2. Have friends of all ages: I like to think my friends range from 9 months to 99 years old, and in all honesty, that’s all been true at some point in my life. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to being friend of mine. In fact, different ages bring so many different facets, revelations and stories to my life. Children remind me to still find beauty in the simple things. Teenagers remind me of who I was not long ago. They remind me to keep a young energy. I enjoy inspiring them. While some make me want to yank my hair out, I find many who I believe will grow up to make an incredible difference in the world. I find many I can relate to, laugh with and hopefully encourage whenever possible. Friends my own age help me celebrate who I am today. We can relate. We can share similar struggles, victories and general commonalities. Friends slightly older than me give me a good idea of what’s to come. They help me to stay mature and to plan ahead. They have a wisdom I admire. Speaking of wisdom, anyone who doesn’t befriend the elderly is doing a serious disservice to one’s self. These individuals have truly “been there, done that.” They can serve as an adopted parent or grandparent figure in our lives. I have several of them, and they mean the world to me. They tell stories of the past and give us a sneak peek into the future. I can’t say enough about having friends of all ages. I think that should be a blog post in itself. Oh…and never underestimate making friends with animals. They teach us much more than what some are willing to believe. A life without dogs is a life not reaching its potential…..just saying. Back to friends of all ages though: It’s been one of my greatest keys to success in life.
3. Do what you love and love what you do: I write this knowing full well that not all of us are currently able to work full-time at our God-given passions. The creative world isn’t exactly a financially sound world for the majority, but that doesn’t mean the creative mind can’t embrace and enjoy the results of a creative mind. It also doesn’t mean one should assume that a delay is God’s denial. Good things take time. A slow growing oak tree is always better than a fast-growing, brittle one. It goes back to the old saying, “bloom where you are planted.” I think of Luke 16:10 – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” I fully believe that God wants to see how we treat non-dream jobs, little opportunities and our humble beginnings before he brings us to higher levels. A grateful and appreciative person continuously sows positive seeds into their talent knowing it will reap a harvest in due time (check out Galatians 5:7). Whether you have 15 minutes a day or 15 hours a day to focus on your passion, I truly believe what matters most is how you spend that time and the attitude you have during that time. I believe God makes creative people creative for a purpose, just like he makes business analysts and accountants analytical for a purpose. I think life comes together when we simply know what we want and know how to go about getting it. For some that means a certificate, a Bachelors, a Masters or a PHD. For others that may mean starting their own business or being a flight attendant who travels the world. Just trust that your talents are a gift from Him, bloom where you are planted and consult with Him for wisdom concerning your career path. Never stop setting goals. (Note to self).
4. Take care of yourself: I don’t know about you, but while I’m taking care of everyone and everything, sometimes I forget to take care of me. Sometimes I have to remind myself that it’s okay to sit on the couch, sip my favorite hot tea and just do nothing. I also have to remind myself that I’m probably always going to feel much better after a grilled chicken and steamed broccoli meal than I ever will after eating a big piece of chocolate cake for my dinner (though sometimes I just have to). Taking care of ourselves covers a broad spectrum. When one isn’t fully taking care of oneself, they are unable to give to others in the way they could and should. For some, taking care of oneself may mean a monthly pedicure, a movie night, setting aside time to write a blog or to browse a flea market. For many, taking care of oneself will put them in mind of exercising and general healthy living. Whether it’s a long walk, a trip to the gym or working hard around the home, it all typically makes a person feel active. Meal plans, natural remedies and juicing machines – whatever healthily works for you, do it. Craving a quiet weekend at the beach? Do it. Oh, and here’s the best way to take care of yourself: Spend time with Jesus. A life that aspires to be healthy spiritually has already taken the first big step to a well-rounded life.
