Caption : You have the power to choose LIVING.
Photographer : http://www.emporium-sw.com/services/images/world_in_hand.jpg |
I’ve been thinking heaps lately – even more than I usually do. I’ve been contemplating life and living. I’m on the verge of completing uni and about to enter the big bad world, so I’m looking for direction and meaning. I’m trying to make sense of the last three years. After all this thinking, I’ve come up with a few realisations about life, living and about myself.
Lesson 1: Live life now, don’t just survive.I’ve realised that I have a few too many regrets about the way I’ve lived out the last few years of my life. Actually my mistake is that I haven’t been living at all, I’ve been surviving while life’s been happening. I’ve taken myself and my work far too seriously. I don’t know what fun means or how I like to have fun. I’ve lost the heart and soul in my life. I’ve not had any balance and my priorities need reshuffling. I’m always waiting for something else before I start living. I’ve been putting off living for another day, for when I finish my essays, after my exam, when everything’s perfect. After a few years of this, I’ve come to realise that NOW is the only time there is. We have to find meaning and happiness now, not later, because later may never come.
Lesson 2: Get into the driver’s seat – Life’s what you make it.And another thing, you can’t just wait around for things to happen, you have to create them. Take it from someone who knows, you won’t run into happiness or wisdom on the train. You have to create happiness and learn wisdom. Both come from the experience of living. And anyway isn’t that what life’s about – learning, growing, being, feeling, changing, doing … LIVING?
Lesson 3: Get a constructive attitude. Well along with realising my mistakes and regrets, I’ve also realised that I still have now to change the way I do things. Now that I know what I’m doing wrong, I can do things better. My weapon: ATTITUDE. When I’m feeling negative and overwhelmed, I’m powerless and weak. But when I think positively and optimistic, I’m empowered and energised. I can’t believe how much attitude can impact on your life. It has the potential to be your best friend or your enemy and it’s your choice. So have a positive attitude and be empowered to move mountains and build bridges.
Lesson 4: High jump’s for Olympians, just take one step at a time.I can’t take any credit for this insight. It’s my friend’s advice to me when I felt overwhelmed with the pressures of uni and life. It was simple, yet ingenious advice. Take a deep breath in and tackle one task at a time. Stressing about everything that needs doing doesn’t get you too far. So take your gloves off, get to work, one thing at a time. And remember, you will be okay!!
So why am I telling you this?I don’t usually share my inner most thoughts with people. But if sharing my mistakes and lessons with you will help you avoid them yourself, then I’m happy to have let you into my little empire of thought.
