Are You Sleep Walking Through Your Life?

It’s such a simple question. Your initial reaction may have been an offended “NO!” But too often, we get caught up in the daily busyness of life that we don’t look that far ahead. This is why those milestone birthdays – 30, 40, 50, 60 – can be a struggle. “Where did the time go? How did I get to be this old?” This is why we get so excited about New Year’s Day! It’s a fresh start – we get to hit the re-set button! Even though we know we’re probably not going to do anything different. Why?

Because you haven’t made a decision that matters to you! You can continue to just sleep walk through your life, or you can be excited and know you’re heading in a direction that’s right for you! That’s a no brainer choice for me! I’m going to assume you’re interested in option #2. If sleep walking is more your style – feel free to stop reading now.

The first thing I usually hear from the women I work with is “I don’t even know what excites me anymore!” That’s typical, so don’t beat yourself up if you’ve already thought that. It’s just a result of sleep walking for a long time. But, it’s time to wake up! Here’s how to begin that process

Reflect back on times in your life when you felt a lot of joy (even as a kid) – What was going on, who were you with, what was it about that situation that made you feel joy? All of those situations may not be possible now – and that’s fine (you’re not a carefree child, some of those people may have died). Right now just look at the situations and notice themes.

Allow yourself to fully experience the joy brought on by remembering. This isn’t a clinical observation of who, what, when, where. Be still, if even for a few minutes, and remember what those feelings were like. Give yourself permission to sit with them and enjoy them again.

Look for current opportunities in your life where you can experience that same kind of joy. Just keep it at the forefront of your mind to see ways where you can have more of that on a daily basis. Here’s an example: Music has always been an important element in my life. I don’t know why and I don’t try to figure that out. I have a lot of fond memories surrounding music, so I make sure to have music around me as much as possible because it lifts my spirits regardless of my circumstances.

This is just the start of your journey! Keep it small and specific, that way you’re more likely to stay focused and not forget about it. Please share what you think that next step will be. I love hearing everyone’s great ideas!