5. Get organized and de-clutter your life: I know I mentioned this in a previous blog, but it just happens to apply to so many life principles. I know this because I’ve struggled with organization and clutter for much of my life. God has been dealing with me concerning this for the past year. Too much “stuff” gets in the way, creates stress and wastes a whole lot of time. I’ve been cleaning closets, bagging, boxing, pitching, selling and giving away. My rec room right now should probably be called a “wreck room,” but it’s because I’m going through all the junk and filtering through what will be kept, sold and donated. Though “stuff” may seem harmless it can hinder and hurt many aspects of our lives. An organized person will always be one step ahead of a disorganized person, allowing more time for a purposeful, peaceful life. I truly believe our home lives can either make or break our lives. I believe treating our homes lives right is key to having peace in our outside lives.
6. Do good for others: We were created to love and to do good for others. God’s word encourages us to be a helping hand over and over again. I’ve always believed that one should give away whatever it is they’re needing. (IE – if a hug is needed, give one. If some encouragement is needed, give some). Pastor always reminds us to “live to give.” It’s also true that we must remember to take care of ourselves in the midst of our giving, as I mentioned above. Interestingly though, I love giving so much that it feels like I’m doing it for “me,” and I almost feel selfish for how good it makes me feel (Lol). Giving is just good for everyone. Always has been….always will be.
7. Try something new: Whether it’s skydiving or a new recipe, never deprive yourself of adventure. See new places….try new activities. Again, meet some new people. If you cross off your entire bucket list….find some things to add to it. A well rounded, well lived life never stops discovering, learning, exploring and enjoying.
8. Celebrate and take in your success: While we should never stop setting new goals, I think it’s equally important that we stop to celebrate and take in our successes. Over the years, I had the “never stop setting goals” thing down, but I really didn’t have the celebrate and take it in thing down. In fact, I never stopped, took in or celebrated any of it, period. It became a “more, more, more” thing for me, which was certainly not God’s will for me. I think when we don’t stop to simply take in success and be thankful, it becomes more difficult to be thankful in general. If we simply see success and reaching a new level as the norm, rather than as a blessing, our thankfulness depletes. In the long run, this non-stop pace causes passion to fade out and discontentment to fade in. Then, guess what happens? Total burnout. Eventually the burnt out individual will wonder what they even really got out of all their hard work in the end. They are likely to even question their calling and God-given talents if not careful. Their success won’t feel lasting, and it won’t feel fulfilling. Don’t ask me how I know. I’m learning just like you…
9. Live more, spend less: The bible warns against a love of money. It’s God’s design that we be good stewards and not be bound by lenders. Materialism is everywhere in our culture. It’s promoted in the magazines, on the internet, on our television screens, in the movies and everywhere we look. Sadly, they don’t show us how it feels to struggle to put food on the table or to keep our lights on. On that same note, it’s hard to experience new things and “live” with zero money to our names. I believe that if we spend less, we will in the long run, live more. Sometimes sacrifices have to be made and trade-offs have to happen, but it’s hard to truly live when we’re living far far beyond our means. When nothing is changing financially, it’s time to look at what you can change: Get it on sale, use the coupon, pray before making the large purchase, think before getting another credit card, wait to buy the new vehicle you’re not quite ready for and ask yourself if you’re financially in a good position to do what your heart is currently desiring. Your future self will thank your current self for this. Again, don’t ask me how I know. Also, remember, just because something is free or cheap doesn’t mean it isn’t fun and just because something is expensive doesn’t mean it is fun. There are plenty of entertaining activities that don’t cost you your first born. Don’t be afraid to pull out an old board game, to set up your corn hole boards, to cook at home or to re-watch a movie on your dusty DVD shelf, sometimes. Oftentimes the best times are the most simple times.
10. Seek first his kingdom: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33: It all comes down this, folks. If we seek first his kingdom, we don’t really have to worry about if we’re being “well-rounded” or not, because if we seek first his kingdom, he has a way of letting everything else fall into place. When we put him first, we are blessed and highly favored: Doors are opened, the wrong ones are closed, burdens are eased, direction is given and the right people and opportunities are introduced. We just have to be willing to move our feet, to work hard, to be responsible and to joyfully go where he sends us.
Leading a well-rounded life starts and ends with Him. It’s the only kind of life that fulfills. Again, don’t ask me how I know….