As we all look forward to the next step in our lives, I know many of us are yearning for a simpler and selective range of life experiences — the happy days, the normal times, the settings and experiences that make us feel more comfortable. And yet, the full range of our reality often brings something very different. The days in front of us will inevitably provide an extensive array of experiences that evoke feelings ranging from sadness and struggle to growth and pride, and more.
So we have a choice starting today. We can revolt against reality — the reality of having to deal with discomfort, of having to cope with uncertainty, of having to feel upset sometimes. Or we can embrace every experience life gives us, including all our highs and lows — all the blissful moments, and frustrating ones, and everything in between. Life is not just happy and comfortable 24/7. It’s well-rounded and it’s ever-changing.
Embracing the full range of life’s experiences means embracing every moment with our full presence, being open and vulnerable to reality, being gentle with ourselves when moments are tougher than we expected, and practicing sincere gratitude whenever possible…
It means accepting life as it is, and accepting ourselves as we are.
It means not expecting the best to happen every step of the way, but instead accepting what happens with each step, and making the best of it.
And it won’t always be easy of course, but it’s worth remembering and practicing daily so we are prepared when a day comes that’s much harder than we expected.
The key is keeping the right thoughts at the top of our minds.
Over the past 15+ years, Marc and I have written various “notes to self” like the ones listed below (some of which are now excerpts from our books), and then we review them daily until they become ingrained in our minds. These memorized notes have helped us stay on track in various areas of life by empowering us to make the best and most effective use of the ever-changing reality in front of us. So starting today, I hope you can find some value in them too. I challenge you to memorize at least a few of these notes in the days and weeks ahead. Turn them into wallpaper on your phone, or simply write the words down on sticky notes and leave them in areas where you can see them daily…
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Now it’s your turn…
Although none of the aforementioned “notes to self” immediately force you to do anything different, they can provide a timely shift in perspective, and good perspective is where progress begins. For example, with the right mindset you can change your posture from one of tension and resistance to one of acceptance and opportunity as you move through the days and weeks ahead. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to get rid of all your negative thoughts, feelings or life situations. The goal is to gradually change your perspective and response to them.
But before you go, please leave Marc and me a comment below and let us know what you think of these notes. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which one of the notes above resonated the most today?
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