And so we begin another year of this precious life journey. If you are breathing, you are still navigating the ebbs and flows of the unknown. Cheers!
As a romantic optimist, I would say that we are all doing the best we can with what we have, until we know better. There is a lot to maneuver in the world right now. Can we grow, learn, find humility and take responsibility for ourselves? YES PLEASE! Can we laugh, dance, grieve, relish and savor the vitality of it all? DOUBLE DOWN ON THAT!
There is a place for structure, discipline and science just as much as our need for play, love and easing in the sacred unseen web of life that connects us all. If anything, our present day life requires us to turn inward and listen to the wise whisper of the heart that reminds us of the basic goodness of our humanity. It is important to check in with your inner compass OFTEN.
But sometimes it all feels a wee bit overwhelming and the PAUSE button needs to be gorilla glued down for a quick minute or year.
However you choose to engage the human life adventure, know that there is value in:
- Stepping away from your day to day routine. Take a breath, give yourself some space and gain perspective on everything you’ve gone through. This is why change of scenery whether by day trip, weekend getaway or longer and near or far is so important to our big picture perspective on life. Think of it as a new eye glass prescription or cleaning them off every once in a while. The space will allow you to see what you truly “miss” and “love” in your life, and then renew your appreciation.
- Spend time with people who have different belief systems, cultures and realities. Believe it or not, this helps us to check in with our own values and habits as well as be better humans. Sometimes we get stuck in daily habits or relationships that we didn’t even realize were really unhealthy for us. There are a million paths to the same mountain top. We can all use some empathy, understanding and tolerance for diversity in others and for ourselves. Eyes wide open. And hey, we may find a different way to approach our life.
- Try something new and say yes to that really uncomfortable scary opportunity. Of course, taking inventory of the risks vs. benefits. Try it once and see what happens. Either way, you will gain new information about yourself. Hmmm…I didn’t know I would absolutely love going on a cruise boat with a million people……good to know. (not really but I don’t know yet)
- Find the people who will call you out, back you up, hold you accountable and relentlessly remind you of your worthiness and dignity. Hold on to that person that loves you so much they are willing to piss you off with a truth bomb and still remain by your side when you clumsily trip up the stairs or fall apart from a broken heart. Better yet, find a circle and create a community that will do this for as many people as possible. We need each other.
- Finally, remember to make relaxation, play, replenishment and joy a part of your daily routine. Like a race car, we too need maintenance to keep healthy! Whatever it is that brings playfulness into your life – sunshine, exercise, art, music, archery, family, people, comedy, meditation, time in nature, a favorite hobby – make it part of your daily routine! Life is much shorter that we realize and there is so much magical breathtaking beauty to savor, even in the darkest moments of despair.
Until next time-
Carry on as this precious life journey continues to unfold……
