Don’t Wait, Enjoy Your Life Now!

I came across these wise words in Word for Today and it made me think back to the time I had a near-fatal car accident.
 
A wise man once said ‘I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one can bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.’
 
Begin now to think about what you can do to find more joy in every experience. The present moment is all you’re guaranteed, so don’t wait until later – until you get married, retire, go on holiday, or until your children finish university – to enjoy your life.

No one knows what will happen next in their lives or in the world. You’re alive now, so maximise it, embrace it, and celebrate it. 

These words are from an anonymous writer:
 
‘If I had my life to live over, I would take more chances…[and] more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets.
 
I would eat more ice cream and fewer beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones. I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, and a parachute.
 
If I had it to do over again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have.’
 
Don’t wait; enjoy your life now.
 
 
Life is fragile
 
None of us is guaranteed tomorrow. It may seem a little morbid to talk this way, but it is the truth. I lose count of the people who have died unexpectedly recently. There seem to be so many.
 
A young man died in his sleep unexpectedly leaving two children and a wife. A 16-year-old boy died on the field playing football. A fit marathon runner died running a marathon. None of them expected this to happen but it did, and they have gone.
 
Don’t leave it too late before you enjoy yourself. You need to be sensible with your money but if you leave everything until much later in life you may not make it and you will have missed some amazing experiences.
 
 
A near-fatal car crash
 
I had a near-fatal car accident around 5 years ago and it changed my perspective on life. I realised how fragile life is and how none of us knows how long we have left on this planet. So, I decided to enjoy myself every day.

I do this in several ways. One is to be mindful many times a day so I will stop what I am doing and either do some deep breathing exercises and enjoy the peace I receive from that, or I observe something like a bird in the tree and just spend a minute watching it and appreciating everything about it.
 
As I do this, I not only have peace but great joy from just enjoying something without judgement. Gratitude releases Dopamine and Serotonin into my bloodstream and I feel a rush of nice feelings similar to eating chocolate.
 
So even if I am having a tough day, I can still have pockets of peace and joy scattered throughout the day.
 
 
Small treats
 
The other way is to do nice things to treat myself during the week. I will have that nice meal or a nice pot of tea in a fancy café. I will go to the cinema for a treat and will have a night away with my wife Julie from time to time.
 
Julie and I leave soon for a week abroad to celebrate our 8^th wedding anniversary and I am going to rest and recover from a busy year so far. It is easy to just keep working and saving for a rainy day but enjoying life’s journey is just as important. My mission in life is to enjoy every day.
 
 
There are several benefits to enjoying each day:

• Improved mental health: When you enjoy each day, it can help improve your overall mental well-being by reducing stress and increasing positive emotions.
• Better physical health: When you enjoy each day, it can also have a positive impact on your physical health. A positive mindset can lead to better sleep, increased energy levels, and an overall healthier lifestyle.
• Increased productivity: When you enjoy each day, you’re more likely to feel motivated and inspired, which can lead to increased productivity.
• Better relationships: When you’re in a good mood and enjoying each day, it can help improve your relationships with others. You’re more likely to be patient, kind, and understanding with those around you.
• More fulfilling life: When you enjoy each day, you’re more likely to feel satisfied with your life and find meaning in the things you do. This can lead to a more fulfilling life overall.

  
Thoughts for the week. 

1. What are your thoughts about enjoying life’s journey?
2. Do you try to find enjoyment in each day, or do you find this impossible?
3. This week, think about making the most of each day and try to find many things each day to be thankful for.
4. As you do this you will rewire your brain to automatically steer you towards these joyful things. 

 
Well, that’s it for this week, have a wonderful weekend and keep believing.
 
Warm regards

John

https://jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/
 
https://jdmindcoach.com/product/100-days-to-mental-resilience/