live in it

I'm not telling you to make the world better
because 
I don't think that progress is necessarily part of the package. 

I'm just telling you 
to live in it. 

Not just to endure it 
not just to suffer it 
not just to pass through it
but to live 
in it. 

To look at it. 
To try to get the picture. 
To live recklessly. 
To take chances. 
To make your own work and take pride in it. 
To seize the moment. 

And if you ask me why you should bother to do that
I could tell you 
that the grave's a fine and private place
but none I think do there embrace. 

Nor do they sing there
or write
or argue 
or see the tidal bore on the Amazon
or touch their children. 

And that's what there is to do 
and get it while you can 
and good luck at it. 

~Joan Didion