So many days we wake up dreading the days events, cringing at the idea of work, wishing it were an off day so that we can actually go out and be ourselves. Good days are a rarity that happen once in a while when we're not expecting them. But why does it have to be so? Why can't we try to make every day a great one? It's all about mindset, how we go into each day, and how we react to what life throws at us. It sounds good on paper, but it's definitely trickier in practice. Here are a just a few things that (I think) if we stop to consider before we step out the door to face the day, can change the way we look at a day...and all the days ahead:
1. Go out with an open mind.
Anything can happen and anything can change. Every day has something new to offer, so embrace the uncertainty of it all. When unexpected things happen, learn move with the changes and flow around obstacles. Go out looking to learn. We all come across dozens of people each day, and everyone has a different angle on life. In interaction with them, see what you can learn and look for nuggets of truth and wisdom. Seek to be enriched and use your discretion to weed out junk from gems.
2. Meet new people, cultivate relationships, and look for opportunities to impact.
If you haven't figured it out already, life is about relationships and people. Everything we do comes down to who we impact and influence and how we all affect one another. Embrace making new acquaintances and connections. Accept that people are human and give grace. Talk to your neighbors. Take an hour to have coffee with that person you've been wanting to learn more about. Invest in others, in friends and family, and in upcoming generations. This world has far to many interesting people for us to only be focused on ourselves. We all seek to be relational, and sometimes we need to be the ones reaching out and making the first move.
3. Do things you believe in, and give your best in all things.
This is easier said than done. Some of us work some pretty hard jobs. Some of us have crazy or rough home lives. But nothing is worse than laying down your head on your pillow at night unfulfilled and jaded, knowing you didn't try while despairing at a vicious cycle.
Find something you believe in that you can pour into. It might be a side job or hobby. Try to fit it in somewhere in your day/week so that you're doing something you resonate with. Knowing you're doing something you believe in brings worlds of satisfaction. Look for that small piece of your work you enjoy doing most and focus on that. Do the best that you can so that, at the very least, you can say that you're giving it all you've got on your end. Look for opportunities to grow, move up, or move on. Be the catalyst for change by having a higher standard. This is the mentality that will push you further and inspire the people around you.
4. Accept that some things are out of your control.
There are many things in life that we'll never be able to keep from happening, and I think we're just not meant to. I think that the key is being ok with that. If you think about it, it can be an extremely comforting...that not everything falls on us 100% of the time! With that in mind, make a conscious effort to let certain things go. Let things play out the way that they're supposed to and take things as they come. You'll be able to recognize which things you have power to change and which things you don't. Don't fret when the boulder is in front of you. Walk around it if you can, and if you can't, go a different route.
When it comes to stubborn, petty, and difficult people, let them do their thing. People are people. Don't let the bad deeds, negativity, or criticism of others dictate the way you look at and live your life. They might be limiting themselves, but they don't have to limit you!
5. Choose to be happy!
We're the original versions of ourselves, and not one person in the world is like us. Take pride in that! We've been given talents, unique personalities, and opportunities to use them. It's up to us to recognize those opportunities and cultivate those gifts. The world is ours to impact, to discover, and appreciate. We've been given a life, a day, a moment, and an array of chances. They're ours to make what we will out them. How can we not get excited at that!? Life itself is a tremendous gift...that came at a huge price paid for us. We've been given the freedom and chance to express who we are. That, friend, is a reason to be happy!
The only thing holding us back from living life to the fullest is ourselves. We can find good and joy in all circumstances. We just need to step back, look up, and around us. Dig deep and look intently and the small details of life, doing all things with intention. And most importantly of all...don't give up!
"Be strong, live happy, and love."
-John Milton-
No comments:
Post a Comment