Live well, laugh often, and love much!

Ever wonder where the popular phrase “Live, Laugh, Love” came from? 

The phrase has been a favorite of mine since the first time I saw it on a framed print in the home décor section at Wal-Mart. It’s been years since that moment, and I have always wondered which genius put these three words together, and exactly how he or she became so inspired. Well I finally got around to finding out, and I just had to share what I found. 

I just love this poem, it redefines true success simply but yet so elegantly. In my opinion, we would do better to paraphrase by saying “Live well, Laugh often, and Love much”.  The original author wrote it so sweetly and perfectly, that by leaving those three words out we change the beauty and meaning of the phrase and the poem from which it came.  

When you read this poem, I suggest you consider the time period it was written in. Do not allow yourself to let silly offenses stand in the way of a possibly blissful moment. For those who have seen the majority of the best and the worst of their lives; the author offers you self-reflection, reminiscing, and a chance (however big or small) to completely change your self-perception, replacing regret with fulfillment. For the young, maybe even better; the poem offers you the opportunity to rewrite your bucket list, reinvent yourself, and maybe live your life with an entirely different mindset. You might decide that peace, joy, laughter, love, relationships, art, music, nature, and generosity might be the types of things you put on your to-do list and the elements by which you measure your life’s success. Happy reading, I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I did and still do, while you contemplate and consider the meaning of “success.” 

In 1904, Bessie Anderson wrote the poem, called "Success."  

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much;
Who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth's beauty or failed to express it;
Who has left the world better than he found it,
Whether an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
Whose life was an inspiration;
Whose memory a benediction.