Creating A Meaningful Life
If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do
today?
Sometimes we forget how fleeting life is. There are no
guarantees. We might be here until we're 100 years old, or we
might check out in our twenties or thirties. We just don't know.
But most of us tend to trick ourselves into believing that we
have all the time in the world. We procrastinate, hesitate and
put off the things that are truly important to us.
If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, would you have any
regrets? Would you feel a sense of loss for all the things you
didn't do? I'm not referring to major accomplishments like
climbing a mountain. I mean the smaller, more precious moments
in life. Would you regret not spending more time with your
children or spouse? Would you feel disappointed that you never
signed up for those dance lessons you've always wanted to take,
or wrote the book that's hiding in your heart?
Think back to your childhood for a moment. Remember how slowly
time seemed to move? Remember how people in their twenties
seemed old, and people in their thirties and forties seemed
positively ancient? My grandmother told me years ago that the
older you get, time moves more quickly. I didn't believe her. I
was a teenager when she told me that, and to my astonishment,
more than 20 years have passed since then. How is that possible?
Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I was graduating
from high school and had my whole life ahead of me. Time really
does seem to move more quickly as you get older. I'll have to
remember to tell that to my own grandchildren. *grin*
So, how can we live our lives in a way that will leave us with
no regrets? It seems that life has gotten so busy for most of
us. How do we find the time and energy to do what really
matters? Most of us still have to work, we have responsibilities
and demands on our time. Is filling up our schedule with more
"stuff" really the answer? No, I don't think so.
I think the answer isn't so much about adding more to our lives,
but rather, more deeply enjoying the lives we have now.
Certainly we should follow our dreams and engage in fun
activities. If you really want to sign up for those dance
lessons, go for it. If you have a novel begging to be written,
write it! But adding those activities alone will not transform
our entire lives.
What transforms a person's life is how present they are in their
day to day tasks. While you're working, immerse yourself in the
work. Give it your full attention and effort and passion. When
you put aside your work for the day, also put it out of your
mind. When you are spending time with your family, enjoy them.
Laugh, have fun, play. Engage meaningfully with your spouse. Let
your family know how much you love and appreciate them.
Finally, and most importantly, allow yourself to really
experience life. Take frequent moments throughout your day to
breathe, feel, BE. Too many of us spend our days in a rushed
fog. We don't take time to awaken and enjoy. We are sleeping
through the best parts of our lives. Simply opening our
spiritual eyes and looking around can refresh and invigorate us.
Cherish each moment you have on this earth. Live with passion,
joy and awe. Cram as much happiness, fun and love into your life
as you can. Then when regret comes knocking at your door, there
is simply no room for it to come in.