Living Each Day to the Fullest

Last month my nephew died of a massive heart attack -- on his 31st birthday. 

As shockingly tragic as his passing was, we take heart knowing his life had been well-lived:  he lived and taught in Korea, traveled the world, embraced his creativity, connected with people, and fulfilled his purpose during his very brief lifetime.

How many of us can say that we are living full lives? 

A lifetime may seem long but is lived day by day.  The wise thing to do is seize the opportunity that every moment presents us. 

A full and fulfilled life arises from living each day wholeheartedly.

• Welcome change – change teaches us flexibility, brings growth and strength, and reveals opportunities.  Embrace new ideas and challenge yourself to experience something different e.g. say hello when you would normally be quiet.  Set and try to achieve new goals.
• Forgo perfection – give up on the idea of becoming perfect and instead embrace mistakes, failures, and disappointments as opportunities to expand your experience.
• Live with inspiration – identify people who inspire you and try to follow in their footsteps. Or connect to your own inner guide and try to live from this ideal self.  Let your values guide you to live from your highest self.
• Don’t criticize others or yourself – we gain peace by changing ourselves and our attitudes and not from making others do our bidding.  Respect yourself and others.  Give up your expectation that others  behave the way you want.  
• Express and Practice Gratitude – let others know how you feel about them and share your gratitude for them.  Enjoy and be thankful for everything you have in your life. 
• Live More Consciously – practice calming your mind (meditating, deep breathing) for even a few minutes each day.  To empower yourself, reflect on your life experiences and work on clarifying your blind spots and inner obstacles.
• Practice Kindness -- help others, forgive yourself and those around you, release past grievances and unhappiness.  Remember all beings, like you, want happiness and not suffering.

 
If you are just beginning this journey, then choose one or two of the above suggestions to practice every day. Be gentle with yourself in this process.  

May you live this day and every day with heartfelt joy and gratitude.  

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