Committing to Life

Committing to Life

My Daily Reminder to Commit to Life

It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself when you leave yourself open to new ideas- and then leave yourself the time to think.

For example, I am a commitment-phobe. I never knew that until the other day. (I want to thank my boyfriend ahead of time for not commenting here). I realized that even though I’ve read several self-help/inspirational/happiness books and articles in the past few years, looking for tools and techniques I could use in my own life, I never actually committed myself to the task.  Instead, I was always looking for some secret, some magic trick, despite knowing there was never going to be one.  This left me a “mediocre-happy” at best.  In other words, there was quite a bit of room to grow.

I figured it was one of two things: either the people I read about had been blessed with better lives, better happiness genes, or better whatever…or, I was simply missing the point.

When I gave myself time to think about it, I realized it was the latter.  I knew the journey had to start with me, and I was failing to take that first step.  Yes, I had read the books, articles, and tried a few programs.  But, as personal trainers would say, I was still in the preparation phase (doing some, but not enough).  I had never actually committed to change.

And, when giving myself the time and space to think, I realized that “commitment” meant so much more than I had previously thought.  It meant full body, mind, and spirit immersion.  If I was going to live happy, to live purposely, to live my best life possible, I was going to have to live every moment of my life with that intent.  That is what commitment really means. 

Some of you may be thinking “Rachel, how can you not commit to a better life!?” I know, it sounds crazy that I would prevent myself from living fully. However, I don’t think I am the only one.  Part of it may have to do with some type of chemical problem in my brain, but that’s not what I want to talk about here.  I think there are several reasons why people don’t commit to their resolutions.  I believe mine was a combination of several. 

Here are my 3 reason s why I believe people don’t commit to their goals, change, or life:

1)  People don’t really want to change*.

2)  They are afraid to close a door (lose one opportunity over another**).

3)  They don’t actually believe change is possible.

*Both not being ready to change and not know how to change falls in this category, because if you really want to change, you are going to figure out how.

 

**In the end, this lead to all doors closing.  Sometimes, you just have to go for it and remember you are never "stuck" anywhere.

I could list examples here (like resolving to spend 20 minutes a day 3x a week working on tricks with my dog, which lasted a week, because, in truth, I really don’t care how many tricks my dog knows.  I just want her to be happy, healthy…and a good running partner) but I know you could probably think of several of your own.

Back to my main point: If I want to live my fullest and best life possible, to really live my adventure, I need to commit.  And now, I am ready.

My focus is really going to be on keeping my thoughts positive, and a mix of a few things, like meditation, Yoga, and keeping up with Sandi’s blog as well as Gabrielle Bernstein’s videos.  I’m also planning to re-vamp and practice my own “Steps to Adventure” before posting them to my blog.  If you’re looking for some ideas to help you come up with a plan to live your best life possible, I’ve listed several of my favorites below.

 

·         Gabrielle Bernstein, aka “The -ing Girl”: Author, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach http://gabbyb.tv/  Her book “Add More –ing to Your Life features some great 30 day plans/meditations -This girl rocks!

·         Jillian Michaels, aka my “girl” crush: Personal Trainer, Coach, Author, ect. Check out her book Unlimited and the workbook: http://www.jillianmichaels.com/unlimited/working-it-out.aspx

·         Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project: http://www.happiness-project.com/ Her site features a ton of great tips and resolutions!

·         Sandi Nypaver, aka my Twin and favorite person in the world, has recently embarked on a new journey “Happiness/Healing Depression Naturally”, with plenty of tips and tools so any reader can accompany her: http://sandinypaver.blogspot.com/2013/08/naturally-and-spiritually-healing.html