6 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIFE

I remember the first time I did it, it was about 4 am, and for some unknown reason I woke that early and sat on the veranda, it was so still and quiet. The stars lit up the dark sky. It’s said that the darkest time of the day is just before dawn, it makes me wonder though ‘Why is the time just before dawn the darkest?’ I guess even nature understands life’s principles. In the beginning, it was so. When we go through dark times or difficulties, the final bout of the struggle is usually the toughest, and just before winning, you feel like you might give up but that is when you have to give in all your energy. Hope says ‘don’t give up; you’re almost there!’ ‘Keep fighting. Once in a while I enjoy just sitting or lying in the dark just to clear my mind. I am easily distracted, by anything, even a slight movement. I like to feel the stillness or the power of the ‘nothing’. It’s when I put things in perspective

“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln

I cannot tell you what to do before you die… but these suggested questions might help you figure out how to live … right now. Every day. Because you never know how much time you have left, and trying to cram a list of things into that unknown time can be futile. Instead, live every day to the fullest. Get the most out of life.

1. Who do I love, and what am I doing about it? When someone dies, it becomes clear that you never know how much time you have with the people you care about. They are free to go at any time, as are you. As a result, you must make the most of this opportunity. Change your habits if you aren’t spending time with the people you care about. Allow yourself to forgive and reconcile if you have a grudge towards a family member. If you’ve done something that has caused a loved one pain, ask for forgiveness. Take off your cosmetics and your pride. If you have not seen someone in a while, call them right away to arrange a date.

2. Am I pursuing my dream, or is fear stopping me? What is something you’ve always wanted to do? Perhaps something you wished for as a child but considered unrealistic? Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to accomplish but are frightened of failing at? What are your apprehensions? And what could go wrong if you conquered your anxieties and achieved your dream?

If you’re already pursuing your dream, pat yourself on the back. You’re doing awesome!

3. Am I doing something that matters? There is a line to be drawn between doing work and doing work that truly counts. Much of the time, we fill the few days we have on this planet with busy work that doesn’t make much of a difference, which is a pity because it is a waste of our life.

4. What am I doing to help others? Ironically, you get the most out of life by giving to others rather than taking what you can for yourself. What have you done recently to assist others? Have you been kind to others? Have you shown compassion? Have you ever been there for someone? Listened? Have you ever volunteered to help those in need? If you aren’t doing anything to help others, now is an excellent time to think about what you can do to help someone and put it into action. Asking this question daily will help you develop a habit of compassion.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein

5. Am I as good a person as I want to be? I always strive to be a better version of myself than I was the day before. When I’m impatient, selfish, or unhelpful, I reflect on what I’ve said and done and recognize I could have done better. Rather than beating myself up about it, I resolve to try harder in the future. Being a good person is not easy, at least not all of the time. It’s simpler to be selfish when you don’t think about it. But do you want to be remembered in that way? Is that how you want to spend your days? Consider it carefully and act accordingly.

6. What am I doing to live life with passion and energy? You can do everything perfectly and still live a dull and sluggish life. If you neglect your health, you will have little energy and will squander the minutes you have left on disease. Instead, learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and exercising. This will provide you with greater vitality in your life. Then channel that energy into something you care about. Start seeking that passion (or passions) if you haven’t already.

“We are always getting ready to live but never living.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson