What if...

Each morning before my day begins, I go out onto the apartment balcony and sit quietly in meditation. Sometimes, I just sit with a cup of coffee marveling at the stars, or watching the sun rise.

During this time I disconnect from the resting state of sleep and gently reconnect with the conscious state of the day ahead. I look around, breath the fresh air, listen to birds as they awaken, smile, and give thanks for the abundance that life offers, every single day.

Life offers many opportunities for joy, purpose, and fulfillment. However, many struggle to incorporate even a few happiness-inducing lifestyle choices into their busy schedules.

It was my persistent desire to live a joyful, purposeful, and meaningful life, along with the peaceful early morning hours, that inspired the "what if" scenario. What if I developed a two-week action plan that I could adjust as needed? Could I pursue some of my dreams without feeling overwhelmed?

So, I created a schedule that include (but wasn't limited to):

• Things I must-do

• Things I want to do

• Things that I might-do

I also realized that "another schedule or plan" was not what I wanted. What I wanted was to find time in my already busy schedule to do the things I love but continued to only "wish" about. It began by choosing one WANT TO-DO thing from my list, and incorporating it into what I was already doing (the must-do's). I began to notice that I had more time available for another WANT TO-DO, and that the life I had been wishing to create was actually happening between gaps of work and family responsibilities. Furthermore, ONCE, during that two-week period, I actually did a MIGHT-DO! But I won't lie, it did take a bit of work and a definite commitment up front.

The effort (work) lies in adhering to a two-week schedule. The life of our dreams develops as we spend time crafting it, being aware of what suits us and modifying our action plan until we can confidently say YES!

After all, it's just for two weeks. Here's to living life to its fullest!

#meditation#breathing#happiness