04 Feb 15 Ways to Lead a New Life you Love!
Here at The Happiness Institute we're constantly writing about the balancing act that's accepting and being grateful for what you have AND changing what you'd like to be and could be better.
Ultimately, getting this balance right is one of the keys to real and meaningful happiness.
So it is important to accept what is but it's also important, at times, to make positive changes; changes that will engender more happiness and success.
Which is why we thought you'd enjoy this interesting article from LifeHack…
by Tina Williamson
Do you want to surf a wave, learn a language or write a book? It’s never too late to lead a new life you love and become the person you’ve always dreamed you could be.
The reality is that you can be anyone or do anything you desire. You already have all of the tools; you just need to dust off the toolbox and get to work.
That’s what this article is going to do. It’s going to give you a blueprint for making the changes you’ve always dreamed of.
There is a concept discussed in Buddhist practices that you may or may not be familiar with called impermanence. It’s actually a huge, enormous, life-changing concept, and if you can grasp it, you will be well on your way to completing your blueprint for a new life.
There are major changes that we clearly see: we were once young, and now we are old, and one day we will die. These gross changes are apparent and certain. But in order for these gross changes to occur there are also tiny, subtle changes that are taking place within all animals, people and things all the time.
We often overlook the subtle changes and focus only on the gross changes. But the answer to creating a brand new life lies in these subtle changes and the recognition that in every moment there is a constant flux of change happening.
A common visual used to show subtle impermanence: a seed is planted, this seed creates a seedling, which goes on to create a tree. Now that we have a tree the seed or the seedling no longer exists, even though they produced the tree. Finally, the fruit that the tree produced is also not the tree, though it was produced by the tree. In order for the seed to produce the fruit, it went though endless subtle changes.
Our cells are dying and being reborn. With each moment that passes, we are an empty canvas and we can paint a new picture; each moment leads to the next with renewed possibilities. We are the artists of our painting, and we have a choice how the subtle brush strokes shape and form the ending masterpiece.
Contemplate These Questions:
1. What do you want out of life?
2. What do you want to change about your life or yourself?
3. What is holding you back? Money, fear, creativity or relationships?
4. Are you making fear-based decisions? Do you base your decisions around what you love, or do you base your decisions around what you are afraid of losing?
5. What’s the worst and best that can happen with any change you may or may not make?
Record your thoughts. Focus on deep and meaningful contemplation rather than a shallow field of answers. Everyone’s painting will look different, but let’s all start by writing down our intentions. After you have a clear intention, we can begin to apply some of the tips below for turning your dreams into reality.
1. Throw Away Your Preconceived Notions
Have you always told yourself that you’re lacking in creativity or originality? Do you tell yourself you’re not good, smart or funny enough? Stop these thoughts; this is your mind repeating the same old story, and it is deluding your true capabilities with self doubt. Every moment is fresh. You are a blank canvas, so imagine yourself as such and allow yourself the chance to create a new story.
Tap in and experience your truest form: you are rich, alive and buzzing. Nothing will change that.
2. Realize Your Potential
Everyone has limitless potential, and so do you. Sometimes your life may go through dark and overcast periods, but underneath the clouds is always a blue sky. Focus on the blue sky; don’t identify with your true nature as being the clouds.
Do you think Beethoven set out to be one of the greatest composers of all time? Follow your passions, and you might discover huge success.
3. Start With Change Every Day
The only way to make change happen is to implement it daily. We can’t every have immediate results, and this applies to everything. If your goal is to be physically fit, write a book, change careers or simply to just be happier, all of these desires start with today. Today you have to make small changes that inch you forward in the right direction.
One day you will wake up, and you will be living the life you want. It’s that simple…
…keep reading the full & original article HERE