Changing My Life: Week 1, Day 1
If you want more enjoyment and satisfaction out of life let’s get the ball rolling. It’s all about the power you wield!
This is a follow up article to Write Your Happy Life Story Now. At the end of this piece you’ll find a couple of Mind Acrobatics exercises to help you jump start the process.
· Bored with life?
· Driven to distraction with the same old garbage?
· Desire being a doer not a viewer?
· Want to earn rather than simply yearn excitement?
Every additional minute allotted on earth is a gift. Bring extra vim, verve, vigor and excitement into your existence.
Take the ‘In with the new — out with the old’ pledge.
“I’m changing my life! From now on I’ll spend time on activities that inform, empower, inspire and drive me to action. I’m through with passive existence.”
Desire for change is a great motivator. You don’t have to be clear on the specifics or know exactly what it is you desire. Simply embark upon the journey. It’s exhilarating when you don’t know where things are headed.
Self-exploration is like an aphrodisiac that keeps on giving. Introspection, mindful awareness and curiosity allow you to discover old dreams, new horizons and ideas that have yet to be formulated just waiting to be unleashed.
Whether it’s a transformation in mood, thinking or outlook, interaction with others, ditching a bad relationship, letting go of petty issues, experiencing more gratitude, finding a new job, discovering the joy of kindness, making small or grand life changes — it’s all good.
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I once hopped in my 1991 Miata at 11pm and started driving on a nearby highway with no destination in mind. Finding myself in Hershey, Pennsylvania at 4:30 am I took a nap and later in the day explored the incredible Hershey Gardens.
That evening landed me in Washington, D.C. where I met an elderly cousin I never knew existed! He was a peace activist and had been banned from the Nixon White House. What a blast.
Have you got the ‘change’ itch yet? Do you feel like screaming out: “There must be more to life and I want my share!”
Let’s begin.
Start operating on an ‘I can and will’ premise and adopt the Mind Acrobatics acronym “GDSA.”
Get in touch, Discover, Set Goals, Accomplish!
That’s all it takes! Don’t overthink or make a grand plan. Start with the following Mind Acrobatics exercises and change will begin to unfold.
Mind Acrobatics exercise: “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall”
As with all exercises read this one through first then try it on for size later.
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Take a quick look at yourself; body, mind & spirit.
- Spontaneously think what you find appealing.
- Ignore critical thoughts. They’re just useless detritus.
- Look at your reflection while you take ten long breaths.
- Close your eyes.
- Breath in and out slowly 5 more times keeping them shut.
- Do a quick inventory of your life. What’s working best?
- Recall positive watershed moments that invigorated you.
- What facilitated the events of your happiest flashback?
- Open your eyes quickly.
- Smile, hug yourself and blow a kiss.
- Take one long deep breath then go and seize the moment.
When you’re feeling energized to move on give this one a try.
Mind Acrobatics exercise: “For Once, I’m Going to do It”
- Grab a pen and pad of paper.
- Spend 15 minutes writing in pure stream of consciousness.
- Capture every realistic and seemingly outlandish wish and desire you’ve ever had.
- This is not a “bucket list” but rather a compilation of all that excites you.
- When you’re done writing pick one fantasy, create a plan and set it in motion. Make it happen!
Curiosity, a sense of adventure and the realization that life is short and one should make the most of it will empower you to stretch your imagination, kick off the traces and set out in search of new vistas to conquer.
Go out and slay a dragon!
Excerpted from the forthcoming book: Comfy in My Skin… Transformation from The Inside Out, By Dave Kanegis
Mirror picture:Copyright: <a href=”https://www.123rf.com/profile_danienel">danienel / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Hands on head picture: Copyright: <a href=”https://www.123rf.com/profile_franckito">franckito / 123RF Stock Photo</a>
Originally published on Huffington Post
