Enjoying the Journey/Our Life’s Primary Focus

Haven’t we all heard that “life is a journey, not a destination”, “take time out to smell the roses”, or “in life, sometimes we fail and sometimes we succeed, but usually we learn most from the journey”.

Those are all great quotes designed to keep us in the moment. And for sure if we could all stay in the moment we would certainly be more peaceful as a result. But before we can actually stay in moment or enjoy the journey, don’t we have to feel like the path or journey we are on is the right one for us?  As important as it is to “trust the process” and even if we realize that we are OK so long as we are “moving towards rather than away” from our destination, don’t we first need to know what our destination is?

Do you have a defined purpose in your life? Do you have a beacon that serves as a constant marker to move towards or a stake in the ground that you don’t want to move too far away from?

I invite you to explore your life’s purpose though a careful self examination of what it is that you value most. Imagine times in your life when you had a “peak experience” What made that experience so wonderful? What would a “perfect day” look like to you? What were you doing and who were you with that made that a perfect day? Through this examination you can determine what feelings, people, places, and events resonate most deeply with the truth of who you are. What is the purpose of that truth for you and/or for others?

When you stay true to your life’s purpose, it will be easier to have trust and faith that you are on the right path. Once you know that you are on the right path, you can then stop worrying about every up and down along the way and enjoy it for what it is “a step in the right direction”

When you are clear and resolute in your purpose, you are free to enjoy the journey.  

"The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, or gives you a sense of meaning, joy, or passion.”

Terry Orlick

Living the Dream: Possible or Impossible?

Have you ever wondered why some people are “living the dream,” while others are constantly struggling?

If you knew the exact steps to take to fulfill your dream, would you take them right now?

Be honest! 
The truth is, we all have the opportunity to fulfill our dreams.
As humans, we have an amazing gift. We can choose our thoughts independently of our circumstances. We have the ability to imagine things that do not exist in our day-to-day world. We can picture what something will look like and feel like. We imagine; which creates a feeling, which creates a desire to take action; and to make a new choice.

The results we experience directly reflect the thousands of choices we make each day. And all of our choices reflect our underlying beliefs. If we believe something is possible, we act in congruence with that belief. If we believe it is impossible, we don’t act.
What if we made more conscious decisions?

What do you really want???

Can you see it? Do you believe you can have it? How would you feel if you knew you could have it? What if everything you need to fulfill your dream is already inside of you?

Is it possible you already have everything you need to be extremely successful right now?
Every dream starts with an idea. That costs nothing. What would you do differently if you believed that?

I believe there already are unlimited resources at your disposal. Some are identified, while others are yet to be discovered. I don’t know how it is possible, but I have firm conviction that anything is possible.
What if we believed in our dreams longer? Believed they were destined to come true.
When the desire to fulfill your dream becomes greater than your fears, you choose to act. These actions are no longer feared, but are seen as necessary steps to get where you know you are meant to go.

Why not take one step? You may be surprised where you end up. Not sure where to start? Maybe these ideas will help??

1. Pay attention to your mental chatter. Are you focusing on why everything can’t be done? Or are you saying, “Show me how this can be done”?
2. Write down your dream (Be as specific as possible) And spend time each day visualizing what you will look like achieving your dream.

3. Identify specific actions you can take. Will it result in an achieved dream?

4. Take action!

5. Surround yourself with as many supportive people as possible. Include yourself! 
6. Be grateful! Expressed gratitude is linked to happiness. Set aside a quiet moment each day and list everything and everyone you are grateful for. If applicable, tell them!

Authenticity

Could you be feeling stuck based on your lack of authenticity?  Ever notice that feeling in your heart or your stomach that you are not being true to yourself in your words or actions?

Maybe it’s not straight up lying but a toxic addiction to approval seeking though trying to please people short term?  Maybe you tell yourself it’s just a way of making yourself or others just a little bit more comfortable in a certain situation?  Could be with your friends, spouse/significant other, siblings, children, parents, or boss?

These are unreal conversations and relationships. They can never truly serve you or move you forward. Even if they are not completely dishonest they are fantasy conversations. (like a recommendation for only positive thinking) The consequences of these conversations and relations can be very expensive. The cost can be resentment, guilt, anger, a consistent feeling of uneasiness, or even physical problems in the body.

Want to avoid these costs and move towards what Ralph Waldo Emerson calls “the greatest accomplishment”?

Start with laying a simple (not easy) foundation.  Start by saying YES when you want to say YES and NO when you want to say NO in all circumstances. Start with the small things such as lunch with a friend, driving out of your way to meet somebody, letting your children have something you think will make them happy or keep the peace for the moment, or attending a family function when you have other plans.

Once you build your authenticity on the smaller circumstances, you will be ready to tackle the ones that have a bigger impact on your life and happiness long term.

Creating space

Are you having a difficult time getting done the things you want to get done? Is there something blocking you from taking your ideas of something new and better for you and putting them into action?

Most people don't realize that even if our level of satisfaction is low in one or more areas in our life, (career, relationships, financial, fitness, etc.) it's most likely that the time in our lives is "filled" Our energy is sapped by the end of the day whether that day is fulfilling or stressful and unfulfilling.

As a result, In order for you to get into action to improve your level of satisfaction in the areas you want to, you need to "create space"

Creating space is about saying no to/letting go of something that is already in your life. (you may need to end the relationship you are in to find one that serves you better?, you may need to say no to certain activities currently taking up time in order to fit time in to go to the gym?, etc.)

Once you let go of/say no to something, you "create space" in your time, heart, and mind for that new action that you want to take. 

Want something new and wonderful in your life? Start by asking yourself, "What am I willing to give up"?