2011 is rapidly drawing to a close… as is life on this earth for the beautiful, shining Marlie.
photo by Kristin Mizo Photography
If only there was something we could do for her and her strong-beyond-belief mom, Sarah. As our hearts are breaking, we struggle to find meaning and life lessons in their painful journey… how do we honor this little soul who is being taken home far too soon? What can we do to honor the courage with which Marlie and her mom have battled the cancer beast? What has little Marlie taught us?
Answer: To TRULY appreciate, value and live each day!
As we hit 2012, we are all making new year’s resolutions and goals regarding all the things we want to accomplish and achieve- make more money, get out of debt, lose weight, eat healthier, drink less, walk more, read more, sleep more… the list is endless.
It is a proven fact that most resolutions aren’t kept past the first few weeks… But we have one for you that will enrich your life and that you will WANT to keep all year!
It’s a Marlie Resolution.
The challenge: To do ONE thing EACH day to live with courage, gratitude and/or joy… just like Marlie!
How do you make a Marlie Resolution, you ask? By making your OWN commitment based on what matters most and what needs the most attention in YOUR life in 2012. It could be:
1. To spend 30 minutes with your child(ren) completely focused and unplugged EVERY day.
2. To cultivate a grateful heart by keeping a journal EVERY day. (listing 3 things each day that you are grateful for).
3. To do one thing that is courageous or joyful EVERY day.
4. To reach out to one person in your life EVERY day.
5. To perform a random act of kindness EVERY day.
6. To do something creative EVERY day (Marlie loved to paint!)
7. To volunteer, travel or spend time outdoors (all things Marlie loved to do as well).
Sounds easy right? The challenge is going to be in the commitment… on those days when EVERYTHING is going wrong, to consciously pause and find something to be grateful for and write it down… OR to do one thing every single day that takes courage- that causes you to step out of your comfort zone and battle your inner beast (from talking to a stranger in the grocery store to going to the dentist)… OR to commit to nurturing the relationships that are most important EVERY single day… OR committing to cultivate true joy in your life by giggling, singing, dancing, twirling (whatever gets you uninhibited and joyful) for a set amount of time EACH day… etc.
People are always saying “live each day like it’s your last day on earth”. Well, that’s not really realistic because if it truly WAS our last day on earth, we would hunker down with those who matter most and hold on for dear life until the bitter end.
Therefore, we challenge you to make a Marlie Resolution for 2012… to commit to doing ONE thing to “live like Marlie” EVERY day this year!
See below for our printable calendar that you can use to write your Marlie Resolution at the top and then cross off every day that you do it.
Who’s in? What will YOU commit to do EVERY day this year to live with courage, joy and/or gratitude… just like Marlie? Please leave a comment below or on our Facebook page letting us know what you’re committing to so that we can cheer you on! We’ll also keep you posted on what WE are doing.
As you get started, be sure to pause and say a prayer for the beautiful Marlie and her incredible mom, Sarah…for less pain, for continued strength and for lasting peace.
Now, get out there and LIVE!!!
2012_marlie_resolution_calendar (click to download and print your calendar)
UPDATE: As shared by Sarah: “At 8:45pm on New Year’s Eve, sweet Marlie ran into the arms of Jesus… we were all with her. She was in no pain. Her departure was beautiful.” Rest in peace beautiful girl… may God hold your family close in His embrace.
21 Responses to “2012 Marlie Resolution”
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- Bleufairy's Blog - [...] spite of the long drive, doctor’s appointment and hospital visit, we managed to carve out our Marlie Time and ...
- Parker and Sadie « Bleufairy's Blog - [...] spite of the long drive, doctor’s appointment and hospital visit, we managed to carve out our Marlie Time and ...
- Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom « Bleufairy's Blog - [...] afternoon, Sadie asked if we could triple our Marlie Time since it was the weekend. “Sure, we can!” was ...
- Puss In Boots « Bleufairy's Blog - [...] to convince a 7-year-old to do what she needs to do in order to feel better. As such, today’s ...
- Buttercup the Guinea Pig « Bleufairy's Blog - [...] it looks like I may be in trouble… Today, we shared a double Marlie Time at our local Petsmart looking ...
- The Elusive Leprechaun « Bleufairy's Blog - [...] end. The fact that he would have to share his pot of gold with her is just and added ...
I have printed out my calendar so that each day I can look at Marlie’s shining, beautiful face and remind myself to stop working and for at least 30mintues engage with and cherish my two children.
