“Most people live- whether physically, intellectually, or morally- in a very
restricted circle of their potential self. We all have reservoirs of life to draw
upon of which we do not dream.”
How many of us find ourselves in a rut time and again; struggling to pull
ourselves out? My hand’s raised! Riddled with anxiety, doubts, fear, and
feeling lost in all this madness. You know- what if we’ve got everything
wrong? What if our very definition of happiness and success is faulty and
we’re somehow missing the whole point of life?! Allow me to share 5
simple, yet groundbreaking practices I embraced that changed my life- and
surely will change yours too!
1) Get to the Root!
Most of us deal with our problems at a symptomatic level, perhaps
because getting to the bottom of them is harder. So we give into smoking,
drinking, slacking, binging, and what not- all instantaneous pleasures
that ultimately create an ever deeper void. And we all KNOW that,
don’t we? So why not take the plunge once and for all? Start living
mindfully and be honest with yourself. Is it a relationship that needs to
be worked on? Is it a job that you wish to leave? Is it a past trauma
that needs addressing? Get RAW and REAL. Trust me, it’s only the leap
that seems daunting- but it saves you a ton of useless anxiety and
stress that will creep up back into your life the more you avoid it. You
don’t need to see the entire ladder, just take that first step!
2) Seize the Day
Here’s where we all mess up bad! Seeing ‘Happiness’ as a
‘Destination’. I’ll be happy when I get that new house. I’ll be happy
when I finally get into that body shape, etc. We’re never really
living the present moment for what it is because we’re so caught up
in a so-called “perfect” future scenario. Switching off this mentality is
HUGE! Value your time as your most precious currency and build
gratitude for ‘what is. Not ‘what will be’. Savor each bite of that
delicious meal, engage in deep and meaningful conversations with
your loved ones, and cherish even the little things that make your soul
happy!
3) Channel Main Character Energy
This phrase is all the buzz with Gen Z these days, guys! Being the Main
Character means believing that YOU are the main protagonist in your
life. This is YOUR story. Now, this doesn’t mean you start overromanticizing
life or become all narcissistic- Nope. None of that. In
fact, it helps to see the ‘silver lining’ in even the most mundane of
things in your life. Thinking of yourself as the hero of the film means
that whether you’re in a rough patch or doing great it’s all part of the
plan and things WILL work out for you eventually! It’s appreciating the
beauty of every moment and soaking it in You’re as special as anyone
else, and your unique self is your SUPERPOWER!
4) Welcome the Unknown
How many of us are slaves of fixed routines, going about the same
schedule every day- and then complaining how life just isn’t as fun?
Why not take a cue from your younger self? Our carefree, child-like
wonder and curiosity are what made us so happy when we were kids. As
we get older, that spark somehow fizzles out and we just “accept” the
humdrum, dull rhythm of life. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Step
out of your comfort zone and join that workshop that you’ve been
wanting to. Take that trip. Sign up for that class. Do it NOW. It’s never
too late to learn new things and discover unknown facets of ourselves
along the way!
5) Connect More
You know the secret to happiness is pretty simple- ‘It grows greater
when shared’. Gandhi said that the best way to FIND yourself is to
LOSE yourself in the service of others. You might find success, fame,
money- but none of it means much unless you have someone to share
it with. Remember- Your passion in life is for you, but your purpose is
for others. That’s the secret to living a life of true meaning and
fulfillment. To connect more, help others, share your joy, and spread
the love!
“People aren’t really looking for the meaning of life as much as they
are looking for the experience of being alive!”- Joseph Campbell