Five Ways to Get the Most out of Life (Part One)
We spend a lot of time at work. We have responsibilities at home and in our communities. We try to find time to for spiritual growth. And it can all leave us feeling overwhelmed.
Sometimes the heaviest weight we carry is feeling like we’re letting somebody down. We have too much to do, we can’t do it all, and we end up worrying that we have made someone else unhappy. But the truth is that we are often too hard on ourselves. Here are five tips to get more out of life without feeling guilty for the things that don’t get crossed off our to-do list.
1. Pray and meditate.
Adding prayer and meditation to your morning routine will help you be more relaxed throughout the day. You will also be more open to divine impressions that will guide you and let you know what is most important.
2. Slow down.
Moving quickly from task to task is a good way to get things done, but life is not simply a list of tasks to complete. Life is meant to be enjoyed, which means that we’re allowed to slow down and appreciate special moments, simple pleasures, and real relationships.
3. Be creative.
Express yourself each day through creative endeavors like journal writing, drawing, knitting, or playing a musical instrument. When we create, our lives become more vibrant, and we become the owner of something from our own imagination. This self-affirming act can give us confidence in everything else we do.
4. Speak up or let go.
Some behaviors help us feel positive and avoid bitterness. These choices can include speaking up when we or someone close to us is wronged, and letting go when we are offended. If somebody at work is being treated unfairly, be the voice of reason and compassion. If a particular protocol or practice seems unethical or unfair, voice your concerns. And if you are being treated poorly, speak up for yourself; when the issue is resolved, let it go.
5. Be grateful.
Take a deep breath. Look at what is right in front of you, and thank Heavenly Father for your blessings. We all have things in our lives that we can be grateful for. Acknowledging them eases our worries and reassures us that we are going to be okay.
Our lives can get overwhelming sometimes, but simple practices like these can keep us grounded and help us remember what matters most.