Do These 3 Things for a More Fulfilling Existence

Adrian S. Potter
4 min readApr 20, 2024

Here are your instructions for crafting a fruitful life.

Photo by Kelvin Valerio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-black-cap-with-eyes-closed-under-cloudy-sky-810775/

The Secondhand Inspiration Project begins with a motivational quote and ventures wherever the creative path meanders.

Mary Oliver was an American poet whose work is celebrated for its link to nature and its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and reverence for the world.

Oliver found inspiration in the natural world from a young age, a theme that filtered through much of her work. Her writing often explored ideas of spirituality, love, and the human experience through the lens of the natural world, earning her numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for her collection “American Primitive.”

Oliver’s poetry resonates with readers for its clarity, simplicity, and insight into the interconnectedness of all life. Throughout her career, she stayed dedicated to the belief that poetry can awaken us to the beauty and mystery of existence. Her quote –

“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

- provides a game plan for a rich and meaningful life, offering a roadmap for embracing wonder and sharing our experiences with others. Let’s break it down.

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Adrian S. Potter

Antisocial Extrovert · Writer and Poet, Engineer, Consultant, Public Speaker · Writing about self-improvement, gratitude, and creativity · www.adrianspotter.com