My Quest to Live a Meaningful Life

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Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~ Maya Angelou

Sometimes in this rapid, almost dizzying pace of life, we all need to take a step back and simply breathe. Throughout our days, we are inundated with a never-ending list of commitments, obligations and distractions that at times can be utterly overwhelming. That is when it is time to take a step back and simply just be still for a moment. To listen to that inner voice within your heart asking you what matters most and why am I here.

Put simply, I am here to live a meaningful life. And how? Through my never-ending quest to….

Explore

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself” – . Danny Kaye

Climbing up to top of Austria Peak

Our group heading down the trail on Kilimanjaro.

Me and my Dad at the start of the Annapurna Trek. November 2010.

Be Curious

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths”.-  Walt Disney

Jacobo and Camilla show me how the Maasai used dried cow dung to clean glass lanterns. Given how dry the landscape is and how scare water is for the Maasai, they have adapted their lifestyle to make it work.

A woman and man work on traditional weaving.

Roatan, Honduras

To Connect

“My dream is that people will find a way back home, into their bodies, to connect with the earth, to connect with each other, to connect with the poor, to connect with the broken, to connect with the needy, to connect with people calling out all around us, to connect with the beauty, poetry, the wildness”. –  Eve Ensler

Me with the porters trying to make a call home.

To Give Back

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”. –  Maya Angelou

Volunteering in Honduras

Me and my friends at a school I volunteered at in Guatemala.

Girls in rural Ethiopia

To Take Chances

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible”‘! –  Audrey Hepburn

Me and my board, “Snow White” learning to surf

Hang-gliding in Queenstown New Zealand circa 2002

To Embrace Beauty 

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky”. – Rabindranath Tagore

To Love

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” –  Helen Keller

And to simply enjoy the moments that take my breath away

A bike ride with my son at sunset

My husband and I watching the sunset on our 16th wedding anniversary

My daughter photographing the amazing world we live in

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Quest. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to look deep inside myself and remember my journey and quest to live a meaningful life is never ending. 

64 thoughts on “My Quest to Live a Meaningful Life”

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sue! We all search for
      Meaning don’t we. Just have to step back and remind ourselves at times .

      Reply ↓
  2. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    What an inspiration. What a life! Maya Angelou’s quote starts it off just right. Wonderful post, Nicole.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Jane! Sometimes I just need to slow down and think about everything. Life is so busy it passes you by. We get stressed and tired and often dismayed about all the bad stuff. That is when it is time to remind ourselves to live a meaningful life.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      🙂

      Reply ↓
  4. Ava – L'écriture, l'expression sur internet, c'est un partage quotidien avec des inconnus potentiellement amis. Echanger avec ses contemporains c'est étendre la connaissance que nous avons de notre monde. Je vous propose de vous présenter le mien... et d'en faire un petit coin de paradis.
    Ava on said:

    Your world is wonderful !

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Not always but I try! 😊

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! I love sunsets!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally! I am trying to take some time to search within myself.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! ☺️

      Reply ↓
  8. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    What a beautiful post Nicole.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Alison! ☺️

      Reply ↓
  9. Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
    Ruth on said:

    I’d say your are doing exactly that, Nicole. Such an incredibly meaningful life!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Ruth! I try and often slip but then keep doing my best. ☺️

      Reply ↓
      • Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
        Ruth on said:

        Clearly you are doing your very best!

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks Ruth! 🙂 Appreciate your support!

  10. Amazing collection of photos. What a lifetime of experiences you have had.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 😀

      Reply ↓
  11. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    Beautiful and inspiring post Nicole. Perfect for the theme this week.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Miriam! Your posts have inspired me to search inside myself a little more. 🙏

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! Yep half my life
      Now! Good thing I found the best husband ever!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Trying my best. Besides traveling and family, doing good is huge in my list. I really want to make a difference and even if it is small now I know it makes life more meaningful.

      Reply ↓

  14. Pingback: Quest: Valetta | What's (in) the picture?

  15. Leya – Sweden – Love my family, photography, art, literature, architecture, flowers, trees and dogs, but most of all Nature itself. I also keep on travelling...
    Leya on said:

    Well put and photographed. Nicely done!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓
  16. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    A great response to the challenge, Nicole. You certainly do lead a meaningful and interesting life. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia. I try my best!!!

