We have never arrived

“We have never arrived. We are in a constant state of becoming.”

Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter

Image from Unsplash by Nikoloz Gachechiladze

Recently, I took a Sunday afternoon the see “A Complete Unknown” — the movie about Bob Dylan’s early career from 1961-1965.  Although the film blended fact with a good amount of creative interpretation, I found it entertained a bit more than if it had been a pure documentary.

The film made a point of highlighting intimate moments of Dylan’s life between his performances, taking a look below his public persona to help the viewer see his evolution as both a person and artist with something to say.

In 2016, Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for having created new poetic expressions within his craft.  The Swedish academy felt strongly that his work transcended the boundaries between music and poetry.

EXERCISE:

In what ways are you a work in progress? How are you continuing to write the ever-evolving story of your life?

“If you want to keep your memories, you first have to live them.”

“If you want to keep your memories, you first have to live them.”

– Bob Dylan, American singer-songwriter

506Image from Flickr by shutterhacks.

Over the years, one of my strategies to get to know others better and deepen relationships has been to take a sincere interest in their interests.

One method I’ve used to get to know my daughter Rachel is to read books she has enjoyed. Among these are:

1. The Greatest Salesman in the World, by Og Mandino (http://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Salesman-World-Og-Mandino-ebook/dp/B004G8PIQ8)

2. Take the Stairs, by Rory Vaden (http://www.amazon.com/Take-Stairs-Steps-Achieving-Success/dp/0399537767)

3. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, by Don Miller (http://www.amazon.com/Million-Miles-Thousand-Years-Learned/dp/1400202981)

The last one made a particular impression on me, in that its focus was on a life well lived and the fantastic memories that can accompany it.

Exercise:

Consider picking up a copy of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years for yourself and turn up your “memory meter” of life.

Consider reading books and exploring other forms of shared experiences with those you care about to take this memory-sharing and memory-developing journey together.