Create a Health and Fitness Bucketlist Today

“Normally we do not like to think about death.

We would rather think about life.

Why reflect on death?

When you start preparing for death you soon realize that you must look into your life now –

– and come to face the truth of your self.

Death is like a mirror in which the true meaning of life is reflected”

~Sogyal Rinpoche~ 

 
This week has been an interesting one as I have found myself pondering my own existance and mortality. I’m sure everyone does this on a fairly regular basis. My question is do we consider the meaning of our lives based on a fear or expectation the unknown? Certainly many of us lead our lives with the faith that when we die we may we will be rewarded for our deeds and then ushered off into the promised land when we die. Many of us also live in constant restraint out of fear of punishment and eternal banishment to the underworld.  

Is death really something to fear? As human beings we have a long history of being afraid of things that we don’t understand. Throughout history and even today many people have lost their identity, their rights and their lives because of such ignorance. Only in the wake of our callowness do we see the error of our ways and can we begin to evolve in a more productive manner. 

Will our perception of death also evolve? I personally hope so. Most of us live our lives without any regard to its quality and in the end experience great regret for words gone unsaid and deeds undone.We shouldn’t have to wait until it’s too late to lead a productive and meaningful life. In order to achieve this we need to take stock of what it means to be at peace IN our lives, not just when we are on the verge of losing it. 

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry

 about the future,or not to anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely

 and earnestly.” 

 

How to Effectively Live at Peace With Yourself

• Don’t work so hard

Have you been living on a treadmill of existence? Have you been so consumed by making money that you’ve completely missed your children’s youth and your partner’s companionship? These days, both men and women find it a constant struggle to make wise lifestyle choices while being burdened with too much responsibility.

Do you really need the income you so desperately seek? I bet if you simplify your lifestyle and eliminate the excess, you’ll find you need far less than you think. Try to create more open space in your life. This way you become more open to new opportunities that are more suited to a quality, healthy way of life. Most people say they don’t have time to exercise or eat well and I promptly say “no, you just haven’t made the time”. It’s funny how there’s always time for self-destructive and indulgent behavior though. We need to reorganize and make this a priority.

• Express Your Feelings More Often

Most of us are so preoccupied with keeping peace with others that we risk losing it with ourselves.  Constantly suppressing your emotions will eventually result in you becoming a new person. One that everybody likes, but not the real you. This can be a real burden on your life and your overall sense of well being.  Many people have been estranged from loved ones and suffered illness related to being consumed with bitterness and resentment. We have the freedom to express ourselves but few of us ever do. Make an effort to change this and you’ll feel the stress being lifted off your shoulders.

• Follow Your dreams

In North America we are so fortunate to have nearly unlimited opportunities and resources to be whatever we want to be. I feel blessed every day that I am making a living at my greatest passion but too few ever realize even one of their dreams. Nothing is more gratifying when your deepest hopes and desires are finally realized. I believe that most of us could make this a reality if we don’t let our lives get out of balance.

We must make the effort to realize our dreams because the moment you lose your health, it’s too late. If you dream of being lean and fit then start today. Only you can make it a reality.

• Let Yourself Be Happier

Most of us are stuck in some kind of rut of old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity carries over into our emotions, as well as our physical lives. Fear of change causes some people to pretend to be others, and to themselves, that they were content. While deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their lives again.

We cannot control the actions and opinions of others, but we need to establish relationships based on who we really are. Great relationships nurture the mind and body and allow you the freedom to be yourself. If the relationship prevents you from being yourself, then you’re probably better off without that person. This will cut down dramatically the amount of unhealthy alliances you keep. Speak your mind and flaunt your uniqueness and you will be rewarded with happiness and a network of people who really “get you”.

Typically, people write a bucketlist of the things they want to do before they die. I think this is a mistake. We need to write our bucketlists as soon as we are old enough to know who we are and what we want out of life. This way we can keep on track of things throughout our lives and not start cramming when it’s already too late. Your health and happiness is the only thing that matters in the end. Every day should be set up to nurture it. Activities and relationships that prohibit the nourishment of our health need to be eliminate.

Life is a choice. It’s your life to live as you please. Choose wisely. Choose honestly. Choose happiness.