It can be so easy to get caught up in trying to accomplish this or be known for that. Our socialization trains that into us from the time we're in elementary school, trying to get that A, make Honor Roll or the Varsity team.
But isn't the greatest success satisfaction in life?
And isn't satisfaction an experience of the "enoughness" of this moment, moment after moment?
So many people spend so much effort trying to achieve even something as perfect, beautiful and elusive as happiness. They just can't get off the "make it happen" roller coaster. But you can't make an experience happen. You can set the conditions, but no matter the conditions, experience may defy your best intentions.
It turns out, life is to be found within the moments of living. This moment... this is life.
How are you feeling right now? What is your current experience?
Making a Great Life
If you want a great life, you must clarify what you value most then set about having as many moments as possible in which you are expressing that value in what you think, say and do.
This is not just an idea of "I did that," but more "I am contributing this right now."
The past is good for encouraging you and helping you know what you're capable of. Or in inspiring you to reach for more. But only this moment, each moment, is your actual life.
So let's say you value kindness above all else. Kindness is what you would most like to see more of in the world.
Then take a moment here and there to reflect, "How am I contributing kindness to the experience of this moment, both for myself and others?"
Or maybe for you the highest value is joy. Then replace kindness with joy in that same sentence. Or justice. Or love. Or peacefulness. Or security. Or abundance. Whatever you value most, notice when you are actually embodying that within your lived experience.
Don't get lost in the world of mere ideals and ideas. If you do, you may be left with many reasons to be happy, but no actual happiness.
Instead, become the embodiment of what you value most within each moment, so that you contribute the gift you most wish to give everywhere you go, and experience it yourself.
(Image source: Pixabay)
Here are some other articles of mine that you might like:
Spiritual Road Trip and Leaving Room for the Miracles
You’re Not Broken ... You’re Art
What Would You Gift This World if You Were Dying?
Resteems always appreciated!