I was recently going through a TON of boxes in my garage getting ready for a move when I came across a bunch of things in a hospital belongings bag. The bag was FULL of all the things I had in my locker from when I worked as a nurse in the trauma system of a large trauma center. Part of all this “stuff” was a copy of a quote I had seen on our report room wall several years before. I made one for myself and had it taped in the inside of my locker door and I looked at it every time I opened it. This quote served as a gentle reminder to live in the now and live full out instead of waiting for “some day” to do all the things I wanted.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand–strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, “Woo-Hoo, What a Ride!”
Appearing in lots of places with many variations, this particular version is from author unknown.
From what I’ve been able to gather, this is a variant of the quote “Words To Live By” attributed to an octogenarian named Mavis Leyrer, of Seattle. Further research into where this originated states Mavis was quoting Bill McKenna, a professional motorcycle racer. The search doesn’t stop there as he could have possibly been paraphrasing someone else all together. Seems to be a bit of mystery here.
All I know is I LIKE IT!
Great quote and one that really says it all and forces us all to think about how we are moving through life. I didn’t always live with that type of outlook… what kind of ride are you on?
Going all out and enjoying each moment to the fullest? Or Playing it safe?
Doing all the things you’ve always wanted to do? Or passively waiting on the sideline?
Life is short don’t let it pass you by NOT taking chances and wondering what could have been…..
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Kellie Hosaka
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Hello Kara,
You’ve touched on something soooo important to all of us. So many of us are so afraid to leave the safety of where we are that while we may look longingly at the things on the other side of the fence or road, we stay where we are because of what we believe to be good reasons…responsibilities to others, for instance. True, when we have obligations, we must be responsible to them, but that does not preclude our finding ways, maybe only baby steps at first, to cross that road or climb that fence.
Thanks for a very thoughtful post,
Sandy
Sandy & Al Abrams´s last blog ..Mammogram, Cat Scan – Life Saver or Cancer Cause?
Hi Sandy, I couldn’t agree with you more. Appreciate your input on this post and bottom line at the end of the day I strive to say “so glad I did” instead of “I wish I had” …. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Kara,
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts about this quote. I haven’t been to hospitals for years – since I woke up and realized that perfect health has nothing to do with hospitals and it is not found there. The truth was confirmed that once I stopped going to hospitals, I became perfectly healthy and have enjoyed it ever since. It is even my passion to educate people so they actually never think of hospitals or are to visit them…Now when you mention this quote, I remember seeing it in hospitals before and I was always put off by the way it was worded. The energy coming out of it is kind of twisted and low because it gives the impression that in order to live we have to ruin our bodies and waste what we have. The conventionalism of it is differing from my choice of quotes. It actually has a deeper meaning that we are to live instead of sitting in a can, but the words through which the ‘correct’ way of living is presented in it, is very different from how I would put it. It sure offers plenty of food for thought.
Infinite love and gratitude,
Venus
Venus
Hi Venus, I can respect that this quote doesn’t do it for you. We are all different, which is actually a good thing, and I enjoy seeing things from other people’s point of view. If we WERE all the same what fun would that be?
As far as your thoughts on hospitals, that isn’t really what this post is all about but hey I’m flexible! I agree with you on the respect that the less time people spend in hospitals the better, but understand I come from a background of working in a trauma setting and there are times when medical care IS needed. My years taking care of people who have suffered horrific life altering injuries did shape the attitudes I have today. Often times people had their abilities and choices taken away in an instant to where they no longer had the option of living full out, seeing this made me very appreciative of the time and abilities that I had and was not utilizing to the fullest. I do believe that this was a catalyst for me to change how I lived and I’m very thankful for the time I was able to give to people in that nursing setting.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you will continue to do so!
Kara,
´s last blog ..Life Is A Journey, Not A Race? 
I definitely respect the courage it takes to work in a setting as you do. Many wouldn’t – I respect and honor you for that. It is a different world in such a setting.
Gratefully,
Venus
Venus
Kara,
I have always loved that quote! I intend to enjoy life to the fullest and give everything I’ve got. There is no waiting around for time to tick by, watching the clock. We are here to fulfill our mission in life whatever that may be for each of us.
Thanks, this was perfect for today!
Val
Val Wilcox´s last blog ..The Power of YOU!
Hi Val, thank YOU for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I also have the view of not waiting around, enjoy life to the fullest and give it all NOW instead of someday….. We are never promised tomorrow so do it in the NOW.
Kara,
I love that “…what a ride” quote. I was just telling a friend this weekend, that I will not wonder “what if?”. If I believe in something then I am going to go after it with everything in me, and trust God with the outcome. Life was made to be enjoyed…I intend to take advantage of that. Thanks for the reminder!
