This is the Rest of Your Life, It Should Feel Exciting
“This is the rest of your life, it should feel exciting.”
I said that to a friend the other day, and she said, “I love that.” I thought about it, too. It definitely struck a chord.
In light of that statement, I’d like to ask a few questions to get you thinking about the quality of your life and the actions you’re taking to make it fulfilling and meaningful, every day.
When was the last time something felt magical?
Are you being creative in some manner, on a regular basis?
How often do you experience fun, joy and spontaneity?
When was the last time you had the mental and physical space to come up with a new thought, idea or approach?
What are you doing that gives you a fulfilling sense of meaning and purpose?
Do you talk about being busy or making progress?
What are your thoughts or feelings after reading these questions? Is there anything you can take action on right now?
Do you think it’s not possible or within reach? It is.
Progress or change doesn’t have to be huge, uncomfortable or difficult. It can be a slight shift. Below are some examples from clients:
Increase fermented foods as an initial way to begin eating healthier, like eating the vegetables that are in vinegar, on the table at a Mexican restaurant.
Wake up five minutes earlier, not at 4:30 in the morning.
Listen to books instead of reading them. Books are no less valuable, because you listen instead of read, and you get to pick and choose. It doesn’t have to be one or the other.
Journal in bullet points. There is no right way to journal. It’s whatever supports you if journaling is something you want to do at all.
Spend one, whole day not judging yourself or others. This is a biggie and one of my favorites. It’s a lot like meditation in that you’ll find your mind wandering, but then you can catch yourself and course correct.
Go outside and look up at the sky every morning no matter what the weather. This one is powerful and about as simple as it gets. It’s also a reminder of how incredible our world is and how we are a part of something much, much bigger than ourselves.
Notice feelings when they arise, and make a conscious choice. This one may be a wee bit more advanced, but it can start with something as simple as walking out of the room you’re in and into another one just to take a moment to collect yourself and decide what you want your next action or statement to be.
Identify three things you’re grateful for every day. This is great to do with partners, children and friends.
The connection between these examples of small, doable changes is the ripple effect they cause. Kind of like knitting stitch by stitch until it eventually becomes a sweater, these shifts impact your awareness, increase the amount of mental space you have in your head and impact those around you. Over time, they lay the foundation for a life that is more fulfilling and satisfying in the day to day.
I know that you can make these shifts. It is possible. It is within reach. If you don’t know where or how to begin, find a guide, a book, a friend. Or, as my client Jennifer Morris put it, “I need a little Aviva in my life every day.”