Here is a secret.
I don’t know where my life is going.
I have goals, hopes and plans, but there is no way to know whether any of them will work out.
There are a million situations that could arise at any moment and change the entire course of my future.
Even if nothing life changing happens externally, in six months I could be a different person with different goals.
You never know.
You might think this is a negative way to view life, but I find it to be freeing.
When you are looking too far forward into the future the uncertainty can seem daunting.
But every marathon is finished step by step, every wall is built brick by brick and every life is lived day by day.
If you live your life trying to get as much out of each individual day as possible, you can rest assured that you have done all you can to achieve a life that makes you proud.
You have to design your days to design your life.
Here are three things you can do to ensure that you get the most value out of today.
Do something that moves you forward.
This is anything that improves you physically, emotionally, spiritually or intellectually.
It is important to try and improve yourself at least marginally every day.
Read a book, go for a walk, meditate or hit the gym. Whatever you have to do to feel like you are a slightly more balanced and stable person than you were yesterday.
When you get into the habit of doing something that moves you forward every day, you will never be stagnant.
You will feel like a completely brand new person every six months.
Do something you haven’t done before.
Without novelty in our lives the days seem to blend together in a mix of early morning coffee spills and beaten up alarm clocks.
It’s hard to notice when your life has been going on autopilot. You look back in shock as you realize that you haven’t done anything new in months.
Where did the time go?
Novelty is the spice of life. Go to a film festival, check out a farmers market. Do something you’ve never done before, go somewhere you’ve never been before.
Add some colour to your life to prevent it from becoming a symphony of greys and blacks.
Do something selfless.
There is no better way to have a meaningful day than to devote some of your time to something other than yourself.
There are more than seven billion people on this planet but we often only think of life from our own perspective.
Devoting some of your time to others can help you see life in a new light.
Spend some time volunteering, reach out to a friend you haven’t seen in a while or show some love to your pet.
Any time spent on someone else, is time well spent.
You may not know what will happen in the future, but decide what happens today.
If you consciously try to get value out of every day, you will have a valuable life.
A life with meaning is a life well lived, but your whole life doesn’t happen at once.
It’s built brick by brick, step by step, day by day.
As always, I’ll see you next Sunday.
I feel like my life is a mess sometimes…like I am hurtling forward forced to make decisions or have them made for me. There are some things (like running) where I have a plan, but generally in my overall life, I have no plan…however it is true, my life is 180 degrees different from what it was only a year ago. I feel like a completely different person! Thank you for the reminder and the motivation to do something new and different!
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I’m glad that my words could help you out in some way. It’s true that life can feel rushed and out of our control. As long as you are conscious of this, and try to take action, you will be just fine! If you keep on this track, you will continue to improve and shock yourself. Keep at it and you will feel in control of your life and the world around you in no time. Thank you for coming by, don’t be a stranger. 🙂
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I must confess I didn’t keep my own promise to myself to get up promptly and washed and dressed. In fact, I’ve had a pyjama day. BUT I have spent a good bit of the day doing a sketch to illustrate one of my longer posts. I spent a bit of of effort too on writing and editing the post. It is relevant, in that it is about acceptance that it is alright to sometimes just be. So I will count this as a day which matters because I enjoyed the creativity.
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You know what, as long as you feel like you did something that day that you can be proud of, then that is perfect. You need more days like that. Sometimes hanging around in your pajamas can help your creativity and ease your mind. We all need those down times to recharge. As long as you did something creative then you shouldn’t have any complaints about the day!
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I love this! You’re absolutely right in everything you stated here. I needed to read this today. Thank you so much for posting!
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It is the best when people happen across my advice at the perfect moment. Maybe it was destiny for you to read this. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your appreciation. It made my day!
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You are right about that. I truly believe it was meant for me to find your post. You’re very much welcome, and thank YOU for writing something that resonated so deeply with me! Peace. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Echo LaVeaux and commented:
This is so simple yet so profound. I found great value in this post from “Lessons for Life” and hope you do, too. Peace.
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Like. I feel the exact same way dude!
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I’m glad there are people out there that feel the same way. I appreciate the comment!
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I loved this. I hate being stagnant and any routine. I want to feel I have achieved something on a daily basis. This is valuable advice.
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You and I think the same way. When your routine becomes automatic time passes fast and it feels like you haven’t accomplished anything. Thank you for sharing!
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Reblogged this on Double Your Presence and commented:
“Don’t count the days, but make each day count”
Kudos for brilliant post Steven.
Check out Steven and his buddy, Leroy, on their youtube channel! Educational and hilarious dudes making vids.
http://stevenfarquharson.com/2helpful-guys-youtube/
Keep up the good work 😉
Your friend,
David Long
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I have felt the same way. You inspired to write my blog about this tonight. thanks!
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I’m glad I’ve inspired you! Send me a link when you finish writing. I’d love to take a look at it.
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It is http://www.paulawalkerbaker.wordpress.com
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Great post! I feel the same way. It may change but I’m taking action on it now. Thank you!
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As long as you take action you can be proud of yourself. I wish you the best of luck my friend!
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I think you have given the world an excellent post…words of advice. Very good thoughts. Hugs, Barbara
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Thank you so much! I love that fact that you sign off with “Hugs”. It is so personal and endearing. Again, thank you for the compliment, I really do appreciate it!
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I love this perspective. I do get overwhelmed sometimes thinking about the future, and it helps to be reminded that every marathon is completed step by step. Thanks for this post, and thanks also for following my blog.
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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to show appreciation. We’ve got to support each other out here. Don’t be a stranger. 🙂
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Thanks for the positive thoughts, and for liking my blog post.
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Thanks im gunna try this! Brilliant 🙂 xxx
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It’s no problem at all, I hope it works out for you!
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Reblogged this on rebloggobbler.
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Reblogged this on Immersing In Truth and commented:
Simplicity at its best. This article made me me feel good.
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Just what I needed. Thank you for this!
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I’m grateful that this message has reached you when you needed it. I have been lucky enough to have that happen many times as well and it is something I appreciate so much. I would like to thank YOU as well for showing appreciation towards me. It helps encourage me to help others and make the world a better place. 🙂
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It’s built brick by brick, step by step, day by day – very true! Another Great post.
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This is amazing! It filled me up with so much ideas and positivism and made me realise that whatever happens, I must look forwards! I may be in a low situation now, but if I try to make something new, to do something I like every day, so uni work doesn’t really fill me up with stuff and consume my whole time, I can manage to be happy and positive about the future! 🙂
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You are exactly right. I am so glad that you are thinking this way now. This type of thinking is what will lead you to a fulfilling and happy life. Keep looking forward and keep being amazing! Stay positive my friend. 😀
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This is lovely–thank you for a wonderful read. And welcome aboard eve’s apple! ~Marisa (mcproco.wordpress.com)
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I enjoyed the read. I actually have enjoyed reading your blog. You make life sound so easy. It has taken me till the later part to find myself and enjoy life so thank you for finding me.
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Honestly, most of my articles are like reminders to myself when I’m going through something. I usually give advice towards something I have been dealing with recently. If you can keep this advice in mind though, I am sure that your life will get a little easier!
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