I have a morbid habit of reading the obituaries almost every
day. I think I learned it from my grandmother.
Everyday while I read through the condensed lives of locals, I think
the same thing “Your entire life is condensed into 5 column inches”. How scary to have everything from birth to death and everything in
between, here.
“A look back at your life,”, instructs you to write your own eulogy, a recommended exercise in
the Harvard Study on Happiness www.health.harvard.edu
(Positive Psychology). Then ask the question, “Are there gaps
between the legacy you want to leave and ways you spend your time?”. It is an excellent exercise to see in black
and white where your priorities lay.
Insignificant things that seem to be so time consuming today, can seep
into tomorrow, and before you know it life is passing you by while you worry
about the small stuff.
Finding “A meaningful life” is one of three important
tenants of happiness. This is confirmed in recent scientific
studies. Scientists have found evidence that has confirmed what the ancient philosophers have known all along;
lasting happiness requires a focus on others and the feeling that your life has
purpose. "Others" does not mean
strangers, however there are many worthwhile causes. A meaningful life can be accomplished by
ensuring a positive future for your children, contributions to your community,
kindness to friends who are in need.
Find meaning in your life, outside yourself, everyday.
Be selfless and feel you are part of a larger plan. Nothing grandiose, just random acts of
kindness, consistently and with a pure heart.
To remind myself, I even say “I am doing this with a pure heart”, it
helps! Resentment is the opposite of a
meaningful life and has expected results, unhappiness. Every moment you spend resenting people or
circumstances, is a waste. So do for others with pure intentions and no expectations.
What do you want your legacy to be? Write your obituary today, and live it
everyday. Live your life like today was your last.
