Life is intricate. Sometimes it feels like sand flowing through our fingers. Time passes quickly, and sometimes we cannot grasp a tangible point in our lives where we feel that we are making conscientious decisions rather than simply letting life slip by.
We want to feel alive. We want to enjoy ourselves and relax, but there is so much to do. There is work and laundry and cleaning and children’s activities, and by the time there is any time left for ourselves, we are completely exhausted.
We tell ourselves that this is what we do because it is what everyone else does and that this is simply how life is. But is it really? Do you really have to do all the things that you do not like doing?
There are always things we should work on changing our attitude toward. Laundry needs to get done, yes, and so do some other responsibilities. But how many? Is it possible that instead of more activities or more chores, you could have a fun evening at home doing something enjoyable? There can be game nights, silly-joke nights, or wine and a special dinner night. There are so many other possibilities.
You do not have to fall into the trap of a million activities and chores and then go to bed completely exhausted, only to start another chaotic day in the morning. I work with clients all the time who feel completely overwhelmed with their lives, which means they are overwhelmed by the decisions they have made. That is totally normal, and it is totally okay.
Through reevaluation and action, it is possible to make changes and lead a calmer and more enjoyable life. Sometimes taking action means getting the courage to make changes. Sometimes not much needs to be different externally, and what is really needed is a change in perspective.
Every day of our lives unfolds because of the decisions we make. As much as it often feels like life is swallowing us up, we continue to choose our actions and perspectives, often subconsciously. Your life is your own jurisdiction.
Just as your decisions have led you to this point, you also have the ability to make decisions that will lead you to a healthier outcome.
Throughout high school, I volunteered in a nursing home and spent time with elderly residents. I sat hypnotized as they told me their life stories and shared jewels of advice. Almost all of their stories were about memories with friends and family. I heard stories about moments that stayed with them and about the ways people influenced one another.
Again and again, what I heard was this: enjoy your life. Life is the little moments, not the big ones. What seems so worrisome now will be forgotten later. Enjoy your life.
We have the ability to follow this wisdom now. It is never too late. Do not wait until the final stage of your life to understand it. We all have it within us to have authority over our own lives and our own minds. It is, after all, our own decisions that have led up to this very moment.
