Lessons Learned

Hello and hope the days have continued to treat You well -and- You are enjoying your summer!

There is a common phrase used to reflect on past actions or decisions with the benefit of hindsight; ” If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently.”

Our Life is a constant journey or as defined in the book; ‘The Alchemist,’ ( Paulo Coelho), a “personal legend.” We live our life learning and experiencing to become wiser, learn from our mistakes and seek to become a better version of ourself.

So, in our Encore phase of Life, we have the benefit of doing just that; doing things differently, because we can and on our time!

While many believe we find our sense of purpose later in life, it may be more accurate to say that we create a life of purpose based on the things that motivate us.

Indeed, countless studies show that having a sense of purpose in life is linked to better health, more happiness and even a longer lifespan.

There are a few lessons learned I have accepted and have reshaped my perspective on approaching my Encore phase and continuing to shape my life’s purpose to becoming the best version of myself.

Key Considerations For Doing Things Differently:

1. A key consideration is at some point, we have to let go of what we thought should happen and live in what is happening – enjoy living in the present moment and not the past or worrying about the future
2. Make Yourself a priority
3. Take your time and make every day count. ( Buddha quote: “The biggest mistake in Life is we think we have more time.” )
4. Create Special Days and do something spontaneous and/or unpredictable each day – reclaim your time and use it as You see fit doing something for You
5. Live each day with lots of Fun and Laughter
6. Take Care of your health – maintain your Energy by remaining physically active, socially active, improve upon our diet and engage in some type of activity
7. Develop clear, realistic expectations for yourself
8. Choose a “strength for the day” to focus on the positive
9. Live Life with Purpose – purpose isn’t a fixed destination. It’s a living, breathing thing shaped by circumstances and growth
10. Find a way to reward yourself every day
    

Also, it is important to have a purposeful routine. This does not mean we will become a robot and have a mechanical approach to every day. We need to sustain our life through (some) structure because, as we all know, and have done through our lives, if we leave things unmanaged, our time and energy could drift to disorder. We can not allow the freedom we now have to fall into the trap to sleeping later everyday, watching too much tv or cramming our schedule with too many activities which can lead to burn out to “do it all.”

We spend our entire lives getting to know ourselves. Now that we are not rushing round, we can focus upon being the type of person we want to be for OURSELF and those around us!

Continue stepping forward in our Encore phase with enthusiasm and eagerness, please continue to take care of yourself, make the most of your days -and- always remember;

“Never quit searching, never settle and never give up seeking your greater purpose!“