Have you ever compared your life to someone else’s? Wondering how they do it all? How do they get so much done? For some people setting goals and knowing what they want comes second nature. They wake up, brush their teeth, shower, dress, grab a cup of coffee and begin to conquer the world. At least it seems like that to most B Type personalities like myself, hence “Freebird”. No coincidence my company is named in a free spirited flare!
So for those of you out there who feel stuck or dissatisfied with your life, or find yourself jealous of those with the “perfect life” (by the way, that does not exist), do you want to know how you can begin to feel satisfied with your own life?
Okay, here it is . . . know what makes you happy, know your values, and apply gratitude. When you know what you value in life, and what you want out of life, you are more likely to be open to receiving it.
If you find yourself thinking I don’t know what I want out of life, I hear you. Good news is by simply determining what you value you can get a better idea of what you want.
Getting clear about what you want, so you can receive the many blessing awaiting you.
I would like to preface this exercise with a note. Please understand that by writing out this exercise and not just performing it in your head, you will gain significantly better results. Trust me, I know. I’ve been a master to “I can just read the exercise and think about what it’s saying.” Yes, you can, but that is the lazy approach and you will get lazy results! Okay, I’m stepping off my soapbox.
What I Consider Valuable:
1. Make a written list of the items you value in life. Where do your values lie?Example: I value my family, friends, health, my job, cooking, etc. (You get the picture?)
2. Look over the list and circle all the qualities and possessions that you already have.
3. Reflect on those items you value that are already a part of your life and offer gratitude for them.
4. Keep this list next to your bed and reflect on it in the morning and before you go to bed, reminding yourself of all the values your life already holds and offer gratitude for those blessings.
That simple! Getting clear about what you want in your life isn’t always about focusing on the things you don’t have. It’s important to focus on the things of value that you do have. Before you decide that someone else’s life is more “together”, “successful”, or “better” than yours remember the list of Things You Value and recognize that you are already living a life full of blessings.
On the other hand, if you find that your life does not match up with the things you value, I would suggest reflecting on what you are allowing to hold you back. Start to slowly implement those things you value by approaching one item on the list at a time. If for example, family was on your list and you did not circle it, find a way to spend more time with those family members you want to develop a relationship with. Take a minute to make a phone call and say hello or stop by your parent’s house for a cup of coffee. The gesture doesn’t have to be large, subtle changes can have an enormous impact.
Happiness is not about how your life looks or what you have, happiness is how you perceive your life and what you have in it. Before you can create a life that is satisfying and even more bountiful, you must acknowledge and be grateful for the bounties you have in it.
This isn’t new advice or some crazy epiphany; this is an age-old wisdom that has truth backing it. Chances are you’ve heard “gratitude is the attitude,” but sometimes we need to hear it again and again before we take it to heart.
Moping over what we don’t have or comparing ourselves to others brings only sadness and suffering. Life is a beautiful circle of giving and receiving. Bless all you have with gratitude, and happiness becomes undeniable.
P.S. Those you think have it all together, probably don’t. So stop beating yourself up or comparing yourself to others. Chances are they are looking at you with envy!
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