Making the most of everything

As the year draws to a close, we can choose to see the bright beacon of the New Year leading us forward.

by Brian J. Zahn — 

It has been said that happy people don’t necessarily have everything — they just make the most of everything they have. It is this awareness of the important things in life that often differentiates those who focus on having the most toys, like cars, boats and other expensive items from those who are at peace with what they do have. Have you ever seen a U-Haul attached to a hearse?

We are only here on this earth for a short time, and what is important is to not get caught up in fear, self-doubt, past experiences or obsessing over trying to keep up with the Jonses. Rather, it is wiser to create good experiences and memories that will bring joy and satisfaction. Listen to your heart; allow it to lead the way.

When we forget about what really matters — to love and be loved, and to live life with passion and purpose — we make our lives more complicated than they really need to be. By the time we realize that we missed out on what was real, we have often missed the entire journey. If we are consumed with arriving at the destination, we do not learn anything along the way and miss the experiences that can help us grow and become more enlightened, peaceful and happy.

It is necessary to ask ourselves once in awhile if we are putting our happiness on hold while waiting for a vacation, a holiday, a raise or something else. If we are, it’s time to live life in the moment and make each one count.

Every day is filled with incredible moments, and it is really up to each of us to see the joy in the small and simple things that come our way. If we are consumed with our pasts, time will come and go without us consciously living life the way it is meant to be lived. We will miss the experiences that help us learn from our mistakes, teach us more about ourselves and enable us to reach new heights of happiness.

Remember, the more we celebrate life, the more there is in life to celebrate. So make the most of it and what you have, for tomorrow is never promised to any of us, and the only true reality is the present moment.

Brian J. Zahn is a professional and certified life coach, author and motivational speaker. www.bethekey.net, 480-254-5000 or [email protected].

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 28, Number 6, Dec 2009/Jan 2010.