My love to Sarah and Marlie. xo
Melissa, that is the SAME Marlie Resolution I am making here!! We are so blessed to be able to engage and cherish (love how you phrased that) our “Full of Awesome” kids in 2012.
Lots of love going out to Sarah and Marlie from across the country. Thanks for adding yours…
What a way to start out 2012! This year WILL be different for me, life is precious and I am going to live every day as a gift.
My prayers and love to Sarah and Marlie.
All the best to you for a great 2012 Jennifer. I think we all have a new perspective thanks to Marlie and Sarah.
I am making the Marlie-resolution to unplug for atleast 30 minutes with each of my boys, to hug them every day and let them know how blessed my life is with them in it.
Jo, wishing you a wonderful year of engaging with your boys. Looking forward to hearing your updates. Happy New Year!!
My Marlie resolution for 2012 is to truly appreciate and value each special person in my life. To restore and treasure each friend and loved one they way they deserve, not just merely make do with minimal involvement.
2012 for Marlie …. my new year resolution is to spend more time wth my 3 beautifullll angels and not work sooooo much to take time and be with my family some more! do love life more . I love you Marlie …:) also to have courage and streath and be amazing like someone I know to be sweet and beautifull Sarah ur are remarkable I admire everything u do god bless u and ur family! Xoxoxo
What a sweet WONDERFUL way to remember Marlie. Sweet, positive, proactive & uplifting! I’m on board!
Josie
I will comit to MArlies Resoulation in 2012 to be grateful for what I have and stop complaining about the things I dont. To always pray for others and do the best I can to help others and not wanting anything in return.
This is such a powerful website. I am taking Marlie’s Resolution. My only regret is that I never got to meet this awesome little girl or her Mother. We all know Marlie is in Heaven; so our prayers need to be for her Mother who is grieving for her child.
In honor of a beautiful little girl who I wasn’t lucky enough to get to meet I am going to facebook 3 things each day that I am grateful for…Its amazing how a little girl can touch so many people’s live in so many places!! I thought of her often today in decisions I made with my 27 kindergarteners!! She truly is a special girl!!!!!!!!!!
I had the awesome time of meeting Marley at the little n middles prom a couple of years ago through Base Camp as a volunteer.
I agree totally on Marley’s belief. When I lost my husband in 2001 my motto was “Life is too short, do things now”.
Sarah my prayers go out to you but I know you are a very strong will women who will make a difference in this world.
I will help someone – or pray for someone and everyday I thank GOD for what I have.
Lord please put your hands on Sarah and her family to get through this time of healing. Amen
I already read to him daily but like the atleast 30 min of us.. unplugged.. talking and cherising…
It’s amazing the love and connections that are made out of pure love and compassion for those that are hurting. I believe we are all making God smile! And it’s all because of Little Marli and her Loving Mommy Sarah who have come into our lives and made us all better people. #continuingtopray
What a wonderful way to celebrate Marlie’s life!
This is a great way to honor a very special little girl! Marlie has really changed a lot of hearts just by them hearing her story. I’m amazed a little more everyday with how unique and wonderful this little girl was! <3 Marlie <3 Her smile, laugh, and big dimple will never be forgotten…
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MARLIE’S STORY. MY COMMITMENT WILL BE TO PRAY EVERYDAY FOR HER AND HER MOM, TO KEEP A GRATITUDE JOURNAL, AND TO CONTROL MY TEMPER WITH THE PEOPLE I LOVE THE MOST. I WILL LOOK FOR PEOPLE TO DO ACTS OF KINDNESS TO AND I WILL KEEP ASKING GOD FOR BOTH THESE GIRLS.
Thank you all for honoring Marlie… for your kind words to her mom and family… and for committing to your own Marlie Resolution.
I had the pleasure of meeting Marlie and her mom. We watched Barney the Dinosaur and sang some songs. Marlie shared her goldfish crackers with everyone and twirled in her fairy dress. All the little things we take for granted were special to her. Heaven surely has a new guardian angel. I am committed to spend more time with my son and to appreciate the time we have together, as well as be kinder to others. God Bless Marlie,Sarah and their family.
I work at the community where Sarah & Marlie lived at for about 2 yrs. Every time she would come in the office Marlie would show us here sparkly nails and feet. She loved going to the pool and I remember here always coming in the office to get a cookie. She is the strongest little girl I have ever known. My Marlie resolution will be to not stress over the little things in life and to be the best mother I can be to my 2 beautiful boys. May God bless you Sarah and give you strength to get through this hard time. I know it is not easy I lost my mother 3/12/11 to a heart attack and it broke my heart.