There's a certain sparkle in the eyes of someone who's truly 'high on life.' It’s not about chasing fleeting thrills or relying on external stimulants. It’s a deeper, more sustainable kind of exhilaration, a quiet hum of contentment that radiates outward. Melissa de la Cruz put it beautifully: “I don’t need anything to get high. I’m high on life.” And that sentiment resonates because it speaks to an inner wellspring of joy and purpose.
Think about it. Life, in its rawest form, is a constant stream of beginnings. Joyce Meyer reminds us, “You have a great God who loves you and cares about you. Be full of hope that something good can happen to you. God is a master at new beginnings. He loves fresh beginnings, He makes all things new.” This inherent capacity for renewal is the bedrock of that 'high on life' feeling. Every sunrise, every new year, every unexpected opportunity is a fresh canvas.
It’s about embracing the courage to step into the unknown. Paulo Coelho captures this perfectly: “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” And C.S. Lewis echoes this optimism, suggesting, “There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” This isn't about ignoring past difficulties, but about recognizing that growth often requires letting go and looking forward.
This journey of feeling 'high on life' is also about action, however small. Brendon Burchard’s advice, “No matter how small you start, start something that matters,” is a powerful reminder. It’s the act of beginning, of putting one foot in front of the other, that builds momentum. As Ijeoma Umebinyuo urges, “Start now. Start where you are. Start with fear. Start with pain. Start with doubt. Start with hands shaking. Start with voice trembling but start. Start and don’t stop.” That raw, unvarnished courage to simply start is incredibly liberating.
And what about those moments when we feel stuck? Eckhart Tolle offers a profound perspective: “Any action is often better than no action, especially if you have been stuck in an unhappy situation for a long time. If it is a mistake, at least you learn something, in which case it’s no longer a mistake. If you remain stuck, you learn nothing.” This highlights that even perceived missteps are valuable lessons on the path to feeling alive and engaged.
Ultimately, being 'high on life' is about cultivating a mindset of gratitude and presence. Nhat Hanh’s morning vow, “Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion,” is a beautiful blueprint. It’s about recognizing the gift of each day, as Louise Hay noted: “Each day is a new opportunity. Yesterday is over and done. Today is the first day of my future.”
It’s a continuous process, a dance between embracing new beginnings and learning from endings. As Maya Angelou beautifully puts it, “The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.” This feeling isn't a destination; it's the vibrant, ever-evolving journey itself.
