I hear or read this one all the time and I think it is lousy advice. It's an articulate encouragement to live a naive sheltered life. Getting hurt in love is part of the deal and finding out what doesn't work is part of learning what does. Singing and dancing should be social celebrations not things done in the privacy of your home with the curtains closed. If you're so uptight or frightened of the world that you need to live in a cacoon then earth is no heaven.

It's worthwhile to make life's journey fun for yourself and for everyone around you. This quote reminds me to choose happiness and balance the rational with joy. Also helps allow others to be themselves more. For example, my partner sings totally out of key and can't carry a note most of the time. But, knowing he feels good when he sings makes me smile. Also, you have to experience this quote in your body. Knowledge in your body helps you feel truly alive. Knowledge is not just in the head. Having said that, here's a whole slew of points that make getting older wonderful:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone....
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Its OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. Its OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words, 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Adding a few life has taught me:
46. Next time you bump into someone, say 'Hello' and smile instead of saying 'Sorry'.
47. Smile often. Even when you don't feel like it. The brain perceives all muscle movements as authentic.

Like many things I read and receive in email, The thought is great, the putting it into practice is the difficult part. Many people run around and scream Peace Peace but most never want to do the hard work to bring it around.

I believe it is just ment to encourage you to not be afraid to do something because of fear. To try and try your best...give it your all!! Like, start that new job, in a different state, in a field you have never done before. We all know the difference between right and wrong and how this statement applies to each of our lives, as individuals, will look and feel different for each of us. After all, God did make us all unique and different!!

Actually this quote is an ancient Irish Proverb.

First, I believe that this quote came from Mark Twain; or at least it attributed to him in some cases. I think that this attitude is a choice to be made at a point in time. For some it could be when the moon is full and inhibitions should be left at the river, or it could be worn for a few days. Yet for some, a state of bliss is a state of consciousness that can be everpresent and that is a crowning accomplishment and a feeling that they want to share with others, however hard that may be.

I do enjoy this quote very much but first of all, I believe proper credit must be given to the original author of the text from which this quote was taken. Alfred D Souza.

Now that this is out of the way, I believe the main message here is to not let your fears stop you from doing something you've always wanted to do. It is not time to do a pilgrimage while you are battling breast cancer.
What some readers might misinterpret from this quote is the message to live carefree, without the knowledge of responsibility. In my humble opinion, there is a difference between what D'Souza is trying to describe and living carefree as naysayers would believe.

Ultimately, D'Souza's quote conveys the message that what keeps you between you and your happiness are your own self imposed barriers.

when you truly understand the quote it is amazing. i don't think it is meaning to be careless but more on the lines of why do you care about what is on the other side of the fence when your in your side now. live life the way you want and live it to the fullest. that isnt saying get drunk then drive a car. but simply it doesnt matter what you look like or what kind of person you are but how you feel about your self and dont mind what others say and do but be the person that makes you happy!!!!!

For god's sake a quote is a quote people.

Intended to make you feel good about the positive things in your life.

All you unhappy larry's just crapped all over this one with your  shizzit about 'appropriateness' and whatever.

So shutup and let everyone else appreciate the goddamn quote!

Thankyou. =]

Sounds like the attitude taken by most Gen-Xers and Gen-Yers these days. Life throws you a lot of curveballs and, more often than not, craps in your Post Toasties. Let's see how you dance now.

Very inspirational. This is the first I have heard that quote and i must say it sheds a new light on my. could not have come at a better time.

Hardly inspirational or insightful. Hate to sound like the black crow in the party, but no one should live their lives without an understanding that actions have consequences. True happiness doesn't come from going with your whims, rather it comes from being cool, calm, and rational. The good life is understanding your needs and living to your fullest potential. Passion's a good thing, but this little sentimental quote isn't the best way to express that. Emotion many times clouds one's judgment, and that's when you make unnecessary mistakes.

Complete new-age, soppy, feel-good sophomoric crap.

This is a good quote, but, in my opinion, limited in scope. To have moments of abandon in appropriate situations is as necessary as it is to have moments of deliberate, disciplined precision (and even restraint, at times) when in other situations. Both activities are necessary to achieve real happiness in conjunction with meaningful degrees of self-actualization. Granted, some people need to have this kind of a swing thought (golfer term) to achieve a meaningful balance in their life.

I love this quote, it provides me with a new outlook on life each time i read it. It makes me happy, and stress free. It teaches you that you need to live life now, not later, live for the moment.

This quote provides a wonderful philosophy to live by. William Purkey (I've met him!) is a wonderful teacher and the inspiration behind invitational education.