L. I. P. - Let’s Celebrate the Living

Photo credit: pixabay@pexels

Have you ever come across the acronym LIP? If not, keep reading—I’d love to introduce you to this beautiful concept. As I take a bird’s-eye view of the world, a strange pattern emerges—one that leaves me wondering: When are we humans, as a species and a society, going to grow up?

You often see an outpouring of grief when someone passes away—social media flooded with RIP messages, heartfelt tributes, and stories of how they touched lives. These messages may comfort grieving relatives and those left behind, but the person they are meant for is no longer here to read them. Ever wonder where all this warmth was when they were alive?

As we moved from close-knit families to isolated satellite units, our community bonds weakened. Once, we knew our neighbours, shared joys and struggles, and looked out for one another. Today, we barely know who lives next door, let alone what they believe or battle in silence. Human connection, once instinctive, now feels like an afterthought.

How often do we pause to check in on a struggling friend, acknowledge someone’s quiet efforts, or simply remind the people around us that they matter? It’s almost as if appreciation and kindness come with a waiting period—one that only begins when it’s too late. Literally after the expiry date.

What if we flipped this script? Instead of mourning the dead, let’s make a habit of uplifting the living. There’s no need to save kind words for obituaries—let’s share them today, while they can still be heard.

This is where LIP—Live in Peace can transform the way we engage with the world. Imagine a reality where LIP became as common as RIP—where people felt valued, supported, and encouraged while they were still here. A world where we actively celebrate lives, not just mourn their loss.

We often talk about leaving behind a better world for future generations, but maybe the real challenge is making this one kinder for those who are already here. 

Life, Loss, and the Lessons We Never Wanted

 

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Nancy Stephan wrote in her memoir, “There are things that we don’t want to happen but have to accept, things we don’t want to know but have to learn, people we can’t live without but have to let go.” This powerful truth resonates deeply, touching each of us at different points in life. While we may grasp it intellectually, experiencing it firsthand is an entirely different matter. There is always a gap between knowing and truly internalizing. As the Bard put it, if practice were as easy as knowing what to do, then “chapels would be churches and poor men’s houses, princes' palaces.” The real struggle lies not in understanding life’s truths but in learning to live with them.

Hardship, loss, and unfulfilled expectations can leave us questioning everything. Why this? Why now? Why me? We search for answers, sometimes directing our frustration at a higher power, other times merely shouting into the void. But questioning, while natural, seldom brings resolution. So how do we move forward when life derails our plans?

There’s no universal answer, no foolproof formula. But one thing that helps is cultivating a mindset of positivity—not by denying pain, but by consciously choosing to focus on what we can control. It’s about acknowledging hardship while reminding ourselves of our resilience. It’s about seeking support, allowing space to heal, and believing in the possibility of finding light even in the darkest moments.

Life isn’t a straight road, and there’s no set timeline for moving forward. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters is being kind to ourselves and trusting that, in time, we will find our way.

At the heart of it all is acceptance—of life as it comes.

• Whatever happens in life has to happen.
• Whomever we meet, we meet for a reason.
• Whenever something is meant to start, it will start then—neither sooner nor later.
• What is over is over—let go, without guilt.

Thanks for stopping by! Remember, your voice matters—join the conversation by leaving a comment or sharing this post with friends who might benefit. Keep curious, stay inspired, and come back soon for fresh content and practical tips.

Life as a Canvas: Lessons from Sir Ken Robinson

Photo by Victor Freitas @pexels

Most of us couldn’t have foreseen the life we’re living today when we were kids. We envisioned ourselves as astronauts, artists, explorers, or inventors, blissfully unaware of the twists and turns life would inevitably take. As we grew, those dreams began to shift, adapting to the opportunities we encountered and the talents we discovered within ourselves. But dreams alone weren’t enough. Our journey depended on our willingness to seize those opportunities, take risks, and navigate setbacks—sometimes with courage, sometimes with doubt, but always with the hope of creating something meaningful.

“Life has never been a fixed blueprint handed to us; it’s an ever-evolving canvas, as unique as the fingerprints of the person creating it.” As Sir Ken put it, what makes life extraordinary is its threefold nature: it is deeply personal, brimming with creative potential, and inherently organic. We often begin with a general sense of direction, shaped by family, society, or culture. As we move forward, life reveals itself as far more intricate and unpredictable than we ever imagined. It refuses to conform to neat, linear plans. Instead, it grows, bends, and reshapes itself, guided by the choices we make, the lessons we learn, and, at times, forces entirely beyond our control. In moments of uncertainty, we seek solace in our philosophical way of life, which suggests that whatever happens is meant to happen—a comforting thought when the road ahead seems uncertain.

“Living is a process of constant improvisation, much like composing music in real time.” There’s no master script, no flawless performance. We create meaning as we go, weaving together experiences, emotions, and aspirations to form a melody uniquely our own. Mistakes become opportunities for growth—when we pivot from disappointment, adapt to change, or follow an instinct that leads us somewhere unforeseen. “Life’s greatest beauty often lies in its surprises—of continuously crafting, refining, and finding harmony amidst the inevitable chaos.”

“Each step we take adds layers to our story; 

                              it’s something we actively create, 

                                                                moment by moment.” 

Every decision we make, every relationship we nurture, and every passion we pursue contributes to the intricate tapestry of our lives. And through it all, we learn that life is less about reaching a destination and more about embracing the journey, with all its imperfections and possibilities.

As we wrap up, consider how the ideas shared today might make a difference in your world. If you have questions or experiences to share, the comments section is open and welcoming. Don’t forget to bookmark this site for new stories and updates that matter to you.