Are you in need of some wise words? Here are ten life lessons to help you live life to the fullest.
Regina Brett, author of Be The Miracle, says that "We can't do everything and what we can do, we can't do perfectly, but that's okay. All we need to do is make a beginning, right here, right now. If we do just that, it will make all the difference in the world"
Here are ten of Brett's life lessons, written to help you live to your fullest potential.
1- Take Care of Yourself First
Brett states, “Don’t respect the commitment to yourself less than you do your commitments to others. Don’t give away until there is nothing left of you”
Schedule that massage, go for your walk, and take that bubble bath. Keep the promises you make to yourself. If you take care of yourself first, your cup will be filled to give to others.
2- Renew Yourself Daily
Brett writes that, “In the morning, I have the chance to be reborn, to give birth to myself. Who doesn’t love a newborn? There’s no judging a newborn. They’re perfect as is”.
When you are having a bad day, wake up the next moment and choose differently. Start with a blank slate and work from there. Everyday is a chance at a fresh start . Perhaps start your day remembering what you are grateful for or choose to start with a prayer.
3- Focus on the Attainable
Brett explains, “If you want to accomplish the impossible, focus on the possible”.
We all have dreams. Some seem out of our reach. Start by focusing on what you can do. Maybe you want to be a writer. Send your writing to a contest or take the course you’ve always wanted to. Begin today. What seems unattainable may be really within our reach.
4- Strive to Do Your Best
Brett reflects,“To know that even at my worst, I can still be a gift. To know that even meager efforts can touch one person in a profound way.".
Our life is full of choices to act to the best of our capabilities. Whether it is by showing kindness to strangers, offering our creativity or helping a friend in need, we do not know the effects of our actions. By acting out of reverence for life, we offer our gifts to the world.
5- Care for Just One Person
Brett surmises that, “Sometimes the things you think are worthless and unimportant have the most profound impact. You can’t make everyone happy or solve every problem. But you can make one person happy, and that is good enough”.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by the need in this world. We’re not sure if we are making a difference. Don’t worry. If you can help just one person, you are contributing. Start each day with the intention to do something for just one person. If it is a smile, an offer to hold the door open, or baking cookies for a neighbor, your kindness will be felt.
6- Happiness Surrounds You
Brett concludes that, “The secret to life is no secret. It’s sprinkled all over your life. It’s celebrating what already is. Right here. Right now. All around you”.
Where do you find happiness? Happiness is not some mythical creature. It is familiar, like warm socks in the winter and cups of tea. Happiness is what you mean it to be, and what matters to you.
7- You Already Have the Answers You Need
Brett states that, “When you learn to listen to yourself, it’s amazing what you’ll hear. You really do have the answers inside. Listen, and you’ll discover when to say yes and, even better, when to say no”.
Do you ever get a sinking feeling when you agree to something you don’t really want to do? That feeling, call it intuition, is your body’s built-in navigation system. Each of us has the answers within us if we only stop to listen.
8- Choices are Key
Brett advises to “Make good choices. As Dumbledore told Harry Potter, it is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities”.
Life is a series of choices. Getting where you want to go requires making thoughtful, conscientious choices. When was the last time you looked at your life choices?
9- There is Enough
Brett says that, “No need is to great to meet. No miracle too absurd to hope for. And no life to short to have meaning”.
Abundance is a fundamental principle of life. There are enough gifts, enough love, and enough good fortune for everyone. Live each day seeing how much life offers. Take time to notice the abundance in your life.
10- Act with Courage
Brett states the following about fear and faith: “So how do you move from fear to action? Sometimes you take baby steps; sometimes you take one giant leap. Sometimes faith will come along and fear flees. But often faith and fear walk hand in hand for a while”.
Often we’re afraid. The important part is not that we are afraid but that we act despite our fears.
Sometimes what we need in life is some advice about how to live wisely. Brett's ten transformational lessons will help you on the road to contentment.
Source:
Brett, R. Be The Miracle. Grand Central Publishing: New York.