When I read this book  a few years ago, I was inspired to examine where I was in my life and to push toward  living the fullest life possible, with intention and with passion.   It gave me added impetus to really look at the work I was doing as a journalist and in my faith community and to ask myself what how much better can I serve God?  

Markova  uses her skill as a storyteller to take us on her own spiritual journey through surviving cancer, her parents’ deaths, her work in helping others, and other trials and triumphs.  In doing so, she shows us what is universal to all of us.  She also asks questions that can plunge you deeper into your mind’s and heart’s truths.

I was especially delighted to revisit the poem she wrote. The title of her book comes from  the poem’s first line, and that line has been singing in my head since I rediscovered the book.

Take a read and let me know what it says, if anything , to you.  Also if you get the chance, read the book. It’s an easy, insighful read. You may find a passion and a purpose you didn’t know you had. 

 I will not die an unlived life.

    I will not live in fear

of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days,

to allow my living to open me,

    to make me less afraid,

        more accessible,

     to loosen my heart

   until it becomes a wing,

       a torch, a promise.

   I choose to risk my significance.

to live so that which came to me as blossom,

                goes on as fruit.

Related posts:

1. Lessons from my brother’s life
2. Prayer, the breath and blood of my life
3. Would you allow God to interrupt your busy life?