My brother is turning 40 in a couple of weeks. Sorry Mark for throwing you under the bus, but I’m sure you’ll get me back someday! Mark is obviously my inspiration for this post, and more poignantly, Mark has been a constant inspiration for me my entire life. I have a million amazing memories with my big brother, and so many lessons I have learned from him as well.
Mark has taught me how to be brave, compassionate, honest with my emotions, and true to myself. Mark is always honest about how he feels, and I can share moments with my brother that I rarely share with others because we get each other, we are open books, brother and sister.
Mark and I have had a lot of fun together over the years and moments where we have partied and lived it up and now that we are getting older (not old, just oldER), I am finding it more and more important to simply Live Up! What does that mean exactly to Live Up? For me, it means to always be progressing, learning, discovering, being true with how you feel but not in such a way that you are hurtful to others. Look inward, figure out what your dreams are, spread your wings and Live Up – move forward, try harder, smile bigger, laugh louder, hug longer. Live Up – discover what it means to forgive and move on. Never forget the ones that are no longer with us and honor your loved ones with your own commitment to health, to your children’s health, and pay attention to your body, mind, and spirit.
LIVE UP to the fact that we are only human so move on from our mistakes and remember that we only have this one life and we better live – in – the – moment because after each moment is gone, there is no going back.
Mark told me during our last conversation that he doesn’t want IT to end, life is too good, there are so many great things, undiscovered things, wonderful things. That’s the attitude of someone who is truly alive. There is a lot of stuff to do while we are here so let’s do it with a desire to help others, a desire to never stop thriving, giving, and loving. Let’s Live UP – not just chug along and hope for the best, let’s create the best with what we have and embrace each day with a smile no matter how difficult yesterday may have been.
So to my brother Mark; thank you for your wisdom, thank you for your open spirit, thank you for sharing life’s lessons with me honestly and compassionately and I hope your attitude towards life will creep out through this little blog and help other folks feel a little lighter, a little brighter, and a little better – knowing that today is what we have, right now is ours for the taking, so lets make the best of it!
What a great message! Just what I needed this morning…thank you!!!
Its good to have a brother. You sharing about your brother inspired me to share also. I have not always been close with my brother. About 1 year ago he started me on my paleo journey to health. It was the best gift he ever gave me. He is younger than me but much wiser. 1 month ago he started training me in cross-fit type work-outs. I feel amazing, look amazinger and am finally finding that while my body heals and gets stronger my mind and spirit are following. Thanks always for your support and inspiriation Sarah. If you are interested in my progress check out my brother’s website at http://www.nvscreno.weebly.com go to “more” then “30 Days of Willpower” my 11yo son and I are the stars of that page so far. Thanks for any and all feedback. Check back weekly for more.
Happy Birthday Mark! Live up and LIVE IT UP! 😎
Congrats, Mark! I just turned 50, and I am in the best shape of my adult life. As long as you keep that attitude, life will continue to be an amazing adventure for you!
I usually come on your blog for recipes, but happened to read this post. I’m really glad I did – so inspiring! I have 3 brothers who give me just as much as Mark gives you, and I am so glad they are in my life. Thanks for the words!
Awesome post!!
Beautiful post! Thanks for the great reminder! It can be hard not to get caught up in the day-to-day details 😉
Also, LOVE your blog/podcasts/recipes! You’ve been a lifesaver! Book is on it’s way too, and I can’t wait!!
Thank you so much!!
What a great post Sarah! I’ve just gotten back from a long vacation knowing I want to fully commit to the Paleo lifestyle. Your cookbook has been invaluable these past 4 days. Loved the salmon cakes and easy steak skewers. Baking the curry cauliflower now. Thanks for giving us the tools to make this change happen.
Happy early birthday Mark! This is a very inspiring post! I am personally doing all that I can to help others live a healthy, fun, vibrant lifestyle – my blog does that trick!
Mark is right on – life has sooooo much to offer! Lucky for me, I am only 23 years old and have officially begun my expedition of traveling around the world!