Can you name one person who has never been through any trouble in their life? If you can, then you probably don’t know that person that well, and you are not aware of the struggles they have faced. Everyone has problems, and dealing with them is one of the rules of living. No matter how blissful the current circumstances are, life will inevitably go down before it rises again.
These cycles create a complex problem for some of us: we are too afraid to appreciate the happiness in our lives because we are guided by the notion that “all good things come to an end.” We’re afraid to be happy because we know we’ll face sorrow again in future, and we’re certainly not happy when we have reasons for being sad.
Do we leave any space for happiness? Are we going through our lives in constant fear that something would make us feel miserable? Are we afraid to love because we expect to be hurt? Are we living at all?
It’s time to practice mindfulness on a theme: are we living our lives with full potential? Are there any steps we can follow to the path of complete personal accomplishment? Try following these simple (but not so easy) steps and see where they lead you.
Try following these simple steps and see where they lead you.
How to Start Living Your Life
- Work to live; don’t live to work!
Unfortunately, our society is based upon the principles of money, so we can’t live freely without having a job. In fact, having a job you love is absolutely necessary for fulfilling your dreams and passions. If you notice that the position you have doesn’t make you happy at all, then it’s time for a change.
What Motivates You at Work?
The decision to leave the job is a bit drastic, so take these questions into consideration before coming to the final conclusion:
- Do you like your job?
- Would career progress in the same industry make you truly happy?
- Does your job leave any space for things that make you happy, or does it take your entire time and energy?
- Do you find yourself thinking “I don’t have time for friends and family because I have to work”?
The answers to these questions will help you understand the real picture. Meditate on it. Imagine yourself in the role you would really want to play in this world. It doesn’t matter what you studied if those efforts didn’t take you in a happy place. What matters is what you can do at this moment to make yourself happier in future.
- Forgive and ask for forgiveness!
You have to let go of the burden that’s holding you back. Are there any uncleared conflicts from the past? You can certainly think of the people who hurt you the most. Dig deep in your soul to seek for forgiveness. You deserve it! It doesn’t matter what they did and how they made you feel; the only thing you can do is to forgive and carry on with your life.
Are you angry because you lost the people you loved and you are hurt by the injustice in this world? Forgive the Universe, because there is a reason behind every situation we face. Once you realize that, you’ll be able to see the joy in every moment for the rest of your life.
There is another side to forgiveness: you have to ask for it, too! Ask your parents to forgive you for all disappointments you made them go through. Apologize to your friends for the times when you couldn’t be there to support them. Think about the mistakes from the past and find a way to reconcile. The most important thing is to forgive yourself. Then, you can start the next day with a clean slate.
- Get out of your comfort zone
It’s time to beat every single fear you’ve ever faced. There is no point in being scared of heights, animals, people, spiders, holes, or anything else. This world is beautiful and we are wasting a huge potential because of the fears that block us. Meet new people, accept new challenges and don’t let the fear dictate the way you live.
Nelson Mandela found the right words to define the state of courage: “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
- Pay less attention to appearance
Do you believe in the principles of karma, or any power greater than us? Do you at least believe in the principles of ethics? How does your appearance fit into them? You dress well when you have to show respect for other people, but does that mean you have to have a different expensive dress/suit for every single occasion? What’s the point in all that?
You should worry more about the beauty of your thoughts and soul. When you shine from the inside, it won’t matter what clothes you will wear. The point in “living life to the fullest” is being free from any boundaries. Don’t allow the superficial boundaries of appearance limit the way you enjoy life.
- Explore art
Music, paintings, architecture, literature, and theatre are some of the most beautiful achievements of humanity. It would be a shame to waste this life without discovering the deeper meaning of different pieces of art. Explore different types, genres and eras. Visit museums all around the world and lose yourself in the beauty of art.
If you have a talent, then you must express it. Pour all love, anger, bliss, and sadness you feel into a beautiful piece of art in any form. There is no better way to explore your soul than to let it speak through art.
- Be kind!
You don’t have to leave brilliant inventions and pieces of art behind you if you want people to remember you. Leave kindness! Do small deeds of goodness every single day. When you notice smiley faces around you, you’ll realize there is much more to life than work, money, clothes, and fun.
There is no point in being occupied with the superficial daily tasks. Look beyond them if you want to discover the essence of life and true happiness. Explore the world, do what you love, and be kind to people you know and don’t know. That’s what life is all about.
This post was written by Stephanie Norman from Sydney. She has been a contributing blogger and professional writer for 4 years. She writes creative and business content covering writing and inspirational issues as a freelancer. She also provides editing services at Australian Writings, a company that offers assignment help and assistance for students. You can follow her on Facebook and Google+.
Originally posted on February 16, 2016 @ 8:00 am
