What have I been waiting for all these 30 plus years that it has taken this long to really embrace life? Why have I been hiding behind depression and exhaustion and blame and bad habits and laziness?
Is it we sometimes expect something else from life that we cannot truly appreciate the magnificence; even when it is all around us?
Every day is a chance to live, to breathe and feel alive. All it takes is a little positive energy a little positive motivation and a true desire to live!
It has been a long journey to slowly build a life where I can embrace each day as a chance to be happy and content.
It began with an acknowledgement that it is not the big grand desires and aspirations for a ‘better me’ that fill each day with positive joy, but the little things; the knowledge that I am me and that I create my own self.
I once spent a lot of time focused outwardly, worried, anxious and fearful of myself and the world. Now with space and patience and simplicity I am learning to say Hi to life and embrace all the wonderful things that are and that can be…
Just do it!!
I have recently started running. For a person who has done very little physical exercise EVER this was something I have always wanted to do but due to laziness and well a belief, that I couldn’t, I until recently never dreamed I would. It has been 4 months now and yesterday I ran further than I have ever before. It was like my lungs just opened up and I felt so fit and strong and free. I now feel I am able to physically achieve more than I felt possible and this is a very powerful feeling.
I am achieving something I always thought ‘about’ but never actually thought I would ‘do’. And the great thing is there is still so much further to go, I can continue to improve, continue to become stronger and fitter and healthier.
It has taught me or should I say I am still learning a very valuable lesson and one we all know about but to experience it is truly powerful. We can achieve our dreams. Although this is quite a simple example; for me it is a big change and I now feel more able to strive for other things in my life, with patience, determination and true desire.
If there is something, no matter how simple, you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet dared. I dare you! Go for it!! Just do it!!
Be Real!!
I certainly don’t imagine I am the only one who has trouble forming real relationships. The fear and the doubt and second guessing always seem to intrude on my ability to live in the moment and truly embrace my friends and family. We all put up barriers to some extent and I guess this is a measure against self harm or embarrassment or betrayal. I sometimes find it hard to truly let go and be myself, express myself and share my real self with others. And I have come to realise this is not fair. I am cheating my friends and family, I am me, I am real, why keep me hidden away.
To really live we need to form real relationships grounded in our true self. So we can share real experiences, engaged and alive. I’m still not sure if I can dive into relationships with abandon or if I truly ever will; but I do aim to try and pull down a few barriers and let my true self come through even if just a little more than ever before.
Adventure & Discovery!!
Life is one great big adventure and there is so much to discover about life, people, places, ourselves and the world we live in. Step outside, even just a little, the comfort zone, the routine of daily life and go on a little adventure to discover something new. This could be anything; like striking up a conversation with a stranger, taking an alternate route or mode of transport to work, trying a different type of food or hobby.
It can be so easy to get stuck in our ways to decide this is how things are, this is what I like, these are my friends, this is my job, this is how I relax, and this is what I like to do. But there are so many experiences big and small out there to discover. Go on a little adventure today and see what can be found : )
Love Yourself!!
Love in its purity is a very simple and very strong emotion. Striped of everything else love is simply love; an unwavering acceptance of someone or something for who or what they truly are. And shared love is to find peace and acceptance and deep rest in the ones we love.
To love one ’s self is to let go of all the doubts and expectations and ideas we harbour inside and to step back and embrace an unwavering acceptance for whom we are. Than we may experience that true rest and peace we find in the company of shared love, within ourselves.
Find your own way!!
All of us are different and amazingly so. Each person is filled with experiences and dreams and ideas and passions that are unique and exceptional. Embrace life and find your own way; by being true to yourself and the things that are real and important to you. Compromises are part of life and one of the blessings of a shared existence so be prepared to make a few but keep an eye out for the opportunities to really dive in.
I am learning to step out of my rut and place my feet firmly on a path that each day I can walk upon confidently and honestly. By making choices that reflect my true self and living a life that I believe in I am finding my way back into life and embracing all it has to offer.
I am so happy and thankful to live the life I do! Why did it take me so long to simply say Hi?!
Related posts:
- Finding happiness : the courage to face life with good cheer
- Top 5 small, simple opportunities for a happy, fulfilling life!
- Top 5 small, simple opportunities for a little more energy and zest for life!
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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this post. Thank you for sharing.
Bravo! This is a great article. You make some really strong points here. Good for you getting out and running and achieving. I know what you mean about that transition from thinking ‘about’ something to ‘doing’ it. It feels really good, right? It sounds like you are making major discoveries about yourself and relationships. That is an awesome start. Now just carry on with patience. My favorite part of this post is your advice to find your own way. That would be my number one piece of advice for every person, and especially woman out there. Our journey is so personal and so unique–we have to strive to find and stay on the path that works the best for us individually.
Best to you and your journey! -Jodi
Thank you both for your comments!! And Jodi for your encouragement : ) so greatly appreciated!!
Good for you with the running! I was always awful at running but 2 years ago I decided to sign up for a half marathon. I have to say it was one of the best experiences of my life. So much so that I’m running another one this September.