Completely, Fully, Totally Alive
Living to the fullest often brings to mind images of skydiving, bungee jumping or standing on top of a white-crested mountain looking out at the horizon. We may even imagine a more professional setting—say, our graduation day—symbolic of all we have made and have yet to make of ourselves. It would be amazing if we could have epic adventures every once in a while, and we all have our career ambitions, but these are all external ideas about how we define success.
How do we live life fully every day? The truest sense of the phrase “living to the fullest” suggests that every moment of life is full of love, motivation and growth—we are living up to our utmost potential. Our dreams are important, but no matter what our external goals and ambitions are, there are deeper principles that are fundamental to creating a life we love, one in which we not only are at the top of our field but also fulfill our highest potential as members of the human race, a global family where compassion and love mean more than any college degree. Without these things, what would personal accomplishment be worth? Here are some tips on how to live our best and be our best in our everyday lives.
Foster kindness.
The Divine Principle promotes the idea that living for the sake of others is what makes the world go round. Life is too small-minded when we exist only for ourselves. In fulfilling our own goals day in and day out, where will we actually end up if we don’t take the time to see how others may need us? If we fill our time with acts of kindness and people to care for, our lives will be that much richer.
Here is a challenge for today:
Next time you are busy or dealing with a personal problem, and notice that someone is interrupting you or needing something—be it a child, your spouse, or your coworker—do a little experiment. Surrender that moment of worry and offer your attention to that person. Listen closely to what they need or have to say. You might find that what they say triggers in you a new insight, helping you to shift gears and taking you to a place you had never considered. Realizing that we are all connected can make it easier to give of ourselves to another. At the end of the day, think back on how this action made a difference.
Sometimes it’s hard to live for others when people hurt us or don’t give as much as we do. In these cases it’s important to see the situation with love. As they say, “Be kind, for everyone is fighting a difficult battle.” That leads us into our next point. …
See others from God’s point of view.
The Divine Principle acquaints us with God’s true nature as our Heavenly Parent, who has compassion and understanding for all His children. If we open our eyes to God’s greater perspective, we can see ourselves and others as vital threads in the grand tapestry of life.
Be the eyes, hands, and heart of God. Choose one person with whom you find yourself at a crossroads in your life right now, and consider the question, “What is God’s hope and love for this person?” See how that perhaps gets you unstuck from a long standing frame of mind and clears your way for a fresh, new start.
Looking to live life to the fullest and make a difference this summer? In line with DP Life’s vision to create a better world founded on true values and heavenly principles, we’ve added an exciting summer road trip to our calendar. People from all over the world will be making a journey across America to revive the values that our nation was founded on, and which can make a difference toward a better world. Join in if you’re in the area of one of the road trip’s scheduled stops, or consider coming along for a portion of the trip! Find out more on how you can get involved!