Life Is Good, Don’t Miss It

by Tess on March 15, 2010

Life Is Good, Don’t Miss It

Even in our chaotic times life is good. If you are reading this it’s highly likely that you have your basic needs met and more!

Yet it’s easy to become bogged down with the stress of “too much to do and not enough time to do it in.” Refuse to fall into that illusion.

Are you enjoying life?

Do you spend time daily in silence and nature?

Do you take time to visit family and friends?

Do you give yourself time for hobbies and fun?

Do you create family time with all technology turned off?

Do you spend your day rushing from one activity to another?

Do you plan and schedule day trips or vacations?

Do you visit parks and museums or attend theater productions and sporting events?

Do you get involved in charity organizations or giving back?

Do you take time to reflect in gratitude on your day?

Do you treat yourself and others kindly?

Do you smile and laugh several times a day?

Do you find yourself happy in the present moment?

Do you live with passion and purpose?

Do you eat healthy and exercise?

If you knew you were going to die today would you be at peace?

Only you know the answers to these questions. Only you can make necessary changes. The time is now. Life is good…don’t miss it.

Are there any changes you’d like to make today?

Are you enjoying or missing out on life?

What small step could you take?

{ 46 comments… add one }

Eduard @ People Skills Decoded March 15, 2010, 4:21 pm

You said it. I was thinking again today about how much of the time I spend awake every day I enjoy. Thinking about this often is a very good way to focus on living the life you want, instead of the one you think you must.
.-= Eduard @ People Skills Decoded´s last post…The smart things to do for charity =-.

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Alex Blackwell March 15, 2010, 4:47 pm

Today, I want to change my expectations and appreciate more of what I have and worry less about what might be.

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Belinda Munoz March 15, 2010, 5:07 pm

Great questions! And my answer is Yes, Yes, Yes! Except for the rushing around part. It’s not my style anymore.
One of the things I’m doing more of is to not be on the computer so much. And I do clutch my blackberry quite a bit during work hours, but I’d really rather hold a hand. Gotta work on that.

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Walter March 15, 2010, 5:18 pm

As much as possible I try to live life in awareness, I do my best to live in the beauty of the moment where everything is possible. Life is too short to live in the illusions of our mind. Everyday I look forward discovering the parts of me that is still hidden.
.-= Walter´s last post…The reason behind adversities =-.

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Positively Present March 15, 2010, 5:52 pm

Great posts!!!
.-= Positively Present´s last post…5 simple tips for getting rid of the unnecessary =-.

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Jeanne Demers March 15, 2010, 6:24 pm

Boy! Did I need this post! Last Friday I “took the day off” (i.e. stepped away from my self-induced mania getting my online thing going on) and spent it visiting dear friends in the town where I used to live. One household after another of friendship. Your list contains much of what I was reminded matters in life. Build it into the lifeSTYLE. It matters! Thanks, Tess!

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Hulbert March 15, 2010, 6:38 pm

Hi Tess, these some great questions on asking ourselves whether we are missing out on life or whether we are enjoying life. I like how most, if not all, of your questions are directed towards things outside technology, even though most of us here are bloggers and spend a lot of the time on the computer. Although communicating with people online is fun, the simple things in life like drinking a cup of coffee with someone your close to or going outside and enjoying the view, are the things that make life good.
.-= Hulbert´s last post…Sylvester Stallone and Hits =-.

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Evita March 15, 2010, 7:22 pm

These are such great questions Tess. I know I for one am spending enough time in silence and nature and it feels so good! What a treat for the body, mind and soul.

At this time and I hope always I will be able to say that I am not missing out on life. Lovin’ living every minute of it

Thanks for the great reflection Tess.
.-= Evita´s last post…Movie Review: Infinity – The Ultimate Trip =-.

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Fatima Da March 15, 2010, 8:31 pm

Hi Tess…. This is good “food ” for living questions you have put together. Awesome …
.-= Fatima Da ´s last post…Negative Thoughts Evacuation =-.

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Topi March 15, 2010, 8:31 pm

Hi Tess,
You’ve just reminded me to give my kids a hug, and turn off the tv. Thanks!
Topi
.-= Topi´s last post…Personal responsibility =-.

