It’s true …
We may regret the things we do at times, but most of us regret what we didn’t do!
As I witness and experience family struggles with my mother’s debilitating Alzheimer’s disease, I can’t help but contemplate my own life and yes, mortality.
I think about things now, that if I am honest with my feelings, were only fleeting moments of thought in the past.
Now, more than ever, I realize how precious life is and how important it is to live in the present time.
Someone very wise told me that learning how to live in the “present” is the greatest gift you can give yourself – that is why they call it a “present.” You become more consciously aware – there becomes a true “presence” about you and life becomes fuller and richer.
I came across an article recently that revealed the top 5 things people regret, and I thought about how this intertwines with my philosophy of living simply.
It fascinates me, even to this day, that we as humans work so hard to get ahead in life so we can afford to do the things that we “think” we want, only to find out later, when we are faced with our own mortality, our perspective changes.
What once was so important, no longer rates high or even exists for that matter.
Check out what most people say:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Simplifying our lives allows us the opportunity to focus on what’s really important to us. I view it as a revitalized life purpose plan – because after all, what is life without a true purpose anyway?
Creating more space in our lives – whether that means physical, emotional or mental space affords us the opportunity to be happier and healthier.
What about you? Are you ready to keep things simple and let go of what is no longer serving you well?
Having the courage to be true to ourselves, by exploring our feelings and acknowledging them, may be one of the best gifts we can give to ourselves.
Won’t you join me in the present?
Yes, Aristotle said this!