What does “Family” mean to you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“A friend is a loved one who awakens your life in order to free the wild possibilities within you.”
“Children are the living message we send to a time we will not see.”
“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.”
Image from Unsplash by Jeremy Bishop
Wendy and I recently took a 5-day Caribbean cruise with good friends.
We got an extra good deal, which included a balcony and numerous other perks.
I made it a point to sit outside throughout the day to let the sights and sounds of the ocean flow in and around me.
Between wave watching sessions, I paid particular attention to the many conversations with our shipmates.
Learning more about them — how they surfed waves and managed the high and low tides of life — was profound, endearing us to one another more than ever expected.
EXERCISE:
How have you managed and ridden the waves of your life?
What are some of the nautical lessons you’ve learned over the years to help surf the ups and downs of life?
Image from Unsplash by Felix Roosting
About a month ago, I watched a short video clip in which Arthur Brooks was interviewed. In this conversation with Daniel Pink, Brooks he introduced the concept of real friends versus deal friends.
According to Brooks, deal friends are people who can help you in a transactional way, while real friends are the ones who might call you at inconvenient times in a crisis.
Deal friends are people who are useful to you in some way, however these friendships are often less satisfying and feel incomplete because they don’t involve the whole self.
EXERCISE:
Who are your real friends?
How have and do they connect you to life?
How often do you acknowledge these special relationships and let them know how meaningful they are to you?
—Helen Keller, American author and educator who was blind and deaf
Image from Unsplash by Gabrielle Henderson
To what degree does today’s quote apply to how you live your life?
We’ve all heard over the years that happiness occurs in the present, however I frequently observe most folks still living by the phrase I’ll be happy when….
To what extent is fulfilling your expectations synonymous with happiness?
How often and how much is your satisfaction diminished when things fall short of your hopes and dreams?
EXERCISE:
Ask yourself:
What is working and going well in my life? How is your gratitude for these things already a source of happiness?
Ask yourself:
What am I working for that excites and inspires me?
How are your efforts and progress toward these objectives also a source of happiness?
Image from Unsplash by Chris Holgersson
With over a month of 2024 under your belt, how far have you climbed so far?
Are your feet still on the gas pedal with your head down moving forward, or have you slowed your pace to reassess things?
When we exert ourselves, it is expected that our heart rates will increase. Along with our pulse, our rate of breathing also rises to access the energy for the effort.
Considering that both our beating heart and breathing are continuous, lifelong functions, it is interesting to note that there is always a pause — however brief — between them, to have our bodies work optimally.
EXERCISE:
How often do you stop or slow down to rest and reassess your place in the world?
How and where would doing so help you grow and enjoy many more views along the way?
How enthusiastic are you about your daily activities? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“What would have drawn a ‘WOW’ fifteen years ago won’t draw a yawn today.”
“Experience and enthusiasm are two fine business attributes seldom found in one individual.”
“It is difficult to be creative and enthusiastic about anything for which we do not feel affection.”
Image from Unsplash by Greg Shield
Take two minutes to complain to yourself about your life.
If you are like most people, this short time interval may only get the ball rolling.
Now that you vocalized these items, capture them on paper or a device of your choice to work on in the coming days.
Unlike the unattended potholed roads we often travel during winter, you get to be your own paving crew to smooth out the roads of life that lead to a better future.
EXERCISE:
What areas of your life need some resurfacing?
Who are the people, and what resources will be necessary, to create an autobahn of life to get you where you want to go?
Image from Unsplash by UX Indonesia
What are your favorite vocational and avocational activities?
Take a look at how engaged and happy you are in these moments. Which of these pursuits produce tangible results, and how long does the feeling of satisfaction last?
When we focus solely on the end results of our efforts we often skip over the process of getting there.
It’s as if a helicopter dropped you on the top of a mountain to take in the view without the sense of accomplishment of making the climb.
EXERCISE:
Where in your life would greater attention to the process make the proceeds of your efforts even more rewarding?
—Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist
Image from Unsplash by Jessica Rockowitz
Being a grandparent is the best! It offers us a second shot of youthful exuberance that many of us missed as parents — probably due to exhaustion.
Spending time with these little ones, often on the floor, only has one drawback — getting back up!
They say that the best coaching is a good example.
Who wouldn’t benefit from bigger helpings of happiness, curiosity, and the focused tenacity of pursuing our passions?
EXERCISE:
In what ways could you benefit from some kindergarten coaching from the little ones in your life?
Feel free to share any nuggets of wisdom you have received over the years.
Image from Unsplash by Markus Winkler
How often do you catch yourself judging and being critical of yourself and others?
When you do notice, what is this inner voice saying?
How much trouble would you be in if these inner thoughts were vocalized and put on an external speaker? What if these criticisms were sent in a text or email and there was no way to take them back?
Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to keep some of these messages from being delivered even when we remain silent.
Facial expressions and body language clues give us away, resulting in others judging us in turn.
EXERCISE:
How would greater openness, kindness, and assuming positive intentions from others improve your world?
What would it look like if everyone made the same effort?
How can and will you take the lead in this area, starting today?