If you knew when you were going to die, would you change how you lived? Would you create a bucket list full of dreams and aspirations, then work to check each one off? Would you treat people with more kindness and patience? Would you forgive the people who had hurt you and thank those who have blessed you?
Many of us have the mentality that “nothing bad can happen to me”. I won’t get into a car accident. (Even though an average of 3,287 people die in road crashes every day.) I won’t get sick or become disabled. I won’t lose the people I love most. That kind of stuff only happens in movies and to other people, not me, right? Those who adhere to this mentality may actually live without truly living.
We forget that each day may be our last, and we go through the motions, stress about the future and forget to focus on today, sleepwalking through life. We are never guaranteed our next breath. If you knew that tomorrow was your last day, would you change how you lived it?
May I suggest just ten simple ways to live each day to the fullest:
1. Take risks.
Amazing experiences and memories can come from doing new, exciting things. Try something outside of your comfort zone and don’t allow fear to get in the way.
2. Forgive.
Holding onto unresolved issues, negative emotions and hurt feelings will contribute to increased anxiety, stress, sadness and depression. Instead, love unconditionally. Accept that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. While it may be hard and take some time to forgive someone, work towards that goal. A weight will be lifted, and true happiness and relief will takes its place.
3. Focus on today; don’t stress about the future.
While planning for the future is important, don’t stress about what may or may not happen. Worrying doesn’t help matters. Instead, take life one day at a time. Find joys in day to day life while working towards the future. Pause and focus on the present.
4. Concentrate on people, not material things.
When people pass away, material possessions no longer matter. Concentrate on investing in yourself and developing lasting relationships. When the focus is no longer placed on worrying about having the most popular fashions, the newest cell phone or name brand products, it’s easier to focus on the things in life that truly matter.
5. Take care of yourself.
Although it may sound cliche, follow your dreams and aspirations by fixating on what is good for you -- not what will make other people happy. Being a “pleaser” isn’t always good, as it means sacrificing personal desires or needs to make someone else happy. Work to become the best “you” you can be. In order to be the best for others, you must first take care of yourself.
6. Start a bucket list and work to check things off.
Set goals, no matter how big or small. Don’t just chase your dreams; achieve them. Go on the trip. Take the risk. Fulfill the lifelong wish. Experience as much as possible in the limited time we are given.
7. Smile.
Just the act of smiling can create a positive attitude. Smiling is contagious, so spread happiness and joy through this simple action. Don’t focus on the negative in life. Instead, find joy in the little things in life. Work to have a positive attitude, even if it’s hard at times. By not falling into a pit of negativity, it will be easier to stand up when falling down is inevitable.
8. Give to others.
While it is important to be true to yourself and to pursue personal goals, be generous. Surround yourself with people who are strong, positive and encouraging -- and support one another during the best and the worst moments of life.
9. Analyze and accept your own weaknesses.
Failure is inevitable, so it is important to work to improve upon your faults. Accept constructive criticism. Don’t compare yourself to others; jealousy is destructive. Instead of being green with envy, celebrate someone else’s accomplishments, and don’t give up on personal aspirations.
10. Just be.
Be present. Focus on the now. Slow down and savor each moment. Be mindful and allow time to be alone with your thoughts.
