We’re all gonna die.
That being said, how many of us truly LIVE?
Seriously, think about this for a moment.
We know we will die. We might not think about it nor want to think about it, but it’s true and the fact is, we rarely have control over it.
But the ONE thing we do have most control over is the state in which we live.
And by state I don’t mean Ohio, West Virginia or Pennsylvania. I mean your emotional, mental and physical state.
- How are you living?
- Are you taking each day for granted?
- Does your life feel like groundhog day?
- Are you just allowing life to live you, or are you consciously living your life to the fullest?
Sometimes, it feels like a little of both. But I’m betting we could all live our lives with more purpose, passion and joy.
But in order for things to change, WE have to change.
So I ask you, what are you willing to change to live a joy filled life?
Maybe it really is just as simple as slowing down long enough to think about it, appreciate it, and act on things that make us feel good.
Slow Down
Why are we in such a hurry all the time? And when we aren’t in a hurry, why are we so obsessed with staying busy?
The more we rush around and the busier we are, the less we can truly pay attention to things that truly make us happy. We aren’t even aware of them. I remember being so busy one afternoon that when I finally looked up from my computer, I saw that my dog had brought me three of his favorite toys to toss to him. Today as I look back on that moment, I could cry. My dog died last year, and I miss him so much. And the sad part is, I couldn’t tell you what was so important that day that I couldn’t slow down for just 5 minutes to enjoy his company. Now it’s too late.
Sometimes we rush around in an attempt to get it all done, when in fact we are missing so many of the things that mean the most in the long run.
Slow down long enough to prioritize those things most important and make the time to do those first. Most times those are obligations on the job or with people you love and care about so make sure to include things that bring joy to your soul too.
Just remember, you can make more work, make more money, make room, but you can’t make more time.
Practice Gratitude
Being grateful is the gateway to living a happy and fulfilling life. Talk to any life coach or spiritual guru and they will tell you the same thing. LIVING a good life being grateful for what you have while in the process of working for what you want.
Just that fact that our hearts beat on their own, or our lungs breathe in air without us giving it any thought is gratitude enough.
But simply take a look around you right now. Did you wake up in a bed? Do you have running water?
When you got dressed did you have choices of what to wear?
My friend, if you answered yes, you live a more abundant life than the majority of people on this earth!
So many times we focus on what is missing in our live instead of all the blessings that are right before our eyes. Count your blessings. Set aside time each day making a list of at least 3 things or people for which you are grateful and spend just a few seconds giving up a prayer of thanksgiving for them. Taking inventory and appreciating what is good in your life opens your eyes and your heart to living in a way which is fulfilling.
Already keep a gratitude list?
Then try adding this Mindful Moments exercise into your life a few times a week:
- Go outside, take off your shoes and socks, let your feet touch the ground, the earth, the dirt or the grass.
- Wiggle your toes.
- Take a few deep breaths and close your eyes.
- Focus on what you are experiencing.
How does it feel? Is it warm or cool, is the grass tickling the bottoms of your feet?
How does it smell? Can you smell the hot pavement or the fresh cut grass? Are you smelling the burgers your neighbor just tossed on the grill?
What sounds are you hearing? Is there traffic in the background, the sounds of children playing, dogs barking, or can you hear the wind blowing through the leaves?
Open your eyes.
What do you see?
This exercise is a simple way to connect to your life. To nature, to your senses, to slowing down and maybe even smelling the roses.
A simple thing you can do to bring color, vibrancy, peace, and even joy to your life even if just for a few minutes.
Try it and let me know how it might spark some joy.
Oh, and check out the picture below. Some other really good ideas for living a wonderful fulfilling life.
Focus on things that make you FEEL GOOD
Each day we can focus on a few things that really make us feel good.
As referred to earlier, we can get so busy tending to the business of everyone and everything else, that we lose sight of those things that make life worth living for us.
So what are those things for you?
Maybe it’s playing or listening to music or reading a good book. Perhaps you love to move your body, or even relax your body by dancing, exercise or indulging in a great massage.
Think about a few things you can do each day that make you feel good, then write them down.
Why? Because there will be times when you are not feeling so great and you could really use a pick me up. However, many times, when we are feeling down, we can’t think clearly about what will make us feel better.
That’s why I have a “Things that Make Me Feel Good List”.
I filled it out when I was in a really good mood by writing down as many things I enjoy as I could think of at the time.
I even continue to add to my list.
Then I try to incorporate at least one of those things into my day each and every day. And on those days when I’m feeling down, I go to my list and have columns of suggestions that can help me feel better right away.
LIVING a good life, doesn’t have to take a lot of time or a lot of money and really doesn’t have to take a lot of effort either.
LIVING a good life can be as simple as slowing down enough to notice the roses, making the time to inhale and appreciate their sweet aroma and beauty and focusing on the happiness and joy they bring to you and to the world.