I want to share a video that had a profound impact on me when I first saw it. Since that initial viewing I've watched it countless times.
I was at a training on Positive Psychology, which was the basis for much of my Happiness Series content. The instructor was explaining why it might be important to focus on enhancing the quality of our lives. Now, at the time of this training I had spent my last four years working with individuals facing life-changing illnesses and end-of-life decisions. I didn't think that at that point I needed any more motivation to realize how precious my life was. Didn't I appreciate my life every day? Then the instructor pressed "play."
This video changed my assumptions. It caused me to re-examine how I spend my time. I realized just how little of my time is spent doing the most powerful and meaningful activities after all the time spent sleeping (I don't plan on sleeping any less. Its something I prioritize highly!) I realized just how important it is to do a job that I absolutely I love because, well, aside from sleeping that's going to be the number two place I spend my time.
And I realized, most importantly that if I don't emphasize and make time and space for doing the things that absolutely bring me joy, create memories, and challenge me to grow in the most powerful ways possible, then, well, what do I have?
We've all got one life. How long or how short it is isn't up to us, and isn't something we've got a crystal ball to know. But what we do know, quite intimately, has to do with the impact of the choices we make: how to spend our time; who to love.
Watch the video and decide for yourself:
- What's the part of this video that surprised you the most? - ... Disappointed you the most about how we spend our time?
- What's the part of this video that's in your control that perhaps you can begin to make a different choice around?
- Where do you want to spend more time? Less time?
Make a statement to yourself now, one statement, about how you want to spend your time that could mean making a change in another area of your life. Think about what's going to help you get there. What would need to shift? Who could help you? When would you do it? How?
And, as I tend to, don't hesitate to watch this video as often as you need to stay grounded.....
Remind yourself regularly of your goals and desires, and I have no doubt you'll be using every last of your delicious jellybeans in a way that lends your life a whole lot of flavor.
Lauren L. Drago, MSEd, LMHC, LPC is the founder of Lauren Drago Therapy in Old Saybrook, CT and in greater CT, NY & PA. She specializes in working with smart, insightful and capable women to overcome stress, anxiety, loss of identity, self-limiting beliefs, perfectionism, marriage strain, and the pressure of "trying to do it all." Lauren has a passion for helping others to achieve the happy, fulfilling, productive, and meaningful life they deserve by changing how they experience and understand their world. She believes that every woman can and should live out her personal definition of her own best life. Follow Lauren on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Call (860) 339-6515 for your free initial 15-minute consultation.