These United States of America were founded on principles of freedom. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech…our founding fathers risked life and limb to traverse to an unknown world, all so they could live life as they wished.
This is week four of the “six weeks to your best year ever” series. We’ve released secrets, empowered ourselves and cleansed our lives – truly forging a path to living in freedom, as I think the forefathers intended.
What’s important about that statement is that, though America is a free country, individuals often create psychological boundaries that hinder the very progress they seek in our lives. If you fit in that camp, the steps you’ve taken so far should help break the old barriers, patterns and habits that keep you living in the land of repetition – like a bad remake of “Groundhog Day.” So now it’s time to forge ahead – what do you really want in your life? What people, actions, thoughts and experiences would you be proud to hold dear? What will propel you forward, helping create the life you’ve always imagined?
Take the time to reflect on these questions and answer truthfully with what you want for your (and your family’s) life, not what’s expected or what you think others want for, or of, you. Also be cognizant of your thinking so you realize when you are creating goals out of perceived obligation, rather than the actual picture you’d like to paint of a life well-lived. But don’t be mistaken: just because you’ve always dreamed of starting a rock band doesn’t mean you should quit your job, sell your house and drop everything to make your dream a reality. This is the time to carefully consider your true wants, why you want them and create a practical plan to realize them. Make sure you’re not reaching for a “bright and shiny bobble.” Rather, reach for a heartfelt purpose to which you feel truly compelled.
For example, if losing 30 pounds is on your radar, ask yourself why that amount of weight loss is a magical number – do you just want to fit into jeans that remind you of a great time in life? Or do you want to be healthy, active and feel good in your own skin?
If earning more money is on your mind, is it because that will allow for a bigger house, fancier car, more frequent vacations? If the house provides extra space just to be filled with more stuff, how will this help achieve your life goals? How will additional funds help make improvements that empower you to create the life you want instead of a life out of a magazine or movie? What will it really take to live your dream?
I challenge you this week to ask yourself the tough questions and reply with scathingly honest answers. The answers will help you set goals and create an action plan to make the life you want (Not just one that looks good on paper).
Next week we’ll discuss the STRENGTH it takes to put those honest assessments to the test.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via email Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: www.SimplyAliveWorld.com/Blog.
