If you knew you would die tomorrow, or in a week, or in a month, would you live differently? This question has been asked so often its cliché. The answer is typically “Yes, of course I would.” People respond with things like this:
• I’d live with more zest
• I’d take more risks
• I’d focus on the positive and avoid negative thoughts
• I’d say all the things I’ve never told family and friends
But, we seldom, if ever, live like there is no tomorrow. It sounds wonderful, but reality in our own life seems to regularly get in the way. Our work, our families, our daily chores, our responsibilities, and our financial obligations are just a few of the reasons people don’t “live differently.” Looking beyond our own address we are faced with the problems of our country and our world making it not only easy, but almost routine to get hung up in a feeling of helplessness.
What we should or shouldn’t eat. Low fat, no fat, two percent, GMO, Gluten-Free, caffeine free, no salt and low salt just to scratch the surface.
Who do you believe about anything? The economy, national debt, illegal immigration, political correctness, political spin, political bias, entitlement programs, human rationalization, “it’s not my fault, but everyone else is to blame.”
So, how do you change that mindset? How do you remove those daily barriers to more zestful living?
It’s certainly a huge challenge, but one that can be addressed.
The first step is to recognize the limitations you put on yourself. Like that voice inside your head, recognizing the extra pressure and the daily grind you are feeling can’t be addressed until you admit and know it’s happening. Then put everything into a proper perspective.
Your second step is to mentally remove yourself from what you are thinking and doing. Once you have pulled away you can ask yourself “How do I approach this situation, individual, chore, or experience differently?” Another question I like to ask is “What is the worst thing that may happen if I do X or Y?” Answering those type of questions may provide a vision to approach life differently.
The third step is to be positive and DO NOT play the victim. All too often we diminish our abilities and thereby our lives by blaming others and rationalizing why things didn’t go our way. Many people think there are only two sides to a coin and two results to a circumstance – good or bad. Actually there are three sides to a coin. The edge is the difference between the two sides. Any Numismatist will tell you the edge is the third side of the coin, where different and unique perspectives may be found.
So I’d suggest we all start anew with these four steps and get to the small space few people venture to. The edge. I contend it will give you an edge in life. You will be able to take positive, meaningful steps toward zestful living. Maybe you’ll even fondly recall those days of running barefoot and drinking from the garden hose.
“Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.”
James Dean
Until next time……