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Lana - {Daring Clarity} March 15, 2010, 9:19 pm

Loved the questions Tess. I usually ask myself – am I in a survival mode? If I feel that I am it’s time to slow down. Life is meant to be enjoyed! Thank you for this reminder!
.-= Lana – {Daring Clarity}´s last post…One Of The Most Powerful Questions That Can Change Your Life =-.

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Patty - Why Not Start Now? March 15, 2010, 11:29 pm

Hi Tess – Just for today, I can give a resounding yes. And as for tomorrow, well, after reading your lovely post I will be inspired to repeat it. Thanks!
.-= Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…Meaning Mondays: A Gathering of Men Edition =-.

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Davina March 15, 2010, 11:46 pm

Hi Tess.
I DO spend time rushing and I have to constantly make myself slow down. I walk like I’m in a marathon or something; it might look like I’ve got purpose, but… not! I know better, but inconsistency is the pitfall. Thanks… again for the reminder.
.-= Davina´s last post…When It’s Not Just I =-.

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Caity March 16, 2010, 12:12 am

I would say that I am enjoying life but I was holding back a little bit. My husband and I have been trying to move to New Zealand but haven’t been actively taking steps. Today we found an immigration lawyer and are on our way! I am so excited!
.-= Caity´s last post…Types of blog readers. =-.

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Zeenat{Positive Provocations} March 16, 2010, 1:39 am

HI Tess,
These are some God important questions. Questions that inevitably get asked themselves by our little minds at some point in time.
This post resonates with me…cause I have been thinking about this issue a lot…I read Lances post at Megans…and said the same thing there.
Life needs to be LIVED! You do live but once.
Much Love,
Z~
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s last post…5 Simple Steps To Enhance Your Happiness =-.

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Cheryl Paris March 16, 2010, 2:48 am

Hello Tess,

Very important questions you have listed there. We are so lost in our day to day activities and live a monotonous life that we just sometimes forget these questions and as we forget the questions we have no answers.

Answering these questions will give a better perspective to day to day lives and making a difference as well.

Bye for now,
Cheryl
.-= Cheryl Paris´s last post…Saturday 9: Gimme Three Steps Girl =-.

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Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord March 16, 2010, 4:44 am

Tess, I love how you opened up with “If you’re reading this, chances are…” It’s true. As a human, I can create such issues for myself by sometimes thinking I need more (or less) than what I have. More lovin! Less ice cream! More romance! Less alone time. Yet, all of this is in my life is perfect and as I and God intended it. So why do I fight with reality? Why do I cause myself to suffer? Instead, I could choose to settle into the bliss that is my life – each and every moment. Because truly, this is bliss!

~ Be well & travel safely this week~
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last post…Life, Death, and Reflection =-.

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Ryhen | Mind Power March 16, 2010, 8:53 am

Are there any changes you’d like to make today? – Make the world a happier place.
Are you enjoying or missing out on life? – I guess both.
What small step could you take? – Learn, share, and teach.

Peace and respect,
Ryhen

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Barb Hartsook March 16, 2010, 9:02 am

Ah Tess. This is a whole book you’ve outlined above.

I printed out the post, walked around my house and read it out loud. Answering the questions… and taking a couple deep cleansing breaths. And asking myself more questions.

A couple of things we can do as background, simply because it’s who we’ve learned to be. (Like being grateful, consciously; treating others and self with kindness; being happy in the moment; smiling, laughing easily and often; living with purpose and passion.) Others are categorical, and for me fall into daily, weekly, monthly, and eternally (which translate to daily as well) categories.

I LOVE the title of this post. I’d probably buy the book, especially if it had room for notes…….
.-= Barb Hartsook´s last post…We Live Where Our Focus Is =-.

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Stacey Shipman March 16, 2010, 10:34 am

One change I would like to make – I wish we didn’t get 4 inches of water in our basement due to the heavy rains that came through the northeast over the past few days.

Alas, I wasn’t displaced from my home like others in neighboring towns. Yes, life is good. And I take steps daily to ensure I don’t miss it.

I agree with Barb – this is a book, can’t wait to read it!

