We all have different goals for our future selves.  Particularly, now that we are coming out of covid and ready to live healthier, more present lives with a better state of well-being.  We are all trying to find the balance.  How do we live our best lives?  Some would say that complexity is the enemy of execution so keeping it simple is the key. Hugh Jackman, the actor,  “designs” his day.  I really like this idea.  Live with intent.  Create a transformation while at the same time being open to new things and what the universe has in store for you.  It is a balancing act.

I often think about balance.  However, what I have learned is that trying to live a perfectly “balanced life” often leaves you feeling very unbalanced.  It is a bit of a difficult thing to achieve and should we even want this for ourselves?  If everything must be balanced at all times, it doesn’t allow us to do what our mind and soul tell us is right in any given situation.  Intuition tells you that if your child is sick, you may need to stay at home and give them all of your attention.  On that day, work and any personal goals may need to be put on hold.  This would not amount to the work/life balance that the gurus speak about.  However, I feel most balanced when I know that I am giving the most important person or situation in my life the attention it deserves at that point in time.  

There are times in life where we need to give one area of our life more attention than another and I think that is more than ok - in fact, this is ideal.  Life isn’t balanced.  Life ebbs and flows, and when we accept that there are easy times and hard times; good times and bad, then we  feel more content and fulfilled.  We are healthier when this is our mindset for how we should live our lives.  No one can decide for you when it comes to how you live your life.  As Hugh Jackman’s father said “You have to make your own decisions.  Then, be 100 percent “in” once you decide.” Life is full of choices, as we all know.  

There are some things that we don’t decide.  Some call this fate.  Others believe in manifestation.  Have you ever had the most amazing people or things come into your life once you open yourself up to the possibility?  How can you not feel positive when these sweet surprises begin to happen?  You begin to feel that anything is possible.  It is this feeling that fills you with positivity and this positive mindset allows you to think and act intentionally each day.  It allows you to make choices that feel good from head to toe.

One of the best choices I have ever made was to start each day by tiptoeing downstairs for  a cup of coffee, and then climbing back into bed with my java and my gratitude journal.  It feels like an indulgence, if I’m being honest.   It feels like a chance to dream about what life can be, while at the same time reflecting on what is happening right now.  It is a time to be present in the moment.  I start by handwriting  three things that I am grateful for each morning.  Then, I smile and carefully list three things that would make today a “great” day.  This “dream list” I have created is then top of mind for me throughout the day.   That is the truth.  Then, guess what?  When I crawl into bed at night, I carefully note three amazing things that in fact did happen to me.  I feel gratitude times one thousand.  Design your day and be open to the sweet surprises life has to offer.  Treasure them and live your best life.