20 April 2012

10 tips for living a fulfilled life


Some time ago now, I had read that it takes 30 days to make or break a habit, just 30 days. I was fascinated by this and set out to think of something I could do positively for 30 days to create a new habit. Initially I thought of riding my bike to work, but then realised between that, the gym and my yoga, it was too much and something I could see myself not following through with. So I went back to the drawing board and really thought about what I could do, and then, it dawned on me. Reading. I love reading, but always seemed to 'not have time' or 'not be able to find the right book' excuses that stopped me from just stopping and sitting for however long it took to enjoy some 'me reading time'. So, for 30 days, each night before I went to sleep, I read for 30 minutes. That was over 2 months ago now and a day won't go by without me feeling the need to sit and read for 30 minutes. I seek out articles, great books, inspirational quotes... whatever I can find to inspire my mind. In light of this, I do happen to find some fantastic words along the way and last night was no exception. I found this website, and found the most beautiful article with pieces of advice for living. So although this week I am not writing on love or dating, I feel the below had to be shared. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

1. Memorise something everyday
This will leave your brain sharp and your memory functioning, you will also have a huge library of quotes to bust out at any moment

2. Constantly try to reduce your attachment to possessions
Those who are heavy-set with material desires will have a lot of trouble when their things are taken away from them or lost.

3. Develop an endless curiosity about the world
Become an explorer and view the world as your jungle. Stop and observe all of the little things as completely unique events. Try new things. Get out of your comfort zone and try to experience as many different environments and sensations as possible. This world has so much to offer, so why not take advantage of it?

4. Learn to focus only on the present
The past is unchangeable so it is futile to reflect on it unless you are making sure you do not repeat past mistakes. The future is but a result of your actions today. So learn from the past to do better in the present so that you can succeed in the future.

5. Smile more often
Whenever you get a grin on your face, your brain is releasing serotonin, the happy hormone. Smiling is the natural way to force yourself to be happy.

6. Be honest at all times
Lies lead to nothing but trouble. Being known as trustworthy is an excellent trait to maintain and essential to having integrity.

7. Figure out what your goals and dreams are
So many people wander aimlessly through life simply go for whatever small thing they want moment by moment. Instead, decide what your perfect life consists of and begin to put the steps in motion to reach that place. The most satisfying thing in the world is overcoming a challenge and reaching a goal. We are the happiest when we are growing and working towards something better.

8. Develop the ability to forgive
Forgiveness is something that most people fail miserably at even thought it’s so simple. Grudges only bring more misery to those who hold them and prevent good relations with the target. YOU makes mistakes all of the time so why not have mercy when other do.

9. Come up with a life mantra
You know, like “Carpe Diem” or “Live life to the fullest,” but not as cliché. Make it something that really hits home with you so that you will actually stick to it. Make sure it’ not so specific that it rarely applies but also not so general that it’s not personal.

10. Do what you love
There is a huge difference between making a life and making a living; which one are you making right now? So many spend their entire lives trying to make as much money as possible so that they can afford to do what they really want later. It makes no sense to settle in life until you’re 65 so that you can retire and do what you want when you’re already WAY past your prime. We only live life once so why wouldn’t you want to spend it pursuing your bliss?

18 comments:

  1. Such true words. I love reading although when I have to read and write lots of stuff for school I don´t really feel like reading. I usualy do read during summer. And I totally agree with the last point. I would like to find a job that I would love to do. :) Have a nice weekend, Anna ;)
    xoxo Eve.h

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  2. Aww I think it's so sweet of you to always share with us when you discover such helpful and inspiring things. I enjoyed reading and I'll sure keep it somewhere.
    Have a nice weekend :)
    xo

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  3. you are so inspiring ;)


    http://fashion-gourmet.blogspot.com/

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  4. that's a wonderful post! I really enjoyed reading it! and it's so funny, i did the same thing: I just read always things for university, and no "normal" books. So I forced myself to read a bit every night before turning the light off, and it really worked, now I do read a bit in normal books almost everyday ;-)

    xxx Anita

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  5. I love the one about focusing on the present! It really is the only moment that matters :)

    XO
    www.pearlsandpaws.blogspot.com

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  6. loved this post, have definitely inspired me to include a few more positives in my life :)

    xo

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  7. A beautiful and inspiring post hun, I like the idea of taking out 30 mins a day to read or do something you love. Great pieces of advice...I must try to memorize something everyday and only focus on the present. Ive recently detached myself from material things and the feeling was great! Happy Friday!

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  8. I feel so inspired after reading this! Thanks for sharing.

    Have a great weekend :)

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  9. great advice in your comment :) and great advice here!

    -jessica
    http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com/

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  10. Love this post :) instantly upped my mood! It's so true

    xo, Haylee
    http://www.dolledupdaily.com

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  11. Anna, these tips are wonderful.... It's hard to pick out which is best as they all ring true so loudly! I love that you can smile to change your mood from the outside in, fully believe in doing what you love but haven't quite had the courage to take that step yet and am trying to learn to focus only on the present. Thanks for the inspiration xx

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  12. Love love love this post!! Great insight!

    xx
    Giovanna
    www.oliveandanarrow.com

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  13. number 2 is interesting to me. i develop an attachment to my clothes i think...i wonder how that affects my life overall? anywayy interesting post, thank you!

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  14. How funny that it takes 30 days to create a habit, really good to know!

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  15. Love this post! Great advice.

    I hope you are having a great weekend.

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  16. Beautifully written hun! You've truly hit the nail on the head with this post...seems like such easy things to remember, yet life always gets in the way...the POWER of postivite thinking...love this!

    I’m hosting 5 days of GIVEAWAYS in honor of my blog’s 2yr anniversary…5 chances to win! Would love for you to stop by and check it out!

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    Peace. Love. LOL!

    Haute Khuuture.com

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  17. Great post! That's just what I needed on Monday morning.
    I've recently been working on trying to be less attached to possessions. Most of the times it works just fine but every once in a while I fall back into a bad pattern...which I really want to break, especially when I want to travel and live without unnecessary stuff.

    xo Yvonne

    http://goinwiththeseasons.blogspot.com/

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