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Tess Bold Life March 16, 2010, 10:36 am

Eduard,
That’s a great question. At the end of the day how much was spent in enjoyment. I believe no matter what we do we always have the choice to enjoy it.

Alex,
And I’ll join you in that! It’s called present moment living. And I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t benefit from more of it.

Belinda,
Yes I neither want to spend all of my free time on the computer…striving vs thriving. Just when I think I do enough my ego moves the line and demands more…not for me;)

What a great attitude and plan. Don’t live in the illusion. Or as Byron Katie would say “drop the story.”

Dani,
Thank you Happy Tuesday!

Jeanne,
I love it what matters…one household after another of friendship. That’s exactly how I would describe visiting MI. I like your idea!

Hulbert,
I didn’t realize that was the case…all outside of technology. That’s exactly how I balance my life. Going to CA this week to meet and have fun with three other bloggers. Yeah!

Evita,
Your spending time in silence and nature shows in every post and every comment you write. Heaven!

Fatima,
Yes food that nourishes our souls! Yum-yum.

Topi,
I totally understand the TV from when my kids were small. Sometimes it was the only break I had…

Lana,
That a great way to put it, “Am I in the survival mode?” That’s exactly where our ideas from lack of abundance come from. Even when we’re working the energy we do it in matters. I want to stay in the present moment and breathe more when I work. My blog will radiate that energy.

Patti,
Yes me to…repeat put the button on repeat;)

Davina,
Yes I know and one think I did to correct myself was make a reminder…for example each time I touched the handle to my front door or car door…slow it down Tess it what I tell myself.

Caity,
One step at a time it sounds like you’re moving on. We do it when we’re ready. It is a process my dear. Each step as you let go of another fear you move forward.

Z.
I like that…”God Important Questions.” That’s a title of a book or could be!

Cheryl,
The questions are simple and clear and make our answers surface immediately. No denial~

Joy Girl,
It’s human nature that’s why. We all have these egos that hold us back unless we stay aware and talk back or even ignore those pesky little messages.

Ryhen,
Thanks for being honest. We can all echo your response. We are here to take each other’s hand and walk forward together! Then we’ll truly enjoy each moment.

Barb,
OK you have me thinking! Thanks for stopping by and welcome to The Bold Life!
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…The Rewards of Honoring Commitments =-.

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Tess Bold Life March 16, 2010, 10:37 am

Stacey,
Oh I hear your pain about the water in the basement. It shows us what we take for granted, eh? Think of it as a cleansing?!? xo
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…The Rewards of Honoring Commitments =-.

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Paul March 16, 2010, 11:19 am

Tess,

That lot has made me think; in fact think a great deal. What a timley post it is! There are some of those I don’t do. There are also some that aren’t relevant but I could certainly replace them with alternatives. Thank you for sharing such thoughtful questions.

Regards

Paul
.-= Paul´s last post…Performance Related . . . =-.

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Butterfly March 16, 2010, 1:56 pm

I am really not worried, if this was my last breathe today I was taking I would be satisfied that at least I tried really hard in life and I have not done everything I would like to do but thats ok. I am at peace for the most part.
.-= Butterfly´s last post…You Are Unique =-.

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suzen March 16, 2010, 3:00 pm

Hi Tess! Doin’ it all and loving it all! Only thing I’d add is nap time! A body needs rest and time to do nothing!
hugs
suZen

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Wilma Ham March 16, 2010, 7:24 pm

Hi Tess, there was a time in my life when I would not answer many positive and I was wondering why I was not happy.
Things have changed thank goodness, and I feel so much better.
One thing I would like to add, I stop when I no longer enjoy a task to pick it up later. That gives me such a feeling of freedom and is very good for the soul.
xox Wilma
.-= Wilma Ham´s last post…Integrity, accountability, what is NOT going on? =-.

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BK March 17, 2010, 3:41 am

A great checklist! There are a few which I really need to work on especially the one on ‘create family time with all technology turned off. ‘
.-= BK´s last post…Rebuild Haiti Better World Book Drive =-.

