"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" asks the poet Mary Oliver. How better to affirm your existence? Be like the baby and the Dalai Lama. Smile till you’re blue in the face. Take the chance. Take a stand. Spread the love. Volunteer in Darfur. Knit booties. Would I do it all again? Right now, I’m packing for Africa. Ask me in 10 years.

Karen Day has reported for NBC Nightly News. She is working on a book about peace-makers around the world.

Originally published in MORE magazine, July/August 2007 as "Why a Baby at 53?"