words, actions and choices match up.

In their very essence they are living true to themselves and what they see as their lives purpose. You could say they live their lives on purpose.

Living out loud looks different on each person because it’s authentic to who they are.

Many of the great people in history, that we now quote hundreds of years later,  were people that lived out loud.

But

Ordinary people that live out loud make a difference in our world too, even though many of them will never be famous or be quoted a hundred years from now.

Just the same, I do believe they have been and are the movers and shakers of this world.

I want to be one of these people.

I want to…

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& have

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in my heart…

& always

jennessa and mom-1

What qualities do you see in someone that lives out loud?

Do you have lots of love in your heart?

Do you laugh out loud?

Love & Hugs, Lori

21 comments:

Brian Miller said...

wonderful post. i too want to live out loud, laugh out loud and be filled with lots of love. most days i do pretty good, other maybe not so much...always remembering that one decision different i might be that person keeps me humble enough to know its not about me...more likely about we. hope you had a great weekend!

Brittany said...

I remember that too :) awww


Truth is, I think I Like LIVE OUT LOUD and LOTS OF LOVE better :)

Beautiful pictures. I love the quote!

Natalie said...

Loving your post OUT LOUD! I couldn't say anything better than you have already said, Lori. We could call you 'Lori Out Loud'.xx♥

Jan said...

Well, you know, laughing out loud IS part of living out loud. You can't really live out loud until you can laugh out loud - at least I think so.

You've done a marvelous job of describing those who live out loud, and while I know quite a few people who do, I don't have to name all the qualities needed for this wonderful quality, I just need to name a name.

Lori.

Kit Kat said...

This was a really great post Lori. You are one of those people that I think really does live out loud!

I Am Woody said...

Beautiful post! I want to live out loud.

Confession: I thought it meant "lots of love" for a very long time:)

Lori ann said...

Dear Lori,
What a beautiful post, I feel like crying and hugging you all at once. You are one of those people dear, I belive that to recognize all those qualities in others, means you have them in you. I don't know you but I just know this.
Thank you for the lovely, full of heart comment you left for me, I loved it. You are right, we do seem to have a lot in common. I am so excited to have a new friend, it's so nice to meet you Lori,
love, lori ☺

p.s. if you get the chance to see that post i linked to you will see the most precious babies ever.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Such a sweet topic Lori. I love out loud, I laugh out loud, I live out LOUD. There is no other choice...right???
Love the pictures...especially the little ones hands. SO sweet.

♥ Braja said...

Fantastic, Lori....fantastic. I loved this...a lot....I loved your list of qualities that a person has when they're living out loud; it resonated with me in every way. Well done....

♥ Braja said...

And yeah, Lori Out Loud...I love it :))

Buckeroomama said...

Living out loud --I love it! I think this is how every child starts out... living out loud. If I can somehow help my two "keep" that as they grow older, I would feel good, very good. :)

I love this post.

lisa said...

that was inspiring. I want to lol. it is a big list to live up to, but a very good one.

mommytoalot said...

Absolutely a fantastic post!
I love it!!
Live out Loud and Lots of Love..both awesome.

Barb said...

wonderful post! I want to live out loud. Great list to get me inspired!

Bogey said...

Very, very impressive Lori. There were so many poignant points you made, it is almost impossible to not see these characteristics in just about everybody. Living out loud, regardless of how you feel, is the only way to truly live. Is it not? Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and you cry alone. (Unless you have a good shoulder to do it on ;))

Not only do I like your chosen quote by Émile Zola but the man himself. Zola lived out loud when those around him corrupted themselves. He staked his brilliant literary career on the defense of an innocent man who was silenced and could not live out loud.

You are remarkable Lori in always having the ability to touch peoples hearts with love, humour and understanding.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I hope I laugh out loud. Such a fine list you have put together here. Getting over what other people think is such a freeing and growing moment. Great post.

Susan said...

LOVE this. And I'm doing my best to LOL, in all the ways mentioned. I particularly like the "Live Out Loud". Now every time I see "LOL" I'm going to think of that - Thank you! What an awesome reminder!!!
(and thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. welcome)

MGM said...

I think I do almost everything LOUD. LOL! Neat post!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Oh Lori, that was awesome! What an uplifting and thought provoking post.

I definitely loved my life out loud MORE when I was YOUNGER-- This was a good reminder. I'm gong to work on that :-)

xo

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Great post, Lori! You always inspire me to be a better person. I think that you Live out Loud!

Unknown said...

What a great post! I just love this so much! So good to remind others of this! It is good to be conscious of it daily!