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Phil - Less Ordinary Llving March 17, 2010, 6:41 am

Tess – what superb perspective and great questions to ask. I’m pleased to say that I can answer yes to almost all these questions and I’m working on the others. I live by the principal that life is precious and we should make the most of it – much of that means being happy, being conscious and helping others to do the same. This is the secret to a peaceful existence and your questions are great signposts – thank you.

Phil
.-= Phil – Less Ordinary Llving´s last post…How to Keep Going =-.

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Tess Bold Life March 17, 2010, 8:25 am

Paul,
Just want to get everyone thinking. Often we spend too much time strivin’ and not enough time thrivin.’

Butterfly,
Good for you! What a wonderful feeling to have in life. Knowing you’re at peace and doin’ your best. AWESOME!

suZen,
You go girlfriend. A nice nap never hurt anyone. In fact it’s proven they help.

Wilma,
That makes so much sense. I’m sure you come back energized.

BK,
If you do it will change your family’s life and how you relate to each other forever;) A very bold thing to do today.

Phil,
It’s so great to be in such good company for the journey home!
.-= Tess Bold Life´s last post…The Rewards of Honoring Commitments =-.

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Grampa Ken rants for change March 17, 2010, 9:33 am

I think I’m enjoying life quite well now having had many years in which to work on improvements. It’s easy put this off until we have more time, or money, or some other improved condition. The trouble with that is that it might never happen, or it may be too long in coming. It’s so important to accept this time, this very minute, as something of tremendous value that will very soon be gone forever.

“No matter what looms ahead, if you can eat today, enjoy the sunlight today, mix good cheer with friends today, then enjoy it and bless God for it. Do not look back on happiness or dream of it in the future. You are only sure of today; do not let yourself be cheated of it.” – Henry Ward Beecher

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Frances March 17, 2010, 11:30 am

reading this post reminds me that I really am in a good place right now. I have the time to spend on people and activities that are important to me. Thanks for the reminder.

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janice | Sharing the Journey March 17, 2010, 1:40 pm

On a good day, if I let go and let God, and engage with presence, I have the kind of serenity that comes from knowing I’m as alive as I can be and not feeling like I’m missing life. I try to do the little things with as much love and gratitude as I can, and that way I can go to sleep feeling I did the best I could.

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Armen Shirvanian March 17, 2010, 2:44 pm

Hi Tess.

These are relevant questions to ask ourselves. Sometimes we wouldn’t do the things we do if we saw them from a perspective of being 5 years in the future, realizing that some specific enjoyment could not be recreated.

We make sacrifices in whatever we do, either investing or using up what we have, but it is still good to see if we are investing a bit too much, and forgetting about the current time.

Smiling and laughing a few times a day really means something. If that is being left out, you have to wonder if the gains are worth the loss.
.-= Armen Shirvanian´s last post…Balancing The Art Of Attachment To Materialism =-.

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Catrien Ross March 17, 2010, 8:31 pm

Tess, wonderful questions, and yes, life is good. Sometimes when we stop everything, if only for a moment, and simply look around us, where we are, right at this very second, and see what we see, and feel our body sitting or standing (or creaking or grumping), and don’t try to do anything but be very very here and real, the goodness of our life, including the minutiae of our daily routine that we take for granted, comes shining through in affirmation of our aliveness, of our breath. And it feels good. And we know that goodness. Thank you, Tess. Spring energy from the mountains in Japan to you – Catrien Ross.
.-= Catrien Ross´s last post…Catrien Ross on Reviving Your Passion and Purpose in Spring Vibrations from Japan =-.

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Patricia March 17, 2010, 10:06 pm

I so liked reading this post – looking forward to the book/journal from this one too!
I can not write very well today after my treatments…It is similar to getting a new pair of glasses and seeing all the detail that has been missing from the vision. Several hours of pain relief is lovely
.-= Patricia´s last post…Book Review: What Should I Do With the Rest of My Life ~ Bruce Frankel =-.

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Mark March 18, 2010, 8:45 am

Tess,
These are great reminders of how we can choose to live and not simply exist. Thanks for sharing! Me, I am LIVING baby!
.-= Mark´s last post…“I Don’t Know What It Tastes Like To You” – Understanding Experiences =-.

