The Joy of Life

People’s stress levels are at an all time high. As a result, many are having a difficult time enjoying the process of their life as it unfolds. This is due to a number of factors:

rapid pace of change and how much change there is

explosion of available information, and the ease of acquiring it

drive toward better, more, competition, wins, and financial freedom

inner pressure by a large number of boomers whop that don’t know what they’re going to do when they grow up

more traffic, more and longer lines, more problems with products, services, & people, and fewer people to help, or willing to do the work

costs of goods and services seem to be spiraling upwards at record speeds

concern with what tomorrow will bring, or even how it’ll look

feeling, desire, or need to be in control of both the present and the future

over stimulation of: ideas, information, media, music, etc.

time compression – more things to do than there is time for, every day

These are just a few of the issues affecting the quality of life today. It’s unfortunate that so many let apparent “truths” like these lead them to an early grave, preventing them from experiencing the true joy of life…which is life itself. Everyone in this world has one thing in common, regardless of where we live, our age, profession, marital status, financial status, sex, color, religion, or nationality – and that’s the desire to be happy.

A recent survey reported that 75 % of the population needed to change something in their life to be happier. Change where they live, work, are married to, or whatever. One thing is sure – we’re not going to get out of this life alive, so why not lighten up and relax. Enjoy the ride…it won’t last forever. And the older you get, the faster the train seems to travel toward the final station stop…and no one seems to know where the controls are of how to stop it.

We can’t stop the rapid pace of life and change around us, but we can slow ourselves down. We can learn to relax, slow down, control our pace, and generally enjoy the process and gift of life…right where we are. It’s simple, not easy but simple. Here are a few things to consider:

Why are you in a rush? Where are you going in such a hurry?

You can’t: do it all, see it all, have it all, learn it all, become it all, earn it all, read it all, etc., etc., etc. in a lifetime

Happiness, success, peace of mind, fulfilment, and satisfaction are not: an address, bank balance, age, position, weight, 4-car garage, a beautiful, handsome, or intelligent spouse, kids, or “things.” Happiness, success, peace, fulfilment, and satisfaction are not outside issues or circumstances, rather they’re inside attitudes and philosophies.

How much or many will it take of something, or anything, for you to finally feel free of the need to continue at whatever pace you’re traveling?

This is not to suggest we all become vegetables, waiting for life to pass us by, just soaking in sunsets and beautiful, fall days. It’s only to suggest you consider the trade-offs you’re making in your health, relationships, and spiritual life by not allowing yourself to experience the true joy of life, one breath at a time.