It doesn’t matter if you’re a 20-year-old just starting out or an experienced 55-year-old looking for a fresh start – living life intentionally is within everyone’s reach.
Can you say with certainty that you’re living the life you always homed for?
When you get married, become a mum or start a career, it’s common that life can get in the way of any dreams you ever had.
You get so busy with school runs, social events, or you are focused on your business carrier and being part of a family unit that there doesn’t seem to be much time for anything else.
Before you know it, the kids have left home leaving a big void with nothing to fill but long-forgotten goals and ambitions.
If you wake up every day with the dreaded feeling that life wasn’t meant to be like this, it’s time to let you know that it’s never too late to start living the life you dreamed of.
With many years left between now and retirement, you’re not too old to start a new career. It’s not too late to sell up and travel the world. And there’s absolutely no judgement in getting off the hamster wheel of the daily grind, and going in search of the meaning of your life.
It’s understandable that once you reach a certain age, you might worry that people will think you’re crazy for making a significant life change. But now the kids have grown up, you have time for more activities, perhaps to study or explore the world and it’s never too late to start making it happen!
Here are seven ways to make that change, starting today.
1) Connect with your heart
It’s time to place less importance on what people think, and more importance on what your heart is telling you.
Learning to trust your instinct requires dedication and time and space alone each day. Once you build this habit, there will be no going back!
Sit quietly in meditation and observe what you’re seeing, hearing and what your heart is trying to tell you.
Keep a notebook and pen beside you and as you become aware of your surroundings, write down everything your heart has spoken. Don’t worry if you don’t get a message straight away, stick with the process until the next steps become clear.
2) Be open and honest with yourself and others
You won’t get anywhere by denying what you want out of life, in fact, doing so can lead to dependency on alcohol and drugs and an increase in stress and anxiety.
The first person to be honest with about what you want out of life is yourself. Once you do this and you get confident with the decisions you’re making, it becomes easier to share these steps with those around you without fear of judgement.
It’s unlikely that those who truly care about you will judge you, but if they do, is there room in your life for someone who doesn’t have your best intentions at heart?
3) Spend time alone
After spending your recent years as a wife, mum or employee, you get used to mixing in the same circles and the expectations placed upon you in those roles.
Spend time alone where you can to learn what your heart wants from you rather than everyone else around you.
4) Nourish your body and mind
When you place importance on nurturing your mind and physical body, you will learn to honour what you can do to make the most of your life.
Read self-help books, join an exercise class, listen to podcasts and commit to a healthy body and mind.
5) Remember that age is just a number
It’s well-known that Morgan Freeman, arguably one of the most successful actors in history, didn’t get his breakthrough part until aged 50. Steve Carell wasn’t far behind him at age 43, And Dame Judy Dench only become familiar on our screens aged 60.
Age is just a number and any time limits on what we should have achieved by a certain age are self-imposed. If we all listened to the noise of society, the world would be without its greatest actors and creators, and many others who have gone on to make their mark at a typically later age.
6) Get clear on your direction
If you’ve lost direction and you’re not sure what the next step is but you know you’re not living in peace or you feel unfulfilled, get researching!
Google search, research online courses and join Facebook communities that spark your interest. Once you start to deep dive into what’s out there, the next step will become clear.
7) Make every day count
There can be no worse feeling than looking back with regrets. It is never too late to start learning, make that first change today.
Remember, you are worthy. You are deserving of joy and happiness and they’re both yours for the taking. But only you can make that change.