Krista
Krista Abbott´s last blog ..Social Media Management Tools: HootSuite
Hey Krista, You are definitely going after it and I share your feelings. Left wondering “what if?” NOT me…. instead I WILL to be saying “glad I did” …. Thanks for your thoughts!
Wow Kara, that was cool! When I was younger, I definitely thought I was suppose to “play it safe”..get a safe secure job, then have a safe secure retirement, with a safe secure family…LOL..That seems funny today. Thank goodness I didn’t listen to that for very long…I love the Ride, it’s like a roller coaster, exciting and a little scary at the same time!!
Thanks for posting. Much love & aloha,
Kellie
Kellie Hosaka´s last blog ..Our Deepest Fear – Marianne Williamson
Hi Kellie, yes that is exactly right I was that way as well! Great to be on this ride with such good friends! Thanks for commenting!
I am loving this quote you shared Kara. I believe that’s what it’s all about…experiencing what life has to offer and living it to the fullest expression! Awesome.
Hi Jen, I feel the same way, living full out is what it’s all about! appreciate you stopping by and commenting.
Hi Kara,
Great article with a great quote, I can sooo relate to that, I am always saying to people that ‘life is for living’ and to make the most of every day! and to take the chances and opportunities that come into our lives. I love the ‘ride’ analogy and I can’t wait to literally go for a ride out again on the back of hubby’s Harley… now that’s a great feeling of excitement and freedom
Denise
Exactly Denise! I also really like the ride analogy to describe the journey through life. Sounds like you are doing some things to make life interesting… How fun! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kara,
This quote as you’ve mentioned has been around in various shapes and sizes. However, the meaning is generally the same all around. Several years ago I used to work with seniors helping them with their estate and retirement plans. We’d often add to this quote, after you come skidding in sideways with…”and the last check you wrote, the one to the undertaker bounces”. Well that just makes life complete
Don Enck´s last blog ..Honey….Did You Pack The Bags?
Hey Don, ha ha thanks for sharing that cute twist. Many ways to say it but all means the same thing. Experiencing what life has to offer and living full out. Glad you stopped by!
Hi Kara,
I LOVE that quote and I’m going to post it everywhere!!!
Jodi
Jodi Lee´s last blog ..Andy Andrews and Yannick Van Den Bos to the rescue – theme update!
Hey Jodi, as you already know I really Love it too! Glad you enjoy it as well.
I love this quote. We need to spend more time enjoying life to fullest instead of worrying about living in perfection. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Scott, EXACTLY I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for commenting!
Great post Kara! Maybe it is the Mom in me, but when I read the end of the quote “…totally worn out and screaming, “Woo-Hoo, What a Ride!” it just makes me think of the feeling that a child has at an amusement park or a carnival where the adrenaline is flowing, their heart is beating fast, and they are having the time of their lives. There is not a care in the world. Obviously we don’t want to live our entire life in this state, but hopefully this will be a feeling that we experience often throughout our lives. Thanks for sharing this quote and for the reminder that we should be enjoying life. That it is ok to have fun along the way!
Melissa Wright´s last blog ..By: Shannon Tecson
Hey Melissa, I agree we need to balance our responsibilities with pursuing all that we want to do and accomplish. Having fun and living in the now is a vital part of the equation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I LOVE that quote. I am going to print it and keep it in my quote stack. nice to meet you, I a RN!
Julianna Brower´s last blog ..
Hi Julianna, I’m glad you like the quote and are making it an addition to your collection. Always great to meet a fellow RN especially one with an entrepreneurial spirit. Thanks for stopping by!
Aloha Kara!
Great quote! As I was reading it, I could see in my minds eye, a clear description of me holding the strawberries and champagne, sliding down an intense water slide! That was the picture I seen…I love having fun!
Great post Kara
Hey Shannon, what a great vision, glad you like the quote and appreciate you sharing your thoughts. You are simply the best!
The ride… now that’s what I’m talking about!
Great find!
George Fourie´s last blog ..New On thatMLMbeat: Communicate Like (And With) Twitter ‘Facebook Style’
Hi George, You know it! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Kara,
YES life is meant to be LIVED and ENJOYED and if we make some mistakes that’s ok too, that’s the best way to learn. Live and Love Life to the Max is my tag line on my email !!!
What a wonderful reminder to all of us! I find myself in the middle a lot, not totally going full out, but not exactly playing it safe either. I don’t know what that says about me, but I do like Don’s comment about the last check you write, that was great! Thanks for sharing Kara!
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