Live Courageously or Die Trying

Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today. Love like there is no tomorrow. Dance like no one is watching. -Author: Unknown

Eleanor Roosevelt said “The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences.”

What could have been…

As we age, we often ponder all the “What Ifs?” in life. We do not know what the future holds for us. Life events often make us examine our own mortality and reflect not only on the things we have done, but more so on those we regret having not done. Watching my mother decline with dementia has had deep impact on me. It gives me impetus to examine my life more closely and ask some serious questions of myself and you:

• Do you feel you are experiencing life to the fullest?

• Are you hesitant to step way out of your comfort zone?

• What things are you doing out of guilt?

• How many things are you doing because you want to?

• Which things truly bring you joy?

• What things/people are toxic in your life?

• Would you attempt to do something if you knew you couldn’t FAIL?

• Would you attempt to do something if you knew there was a high possibility of FAILURE?

I wrote down my answers for self-reflection and realized a lot about myself, the things I have wanted to do, or even worse, love to do, that are not even on my radar, no less the ones that are way out of my comfort zone.  I highly encourage that you do the same!

Margie Warrell and Our Self-Limiting Thoughts

One of my recent favorite inspiring self-help books is by Margie Warrell, esteemed author and speaker on courage and bravery. Her book is entitled, Make Your Mark: A Guidebook for the Brave Hearted. Margie speaks to our fears and our limiting thoughts. How many times have you told yourself that you’re just not good enough? Not smart enough? Not skinny enough? I could go on but I think you’re getting my drift. We are the reason for how our lives are right now at this moment. Our decisions, both small and big, have painted the landscape and focal point of our lives.“Youdon’t need – Martin Luther King

Take the first step. Write down 3 things that you’ve always wanted to do but didn’t because something held you back.

5 Tips to Living Life – Courageously

• Feel the fear and do it anyway. Don’t let your negative self-talk limit you. Go for it!

• Not able to just throw caution to the wind? Start with baby steps. No need to sprint up the staircase, just put one foot in front of the other to start on the path of courageous living.

• Partner with positive, like-minded people. If you want to learn to scuba, research for the best instructors and connect with people who share the same goal. Meetup.com is a great place to find like-minded people.

• Flex your “courage muscle” each day. Like exercise, you need to practice stepping out of your comfort zone every day. With time, each feat will become easier and easier.

• Celebrate your successes! After accomplishing something that you’ve feared, celebrate your achievement. Treat yourself to a spa day, go out with friends and enjoy a delicious healthy meal, or just chill on the beach. Choose what works best for you!

Live your life fearlessly and awaken your highest dreams!

In health and happiness,

Amazing Over 40, Anti-Aging, Author/Writer, Health & News, Health Basics, Lifestyle, Menopause, Motivation, Women's Health & Wellness 2