4 Ways To Keep Life Interesting And Stop It From Being Stagnant
We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. – Maya Angelou
Most of us move through life at 100 mph, striving for the next milestone and reaching for the next moment of grandeur. It’s in the periods of stagnation where lines tend to get a little blurry. Here are few tips to help you embrace the seemingly mundane periods of life:
1. Embrace The Here And Now
Constantly striving for the next moment of magnitude creates an endless lack of fulfillment. The irony of these blurred moments is that they hold equal significance to the flashes of grandeur.
At times, we get frustrated with the direction life seems to take, but in reality, we are the ones who pull and tug at life. Personal expectations continually force us to label our current paths and situations as either “right” or “wrong.”
The key is to simply “be.” Be grateful for each moment, for in the here and now lies the source to a simplistic truth. Your path is perfect; it can be no other way.
Your perception is what makes something right or wrong for you. If you find yourself in turmoil, choose gratitude for this moment for who you are rather than where you are.
2. Find Your Second Wind
New projects are similar to the start of a race: You fly out of the gates full of excitement and enthusiasm, but shortly after the exhilaration of the gun wears off, you realize you’re in it for the long haul. Somewhere in between the start and finish, three questions typically arise:
1. What am I doing?
2. Why did I start this?
3. When will it be over?
These questions are simply a part of the process. During the mundane hours of life, we tend to question our purposes.
The key to silencing these inquiries is a solid understanding of intention. Before you start a project, make sure you establish the answers to these questions and revisit them daily. Doing so will quiet notions of doubt and bring new life to each day. Without clearly defined goals, you’ll be attempting to paint a masterpiece with no vision of the finished product.
3. Do What You Can Today
Time goes on; plans change and life evolves. This can be frustrating when the vision in your head doesn’t match your current reality.
Attaching yourself to an expected outcome hinders you from making the most beneficial choices today. You may be missing out on opportunities because you have an idealistic vision that lacks a solid structure and foundation.
Take your journey step by step and treat every moment like it is all you have. What can you do now that will help your dreams come to life? What can you do today?
4. You’re In The Right Place
Having a clear vision of where you’re headed can feel great. However, this vision can make it very difficult to appreciate your current state.
Why do we always think we’re doing something wrong or that we should be somewhere else? The truth is there is no incorrect way to participate in life; there is no way to get it wrong.
You’re doing it perfectly; where you are now is exactly where you need to be. If your life feels ideal as it stands currently, kudos to you.
If not, consider Henry David Thoreau’s words: “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor.”
Enjoy the process of life -- it’s your creation and your masterpiece. But above all, it's your choice.
