Don’t Forget to Laugh

We all know it is good to laugh at ourselves, and not take ourselves too seriously. With that in mind, I thought I would pass along these lighthearted statements I heard regarding our self-importance below:

• At 20 years old we wonder what everybody thinks about us
• At 40 years old we don’t care what anybody thinks about us
• At 60 years old we realize nobody was thinking about us

This is truly good news!

This means we don’t have to worry so much about trying to please all those people who aren’t even paying attention to us anyway!

What a huge relief!

Of course, to our loved ones we are important and thought about, as they are to us. However, the vast majority of people are living their own lives, and more concerned about who is watching them.

Now, from those who are paying attention to us, there may come some unsolicited advice. In these situations, we can ask ourselves if what we are hearing is in alignment with who we are, and consider the source of who is giving the feedback.

Often, the comments we receive reflect something going on in another, and rarely have much to do with us personally.

For example, someone may have a need to control those around them, and feel that others should live life according to their plans. Just because we don’t live according to their wishes does not mean we need to alter our life.

However, if what they are saying is helpful, and feels right in our heart and soul, then we can consider their ideas. If not, then it is important to tune out any unhelpful information, and be true to ourselves.

Everyone has a right to their opinion, and we have a right not to listen to it. — Joel Osteen  

Instead of becoming angry with the input we may receive from those around us, we can smile at the glorious freedom we have to follow our own path, and not pay any attention to it.

Hopefully, we will remember to apply laughter and lightness the next time we allow ourselves to worry or become upset by how we’re being perceived by the vast majority of those who are busy looking in another direction.

Are you able to laugh at yourself?

Action Step:

Place the above three phrases in a place you will see them often, as a reminder that life is better when we’re laughing.

 

Just Be Yourself

I was watching a dance competition the other night, and at one point the dance instructor said to a contestant, “just be yourself.” Up until that point, he had been acting a certain way that came across as inauthentic, and reflected in his performance.

His overall uneasiness was evident, as his movements looked forced, and uncomfortable. Certainly, there is the expected nervousness that a competition can bring, and his courage was evident too.

However, by his own admission, he was trying to dance like the other people on the show, and not playing to his own strengths. Not only was the scoring from the judges of his routines unpleasant to witness, but surely the dancing was not enjoyable for him to perform as well.

As soon as he was told to, “just be yourself,” there was an immediate look of relief on his face, as he had gotten caught in the act, and didn’t have to pretend anymore.

Therefore, when he returned to the competition, and started relaxing into being himself, he did a much better job, got better scores, and certainly looked more comfortable in his own skin.

This made me think about how easy it can be to play a part in life too by acting a certain way, and trying to be like other people. Usually, inauthenticity can be seen, and felt by others, and felt within ourselves as well.

What a relief when we start being true to ourselves, and stop performing for the approval of others but live for our own approval instead.

Ironically, the less we perform, and the more genuine we are, the more people are attracted to us as never before.

Action Step:

Listen to the music of your own heart, and do what feels right for you today.

 

Make The Best of Your Life

I recently found out that a woman I used to live nearby many years ago passed away. We had lost regular touch when I relocated to another state, so I hadn’t seen her in a while.

I do remember when she was diagnosed with brain cancer, and her survival of the surgery to remove it. She didn’t walk around focused on dying but became more focused on living.

She lived way beyond her expected chances, and got her wish to see her infant son grow up. She had a passion for her family, and her precious life, and made the rest of her time on earth, the best of her life.

She was a great example of how not to take any day for granted, and live each day to the fullest. With that in mind, below is a lovely reminder of how to live today.

 Today Is the Very First Day of the Rest of Your Life

This is the beginning of a new day.
I have been given this day
to use as I WILL.
I can waste it…
or use it for good,
But what I do today is important,
Because I am exchanging
a day of my life for it!
When tomorrow comes,
this day will be gone forever,
Leaving in its place
something that I have traded for it.
I want it to be gain,
and not loss;
Good and not evil;
success and not failure;
In order that I shall not regret
the price I have paid for it.
I will try just for today,
for you never fail until you stop trying.

       ~Author Unknown

 

Action Step:

Enjoy the video below.

 

Find Your Place of Serenity

Something about the ocean is undeniably beautiful, powerful, and spiritual. Certainly, the same can be said for the mountains, lakes and streams, which all elicit an equivalent awe and wonder of nature. It is rejuvenating for the mind, body and spirit, to spend time in our natural surroundings, for which there is so much beauty to choose from. There are numerous ways to peacefully connect with our external environment, and experience its serene effect on our internal environment as well.

By taking outdoor walks, watching a beautiful sunset, or gazing at the evening stars, we witness the amazing choreography of our environment, and are reminded how amazing the healing power of nature can be. When we allow ourselves this time to reflect and catch our breath, we avail ourselves of the transformative power and growth which occur during the quiet moments in life.

In doing so, we become more focused on possibilities, and what is right in our world, rather than choosing to focus on what may not be working. We become grateful and aware of our precious time, and look to create more balance in our schedules.

Unfortunately, the busyness of our lives can pull us away from noticing the lovely settings which surround us, and allow them to fade into the background of our lives. This lack of awareness and connection can prevent us from the serenity we long to experience within us. We frequently allow our tranquility to become disturbed by experiencing an overwhelming amount of sensory overload, such as:

1. Noisy television
2. Overbooked schedules
3. Excessive connection with social media

The more we make room in our lives for stillness and serenity by reducing the noise level around us, the more we are able to ‘hear’ the messages from our inner selves. Typically, it is only during our annual vacations that we allow ourselves the time to reconnect with the delights of our exterior world, and give consideration to our interior world as well.

It is only then that we delegate more of our time to relaxation, and connecting with the peacefulness and silence of nature. Likewise, we often spend a great deal of time and effort planning our trips, but we can begin devoting a similar commitment to our daily mental health during the rest of the year also.

There are unlimited ways to create our day, and a variety of choices in how we spend our valuable time. One thing is for sure, that peace, and serenity are essential to our well-being, and is certainly worth our attention.

One cannot underestimate the importance of introspection in our daily lives, as it has a profound impact on the way we think, act, and operate in our relationships. Therefore, it is never too late to begin nurturing the serenity within us, which is undeniably beautiful, powerful, and spiritual like nature itself.

Action Step:

Pay extra attention to your surroundings today by taking a walk outdoors, watching a beautiful sunset, or gazing at the evening stars.