Review: A DVD by Jim MacLaren
Posted September 27, 2007 at 09:00 AM by Valerie Cerami
Section: Her Motivation, Books, Special Features, HAL Reviews
I am imbued with pride to have this brightly hued, clear as blue sky rubber wristband, embedded with the words Choose Living dangling from my wrist. This little circle of hope looms large - in spirit, courage, inspirations and realizations. It emotionally, powerfully, figuratively and literally represents the circle of life – as truthfully as the geometric shape it holds. Wearing it - and believing in it - helps support the foundation that touches the world: The Choose Living Foundation. The foundation’s spokesperson and founder, Jim MacLaren, has come full-circle in his aspirations, accomplishments and never-ending optimism – with a dash of wisdom added to the mix (and what a mixture of circumstances he’s encountered). Jim does it all with a smile and indefatigable love of life and the simple things we all take for granted.
This pliable little loop of hope has an unbendable message: everyday, every single one of us, must (unequivocally, in our heart of hearts) choose living. An awareness we are rarely aware of! Living…and the choices we make in our daily lives…living and choosing, on auto-pilot, cruise controlling through this crash course collectively and seemingly cluelessly. Let’s have the intention of attention to those details, if you can spare a few moments. Indulge yourself in an unscheduled, extended investigation break.
What does that mean, exactly? Choose Living…I don’t want to sound “preachy, new-agey-ish, born-again, tra la la” – but my emblazoned, default fixed mood was drastically altered by watching Jim’s DVD. Yes, I must admit, I am a changed soul. And yes, I must also admit I am as cynical as the next guy (or gal) about morals and lessons broadcast to us the unenlightened, in need of self-help books-n-tapes market and the self-actualization section of Barnes and Noble (I pity the bunch in that isle as I impatiently wait for my “usual” Starbucks grande latte). Today, veer from your regular path, and your route will undoubtedly change tomorrow. Jim’s message is the message for the ages – and for the future. Believe me, after hearing his story; you will never again have a bad day.
He puts it all in perspective for us and quotes one of my favorite philosophers, Socrates, noting:
“An unexamined life is a life not worth living.”
Wise words from a sage, repeated and reinterpreted for the rest of us in this rat race who haven’t had the time to think, feel or get to know ourselves. That’s the point, to know ourselves and to know happiness.
Posted on June 7th, 2007: