I’m just back from holiday and, as I remember walking along the white sands and paddling my toes in the turquoise sea, I realise just how privileged my life is. Of course, everything is lovely when we are on holiday, and my life, like everyone else’s, is not perfect, but I try to make the best of myself everyday …which includes being continually grateful for all that I do have.
For me, it’s about a positive attitude and taking responsibility for my own happiness. It’s partly about challenging myself moving forward, but it’s also about gratitude and counting my blessings. It’s certainly NOT about bemoaning my existence and indulging in self pity.
How many people do you know who continually complain about their lives, detailing their disappointments and sadness and listing the wrongs they have suffered …but never actually doing anything about it. I read this morning that the phrase “woe is me” is 3,200 years old! That phrase is rarely heard these days, but unfortunately there are still plenty of people around with a “woe is me” attitude.
Every day is a gift and should be lived as such. The term “life’s too short” is certainly over used, but who knows what is around the next corner? Who knows what tomorrow, next week or even next year will bring?
Our time on this earth is precious, and is a tiny speck in the grand scheme of things. My personal philosophy is don’t waste a moment …and this is even more important as I grow older. Certainly I never want to utter those dreadful words “It’s too late.” It’s NEVER too late to try new experiences, change your life or make a difference to someone else’s.
Here a few ideas for you if you want to review making the most of your life: ❤️
Don’t doubt yourself – trust your instincts.
Be that positive person everyone is drawn to. Don’t put down others, they are all struggling with their own stuff and your criticism won’t help. Be a role model.
Be compassionate to others.
Spend time with animals. Their unconditional love is good for both our emotional and physical health.
Believe in yourself.
Declutter your living space. Read Declutter Your Home, Declutter Your Life! for some ideas.
Try something new.
Don’t settle for second best.
Stop worrying about tomorrow and experience today.
Spend time doing things you love.
Don’t be influenced by negativity from others.
Define what is important to you. Sounds simple, but easy to lose sight of in busy lives.
If you are continually procrastinating, think about why. Is it because you are worried about change?
Recognise that complaining is a waste of your time. Identify what’s wrong and take positive steps to change it.
If you need support, ask for it.
Challenge yourself to undertake new experiences.
Spend some time thinking about what your ideal life looks like.
Stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be those who are more beautiful, younger and thinner ….but there are so many more who are a lot worse off than you are.
Count your blessings regularly. Mentally list everything you have to be grateful for.
Have goals: Think about what you want from life. What needs to change? How many steps will it take to get there. What can you do today to start the process?
Remind yourself that you have the right to happiness.
Do not coast.
Do not give up.
Be mindful. Slow down your day and appreciate your enjoyment of it.
Come to terms with your regrets and mistakes. It’s pointless to dwell on things now past.
“To thine own self be true.” It’s my favourite Shakespearean quote. Live your life for yourself, not for anyone else. If this is an issue for you, check out this post Stop People Pleasing
Remember that failure and pain are the best ways to learn.
Stop ‘thinking’ start ‘doing’.
Try shifting your thinking and reframing beliefs that may be holding you back.
Follow your passions.
Live in the present. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is a world away.
Give someone else a voice. Advocating for someone else may give you more confidence to stand up for yourself.
Forgive yourself. What’s done is done.
Continue to educate yourself. Ongoing learning can increase self-esteem, optimism and self belief.
Learn from criticism, but try not to take it as a personal attack.
Save for a rainy day by all means, but don’t deny yourself experiences in order to hoard wealth.
Think of every day as a fresh new start.
Define your life’s purpose and it’s accompanying values.
Create a bucket list.
Take pride in your work. Whatever your job, strive to be the very best at it.
Take time every day to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Avoid toxic people, negative people, and selfish, opinionated people. Oust them from your life. Ruthless, but necessary!
Seek out experiences that interest you.
Exercise at least 3 times a week. Without a doubt, it will make you feel more alive, happy and positive as well as giving you more energy.
If you hate your job or your living circumstances, do something to change it. Today! Don’t wait.
Wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Even if you are staying inside all day.
“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.”
Take an interest in the environment and what can be done to protect it.
Think about your posture. Negative mood and self-esteem can be boosted by sitting upright rather than slouching.
Don’t expect others to change, the only person you can change is yourself.
Put time aside to relax every day.
Do not fear change, embrace it.
Learn to love yourself and treat yourself with the kindness that you show to others. That feeling will transfer into everything else that you do.❤️
Love your ideas, thank-you for writing this!
Thank you very much for reading and taking the time to comment. ❤️
My pleasure 💓
Great post and advice, thank you for sharing your wisdom <3
…And thank you for reading! ❤️
Great post ~ and very wise words! Much in life to embrace and enjoy ~
Thank you! ☀️
All of this is so true! Great post and thanks for sharing.
Great reminders, Karen. Thank you!
Meryl
Awesome and am so glad you are making most of your life. Yes, no life is perfect – it just is! We need to make it happy and joyous. For me each day of my life is a holiday and is blissful. Am truly blessed 🙏🙏
All the best to you my young friend
Thank you! 😍
Pleasure 🤗
Thank you for a wonderful positive post!
Thanks so much for reading! ☀️
That was beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for reading! ❤️
Great post, great pics!
Thank you ❤️
looking good! 🙂
There’s no Like button for this post, so I’m officially Liking it by way of comment!
Is there not? Oh dear I better look into that! Thank you for the comment!
All great advice.
Thank you very much! 😬
Wonderfully inspiring post, Karen. Thanks so much for sharing this. It comes at a perfect time for me, as I’m experiencing some non-too-pleasant “stuff” at the moment. Thank you again! 🙂
–Michael
Thank you Michael and I hope you are felling better soon ❤️
Great advice! I would add “limit the time you spend on social media.” It’s such a time sink. As for myself, I tend to follow many of your recommendations. At 50, I quit my job and went to Mexico to teach English. After retirement, I sold my house and moved to the province where my son and family live. Still adjusting, but no regrets.
Wow! That’s an inspiration! Thank you for reading ❤️
Oh my you are such a beautiful person inside and out. I am seeing this . Being more positive more taking care of myself . And I’m feeling great. It’s a struggle at times but change can be. But you are an inspiration !
That’s very kind thank you ❤️
Your welcome ❤️
amen! Great post! I had to let go of a long term friendship because of the woe is me syndrome. I couldn’t take it anymore.
I know – me to! Life is too short – right? 😊
YES ❤️
It’s so important to remember that once times passes we never get it back again. Also, to consciously do what we can to enjoy the moment, and to have an attitude of gratitude 🙂
That’s absolutely true! Time passes so quickly – we need to make the most of every minute! Thank you for reading ❤️
Absolutely how I try to live my own life! Am I perfect at it? Nope! But striving for perfection is better than being mediocre and coasting through life. Thanks for the sound advice that I hope everyone heeds!
Thank you very much Lisa ☀️
Good points, lovely realization on what life is all about.
Thank you Arlene- and thank you for taking the time to comment❤️
Some kind of 50 I was the 50th person to like this post 🙂
Well thank you! I wish I could say there is a prize! 😬
WOW!!!!! literally wow dear……Highly mesmerising reminders for everday !!! highly energetic…..Keep sharing and stay blessed.
Thank you for your kind words.
always welcome dear and keep motivating
This is amazing and refreshing! 💕
Thank you! And thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a wonderful day!
some great rules to live by there!
Thank you! ❤️
You’re welcome xx
Really loved your article . ❤️
So many true words .
I have a long term medical condition , sometimes it can get me down.
But I have always found that eating healthily , exercising , and doing yoga really helps me to stay positive .
A great supportive husband , my kids, and dog, make me want to try harder to be the best I can be .
Ah what a lovely comment… and how lucky we are to have that kind of love and support around us. ❤️❤️