Living your (best) life
Are you living your (best) life or are you living simply living a life? In this middle phase of life, it’s a good question to ask ourselves. Often in this season, we realize that life is finite — and we begin to question if we’re having the impact we wish to have.
Unfortunately what many of us discover in midlife is that we’re over-committed, over-functioning and over-burdened by so much that feels essential in our lives. But if we’re buried in responsibilities and burnt out, we’re not living our BEST life.
What’s missing? If you’re wondering when (or if) you’ll get to fullfill the dreams of your younger self, it’s possible you’re simply living a life. And just maybe, the life you’re living isn’t your best life, the one that’s part of your own unique design.
How do know if you’re living your best life?
Maybe it’s easier to know if you’re NOT living your best life. On the inside cover of his latest book, Effortless,* Author Greg McKeown describes the way that I was living, the way that I think many women in midlife live.
As high achievers, we’ve been conditioned to believe that the path to success is paved with relentless work. That if we want to overachieve, we have to overexert, overthink, and overdo. That if we aren’t perpetually exhausted, we’re not doing enough. But lately, working hard feels harder than ever. And the more depleted we get, the more effort it takes to make progress.”
Greg McKeown, Author of “Effortless”
Many of us are burnt out.
We’re not meant to live depleted
McKeown describes this way of living as “working twice as hard only to achieve half as much.” And he’s written two entire books about how to live a smarter, more fulfilled life.
I highly recommend both of his books: Essentialism and Effortless. To live our best lives, we need to be doing activities that are our very best activities, but we also need to do them with far less effort!
Living your best life isn’t easy
Living your best life, I’ve learned, requires discipline and a lot of practice. I’ve had to learn to honestly assess myself, to speak up, and to set boundaries.
Over the past several years, I’ve put a lot of work into reflecting on what’s most important to me, where my gifts (aka superpowers) lie, what’s mine to do and what I need to let go, and so much more.
“If we wait until we are old to recognize that matters most, there is little future left to change.”
Steve Leder, Author of “The Beauty of what remains”
I’m still learning. And, still practicing.
Your best life is a journey, not a destination
Living your best life is a daily practice of living your best moments. When you live each moment intentionally, your life unfolds to meet you where you are.
I’ve learned a lot and I’d love to help you along on your journey! Want to check it out risk-free? Sign up for a free introductory coaching session.
*Note: I occasionally provide links to books or other materials where as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
