There are so many more ways but here are at least 3 ways to stop wasting your life.
3 Ways to Stop Wasting Your Life
As a life coach and as a counselor, I get 3 kinds of clients who wake up one morning in despair that they’ve been wasting their lives:
- Millennials, when they turn 30 they realize their young adulthood has gone…and what have they got to show for it?
- Gen X’ers, when they turn 45…and realize that many opportunities they’d hoped for are lost, so what is left?
- Boomers, when they hit 60 or retirement…and realize that their satisfaction with life is SO much less than they had expected, what happens now?
Those pivotal moments include most of us at one time or another. These are moments of fear, despair or regret. What can be done?
Here are 3 ways to stop wasting your life.
* Do good deeds. Daily. As a lifestyle. Try:
- Joining an organization and volunteering frequently
- Holding doors open for people
- Smiling at cashiers and wishing them a good day
- Giving affirmations to family members
- Including newcomers in conversations and activities
Doing good deeds makes you a better person- and you’ll feel better, too. Volunteer work and acts of kindness help lower anxiety (even social anxiety).
*Find beauty. Habitually. As a lifestyle. Try:
- Noticing cloud formations
- Stoping and watching sunrises or sunsets
- Learning some constellations
- Looking for flowers, trees and birds
- Paying attention to artwork and music
- Going to a play or concert
When we stop to experience beauty, we often feel a sense of awe. Research shows that when people feel awe, they shift from ego-centrism to a feeling of loving-kindness and helpful behaviors. This is good for us and for others.
*Practice gratitude. Daily. As a lifestyle. Try:
- Keeping a written journal listing things and people you are grateful for
- Saying thank you often
- Setting a timer for 3 moments each day. When the timer goes off, state out loud the things you are grateful for
These practices may seem simple, but they are life-changing. These are ways to stop wasting your life and truly making your life matter.
Recently a friend passed away after years of several chronic illnesses. This wonderful woman had lived for years tethered to oxygen tanks and other health problems. Despite her limits she raised her 5 sons (and homeschooled them K-12) and was an active member in her homeschool community.
She also volunteered frequently at her favorite (and my favorite) charity: Urban Promise. When she was healthy she helped on campus, after that she developed summer curriculum, had the staff for dinners and parties at her house, prayed for them constantly.
Rather than seclude herself because of her illness, she shook her fist at the physical onslaughts and made a difference in the world. At her memorial service the church was overflowing with grateful family, friends, and volunteer colleagues. She did not waste her life.
One thing my friend, Lisa, did was pray. She shared her prayers in a journal for those with chronic illness. The downloadable prayer journal is only $2.99. Her publisher is now giving the entire proceeds from God Meets Me Here to Urban Promise. Will you download a copy today?
Stop wasting your life. The more you give in service, beauty and gratitude, the more your life will be truly good.
Each morning I express my gratitude for many things and pray my concerns. It is the big point of my day. Thank you, Vicki Tillman, for your practical, spiritual advice… .Roshi Duncan Shoko Sings-Alone (Zen Buddhist)
I also practice a morning gratitude. Each morning I write in a journal a list of ordinary and special things I thank God for. It is a simple and happy start to my day.