      Reply ↓
      • anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
        anotherday2paradise on said:

        Always! 😆 xx

      • Great post with a terrific collection of photos around the world highlighting meaningful moments. I love the pictures of the girls in Guatemala and Ethiopia.

        Peta

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Thanks Peta! It looks like you are doing a lot of work on the new house. Exciting times!

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Debbie! I sure know that you and Ron live a meaningful life! 🙏

      Reply ↓

  18. You are living a life full of meaning, thrilling adventure, and philanthropy.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I try my best. Wish there was more time but for now kids are the priority . ☺️

      Reply ↓

      • As they should be. But you do manage to live a very fulfilling life, one your family must be very proud of.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        You are always so incredibly kind LuAnn! 🙂 xoxo

  19. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Well Nicole, you are certainly doing more than anyone I know to squeeze every ounce out of life!!! Beautiful shots.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Tina! I try!!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy! I felt like life was getting so busy I had to take a step back and think hard. Things have calmed down thankfully. I am relieved.

      Reply ↓
  21. galeweithers – Barbados – Barbadian mother and lover of laughter; story teller and best-selling author; happy to follow God's lead and to live my mantra: "you've gotta be a rainbow in the lives of others when it rains."
    galeweithers on said:

    I wish I could give this post 10 stars, it was that beautiful! Loved, loved, loved this expression of the quest challenge i.e. very well done. You are living an amazingly awesome life; thanks for sharing this wonderful moments 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      You are so incredibly kind. I’m so grateful for your beautiful touching comment. Thank you! I try hard to live a meaningful life. It isn’t always easy but I try. 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much!

      Reply ↓

  23. This was an amazing post. I especially love the quotes by Ms. Angelou. The pictures look like they could be stills from “Batman Begins” or something. Your family looks so happy too.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Vinny. I try my best. I think it is so important to take a step back in life and clearly think about what kind of life you want to live. One where it passes you by or one in which you take chances and actively participate. Otherwise life really won’t have much meaning. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • I agree, thats exactly how I feel. I dont want to live a passive or regretful life.

        That’s a great way to describe one’s path.

        Thanks for replying to me.. and for the inspirational quotes and pics.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Of course! That is what this blog is for. For keeping me on task to inspire myself and others to do more and live to the fullest possible. 🙂

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much. It got me thinking. I’m glad I’ve taken a step back and refocused a bit. 🙂

      Reply ↓
  26. radhikanewar – Well I am 31 years old gal from a small town in India, currently working in Paris for an assignment. Living all by myself with new colleagues, new culture, different cuisine and of course totally new language (which i can barely speak other than uttering a few words like Bonjour, Bonsoi, Ca va, Bon appettit etc). I am a simple gal with high ambitions up my sleeves (sometimes i fail to acknowledge the same); close to my parents and friends; avid lover of music and books; kind at heart and vegetarian (sorry i did not want to say this but living in Europe makes you feel standing apart in crowd if you are a vegetarian). I believe in marriage and want to have kids in the future. I believe in God although i am not a hardcore religious person. I am fan of Hollywood and Bollywood cinemas and have grown up watching IMDB top 250 movies (No regrets). I love to write but never devoted myself to writing on a daily basis. I think i am updating my profile after many years of signing up with the blogging site. Hope this is the first step to my journey of writing.
    radhikanewar on said:

    i was amazed by the title of your blog and clicked to read the rest. verybeautiful indeed

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you so much for reading. I was feeling pretty inspired to write this post. Trying to live up to my promise! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  27. gentlexplorers – New Zealand – Hello there, We’re two twenty-something year olds travelling the world together. Environmentally conscious we are mindful of our planet and would like to leave each destination as we found it. We see travel in itself as a luxury and will be documenting the whole process from our lifestyle whilst we save for trips, travel planning and the adventure itself. We’d love to share the journey and inspire the spirit of travel. Love, Natalie and Adem x
    gentlexplorers on said:

    What a beautiful post, I’m sure you have inspired a lot of people with this post alone! Really enjoy reading your blog – thanks! Do check out my blog if you have a minute!

    Fellow Eco traveller x

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! I will definitely check out your blog! 🙂 Just followed! It looks brilliant. Nicole

      Reply ↓

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