This line from Mary Oliver’s poem The Summer Day has stayed with me since I read it one college winter in my tiny dorm room. I was craving summer and the easiness and light it brings, even as I watched the snowfall outside.

Back then, living out my one wild and precious life looked a little different than it does today. It looked like moving to Rome with my boyfriend with no plans but to be in love, learning to fillet a fresh fish even though I only had a steak knife, and take my first creative writing class.

Even then these words nudged me to move forward when I felt stuck, and to take chances no matter how scary. It’s inspired me to live the life I want to live right now, and plan my days with intention.

So, how do you answer Mary Oliver’s famous question? What helps you make your wild plans happen?