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Hilary March 18, 2010, 11:04 am

Hi Tess .. I love my life .. but life is tricky just now .. and I certainly don’t want to miss it – this period will pass and I can return to not missing it – love the post and have answered it to myself .. I loved reading the responses and the thought processes – it’s great this connectiveness .. thanks Hilary
.-= Hilary´s last post…Steak, Kidney and Oyster Pudding with a Stout Porter? =-.

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Peggy March 18, 2010, 7:19 pm

Tess,

I love this list!

I’ve just recently had fun at the Planetarium and I’m sending this comment from my vacation spot in Florida!

And my trip in May is another family vacation

xo
Peggy
.-= Peggy´s last post…Quotable Quotes =-.

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Marko @ CalmGrowth March 18, 2010, 9:03 pm

I agreed, life is good, moreover, life is great!

Questions that you asked are very important. Why? Because, with each of them we started a large self-analysis of our lives… We get a unique opportunity to pull ourselves from our illusions…

Right questions are very important for growth. With them, we review ourselves, and so begins a road of self improvement…

So, I recommend that everyone pay attention at least one question that Tess set. That can begin to unlock great potential.
.-= Marko @ CalmGrowth´s last post…How to Become a Millionaire: Part Two =-.

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Chania Girl March 19, 2010, 3:22 am

It was good to be back and visiting your site again, Tess, and I love this post. At one time in my life, I might have “failed” this little quiz, and this actually tells me how far I’ve come. Now I feel like there are many things I can check off and say, “Yep,” about … and that’s a marvelous feeling.

Thank you for this little nudge … and boost.
.-= Chania Girl´s last post…PJs, Obituaries, and Barbaric Yawps =-.

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Karl Staib - Work Happy Now March 19, 2010, 7:56 am

There are a lot of changes I would like to make, but I’m also trying to be ok with where I am at. I’m a go getter, so that means I have to pull the reigns back when I get too excited.

Today is just a creativity day today. There are no goals, just fun. Wish me luck.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…5 Important Rules to Follow When Tele-commuting =-.

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Jeruhme March 19, 2010, 9:29 am

I’ve found that living in the present transfers energy from thinking and stressing on the past and future to the present moment so that I’m able to function and make the most out of life right now. When I’m caught up in the past and future, I tell myself: the past and future are only fixed ideas created by the mind, while the present moment is infinite and beautiful. Knowing this, I’m loving every second of myself, my environment, the people that touch me, and the entire universe.

There is only now. Learning to break free of the time (past/future) construct that the mind creates has changed my life for the better.
.-= Jeruhme´s last post…"I Saw A Hole In the Man" ~ A Mayan Story of Why Humanity Suffers =-.

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Joy March 20, 2010, 8:30 pm

Well, one big yes!!!! If I knew I was going to die today I would die in peace. I would want those around me to have experienced and felt that peace, love, joy every single day. I revel in the beauty of my surroundings, embrace each moment as it is, try to laugh, sing, dance, create as often as possible and encourage those around me to do the same. Life is precious, yet fleeting, so enjoy all of it:)
.-= Joy´s last post…Friendship =-.

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Tony Single March 23, 2010, 5:33 am

The biggest change I’d make today is to work it so that there would be no ill side effects from eating more chocolate… and I mean waaa-aaay more than a human being ever should. I wouldn’t get fat. My arteries wouldn’t clog up. I’d be a slim slim guy who can pork out while others look on in envy and disapproval!

Yup, this is the kind of thing I think about whenever I’m in a silly mood. Sorry, I’m in one now, but I’m enjoying your wonderful blog all the same! Hope you won”t mind if i return> aWW MAN my keyboard’s gone weird…
.-= Tony Single´s last post…Normal Man Goes Super =-.

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Jannie Funster March 23, 2010, 3:44 pm

OMG, that photo is hilarious!!

I want to work on day trips and more family time without technology! I meant to take Jim and Kelly on a trip Sunday afternoon, but it did not happen. Just need to MAKE it happen!

xo

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Life is Good April 9, 2010, 8:26 am

Great post! Everyone should always look for why their life is good, and always how to make it better by doing something and not complaining. There is always good to find if you just open your eyes!

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