No One Gets Out Alive - How To Make The Most Of Your Life
I had a someone recently tell me that our friendship was forever and would last until one of us died - That no one got out alive.
At first, it seemed like an unusual statement, but as I thought about it, it was actually quite sweet.
Then I carried the thought one step further.
When it comes to this thing called LIFE - none of us get out alive!
We all enter this world with a set number of days. Unfortunately, we are not given that exact number from the start. And everyone's number is different. We all know of someone who has left way too soon.
My point here is not to have anyone stress about the number of their days. There is not much we can do about it anyway. But it is my goal to encourage you to make the most out of the ones you have left!
And how do we go about doing that? Let's look at a few things.
Accept Yourself
So many of us spend way too much time worrying about what other people think of us. We judge ourselves based on standards seen in the entertainment industry and social media. We fall victim to comparing ourselves to unrealistic ideals.
One of the first keys to internal happiness is to accept yourself the way you are. With your beauty and flaws. Quirks and habits and traits combined. Your talents and your struggles. They all make up the wonderfully unique creation that is YOU!
Now, I am not suggesting we do not take care of the precious gift of self. Of course, we need to care for and maintain the body and mind that supports our priceless spirit. Lifestyle improvements and healthy habits go a long way, but at the end of the day, you MUST find a way to appreciate and own your place in the world.
On the flip side to this, allow yourself the freedom to accept others. It is not our job to critique and command others to conform to our wishes. The less time you spend worrying about how other people live their lives, the more you can spend on truly living yours.
Forgive Yourself
We all make mistakes. From bad relationship choices to fights with family, we often do things we regret. That's life and it happens to everyone. The important thing is to forgive yourself. This does not mean you are cavalier and repeat the same errors. It does mean you understand we all have weak moments and say and do things that create chaos.
Forgiving yourself frees you to move past it, learn, and make better decisions going forward. Guilt and regret are heavy burdens and will weigh you down and slow your life's progress.
If you have hurt others, ask them for their forgiveness as well.
And just as important as forgiving yourself - is forgiving others. Even if they don't ask for it.
Bitterness robs you of joy. It is a huge emotion and takes up way too much space in your heart. Release it to allow room for the light and peace that comes from learning to let go of the circumstances and people that you can't change.
Love Fiercely
It only takes one true heartbreak to send most of us running for cover swearing to never attempt that feat again. Or maybe it was a friend or even family who betrayed you.
It is easy to close your heart's door and put up a No Vacancy sign. But my dear Hopefuls, that is no way to travel through this life. Our hearts are designed for boundless love and compassion. There is a wellspring of affection that flows when we allow it. So allow it.
Love is the eternal bond that holds us together. It is the energy that heals and protects. Whenever you have the chance to love - do it with all your might. Give it freely and without conditions.
Will it hurt sometimes - yes.
Will you cry sometimes - yes.
Is it worth it - Yes. Everytime!
I can't explain, but I sincerely believe it to be true. Love fiercely regardless of the cost. You will never regret it.
Hope With Abandon
Now this, as most of you know, is my favorite saying. And I am convinced it belongs on this list.
Hope is knowing the storm will pass. It is certain that good and happiness awaits. Hope believes in the power of perseverance and patience. It anticipates the coming reward.
It sustains us through dark times and holds us until the sun shines again.
And it can quite honestly be one of the most difficult things to do. Hope's success lies ahead, which means it is powerless without faith. It is easy to lose faith when life does not go the way we thought it would. When the future seems bleak and our emotional resources are low. It may not always be easy, but it is the one constant for an amazing life.
I wish there was an absolute formula for manufacturing Hope. I don't have one. But I do know it dwells within everyone. It is up to us to find it, feed it, cherish it and then manifest it.
Never underestimate the power of the positive. Hope will literally change your life.
Life Is For Living
As my friend truly advised, none of us will get out this life's journey alive.
You can choose to walk through it with blinders on and stumble and crawl your way through.
OR, you can choose to live it to the fullness. NOW! TODAY!
Pursue your dreams. Reach for the stars. Be true to yourself. Never look back.
Make the most of every moment right up to the very last one.
Accept! Forgive! Love! and as always
Hope With Abandon
Hope Out
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