For those of you that know me well, you’re already aware of the fact that one of my best friends just passed away. It has left me in utter shock and questioning the meaning—or the meaninglessness—of life. After all, if we are just here to try to do good, and then poof we are gone. It left me questioning the meaning of life and wondering:
What is the point?
What is the relevance? Is there any relevance? And more importantly, Is there any meaning of Life?
My friend was such a wonderful person, full of life, joy, helped every person she possibly could, and always made every outing an event. Why would anyone, or anything take her away from us at such a young age?
Last night I was pouring through books, trying to find answers for something, or some insight that would make the wheels stop spinning frantically in my head. I wanted to hear any advice that would give me peace, and let me know that there is some sense in this universe. I was crying, and my eyes weren’t really focusing well and I started reading “The meaning of life” backwards… “life of meaning”. And then I got chills.
The Meaning of Life is to have a Life of Meaning.
A life that meant something to you, and to others, a life that mattered. Having a life that helped people in some way, and lifted their spirits. A life that kept people going, when they thought they couldn’t go on. A life that “enlivens” others, and brings out or enhances the joy in others. This is exactly what Elissa did, and this was the first thing that has brought me some peace.
When I awoke this morning, I wasn’t flooded with the overwhelm that I have had the past several days. Don’t get me wrong, I will be mourning the loss forever, and I don’t feel great. But I felt better. I started thinking about the idea of Celebrating Life. Elissa was so good at that. And then I started thinking of all the fun things she did to celebrate life. And I started to smile and cry at the same time. So in order to lift my spirits a bit, and hopefully yours, I wanted to share some of these things that she was so good at with you…
Celebrating Life, The Elissa Bradley Way
Add chocolate chips to everything. Especially pancakes, and then you need to add strawberries too. Bonus points if Elissa’s dad is there to make Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes.
Never give up on the idea that there is a better body glitter. You must buy them all, test them in the stores, and wear them out dancing. They can’t be too powdery, or too gluey, and should stay on as long as possible. Bonus points for waking up with it on the next morning.
Boas are your friends. Not the snakes, the feathery kind, and you need them in various shapes, colors, fluff factor, and lengths. Recommended: the best ones are in the Hustler store in Hollywood because they can fit around you and your friend(s).
Eat ice cream, like, pretty much all the time. It isn’t bad for you, somehow Elissa was always skinnier than me and I am sure she has had ten times more ice cream.
Every girl needs purple pants. No explanation necessary.
Playgrounds are for adults, too. You should stop by them, swing often, and take photos of yourself being silly. It is important to be a kid and enjoy yourself.
Send things in the mail to your friends and family. (I’m adding this one to my list!) You can send socks, if they are 99 cents, handwritten valentines, books, or whatever, but you must always put stickers on the outside so that people know it’s from you. Bonus points for stickers that have glitter on them already, or the sparkly kind.
Add fun shiny, flowery, or clippy things to your hair.
Shop at ROSS. Because you can Dress For Less. Or buy more dresses, because they are less. Or buy a whole bunch of them because they were on the sale rack, which, is basically free.
DANCE!
Order your pasta however you want. The longer it takes you to explain exactly how you want the noodles, sauce, and cheese, the yummier it will be. Bonus points for getting more than three dishes to accommodate your pasta wishes.
Don’t be afraid to express your political views. Especially if that means you can alter a Hilary Duff T-shirt to do it!!
Travel!
Help Others. Go Do Good. The world needs it, and so do you.
Live your life to the fullest, tell everyone that you love them often, and follow all of your dreams.
Drink champagne and blow bubbles, and never, ever forget to Celebrate Life with the ones you love.
