Have you ever heard a song with lyrics that made you stop and think? Maybe a slogan or quote that made you reevaluate some things that have been happening in your life? Well, if you are like me, then this happens pretty regularly. Honestly, I think it is quite funny how a few insignificant words on a page or short lines of a song can really help to explain or make sense of complicated things that are going on in life.

Just recently, while cruising my internet radio, I came across a song with a good beat and so I stopped and listened all the way through. While the song in its entirety didn’t really speak to me so much, a few of the lines really jumped out and I wanted to share them with you.

“…why tip-toe through life, to arrive safely at death…What the hell is a life worth living if it’s not on the edge…”

These are two lines from the song “Rest of My Life” performed by Ludacris and Usher. The basic idea, as I interpreted it, is to live your life to the fullest and not be so consumed with doing everything right all the time. Sure, you have to be smart about things and use your brain, but over analyzing every move will put you in a place of regret and keep you from really living. So what if you make mistakes along the way? Who cares if things don’t turn out exactly as you had planned? Life isn’t a destination, after all, but a journey.

In fact, looking back at the parts of my life already lived, I can see this even more clearly. I happily remember events that mean so much to me now, that were a result of stepping out on the edge. People I met, and cherish to this day, that I wouldn’t have had the privilege of ever knowing had things gone perfectly according to plan and logic.

But what about the rest? What about those times that I took a chance and things didn’t turn out so lovely? Well, most of those situations became life lessons that taught me things I needed to know and that helped me grow into the person I am today. Without these experiences, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

So, I leave you with a challenge to live your life today…and tomorrow…and even next week…with a little more passion and intensity than you have been previously living with. Take a step toward the edge and don’t let fears or apprehensions keep you from experiencing the life you could have. I also leave you with another line from this same song. “If you live for something, you’re not alone, my friend…So fill up your cup and, lift your lighter, and toast to life…” For the rest of your life is out there waiting on you!

[Image and video via VEVO]