“We are given one life, and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act, and in acting, to live.” — Omar Nelson Bradley

If we long for ‘a good life,’ we must be willing to make choices that will take us there. So often, people are crippled by their inability to decide what they want to do. Unfortunately, when we don’t choose for ourselves, life will choose for us, and we may not like what we end up with.

Decision-making doesn’t have to be so painful because although our minds may be confused, our bodies usually know what’s best for us. Try this experiment. When you are faced with making a decision, imagine yourself selecting one option and tune into your body. How do you feel about making that choice? Are your muscles tight or relaxed? Is your breathing shallow or expansive? How much energy do you sense within you?

Now imagine yourself choosing a different option. How does your body feel about that one? The key here is getting out of our thinking and opening to the messages of our heart. Our hearts won’t lead us astray.

“Be willing to make decisions. That’s the most important quality in a good leader. Don’t fall victim to what I call the Ready-Aim-Aim-Aim Syndrome. You must be willing to fire.” — Boone T. Pickens

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“Success means fulfilling your own dreams, singing your own song, dancing your own dance, creating from your heart and enjoying the journey, trusting that whatever happens, it will be OK. Creating your own adventure!” — Elana Lindquist

We’ve been taught to believe that we need to “make things happen.” But opening to the flow of life requires that we let go of our need to micromanage and control. It asks us to open to the possibility that we don’t need to work so hard. Going with the flow asks us to trust that life will bring us what we need and want.

It takes courage initially to surrender to the flow of life. But once we’ve experienced how effortless it is to go with the energy, we gladly adopt this new and joyful way of living.

“Embrace fully your capacity to create, to think in unlimited ways, and to pursue everything that you have been wanting. Be flexible, open and willing to let the new come to you. …This can be the most joyous, prosperous, and creative time of your life.” — Sanaya Roman and Duane Packer

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“The future, higher evolution will belong to those who live in joy, who share joy, and who spread joy.” — Torkom Saraydarian

Some of us believe that it’s selfish to seek our own happiness. But if we reflect on how we interact with the world when we’re happy, we can see how this serves. We have more vitality. We’re more loving and generous to others when our own needs are met.

How can you live your joy each day? Your unique gift to the world will be found in those pastimes you love the most. In truth, joy is one of the greatest gifts we can give to people around us. Those who are unhappy need our joy, not our sadness.

“Joy is prayer – Joy is strength – Joy is love – Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. She gives most who gives with joy.” — Mother Teresa

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“Most smiles are started by another smile.” — Frank A. Clark

Smiles are such simple but powerful gifts! If I put a smile on my face when I’m feeling down, my spirits will automatically lift. The body knows that a smile means happiness.

And they are so contagious! Spread them generously and the world will thank you for it!

“Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other – it doesn’t matter who it is – and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.” — Mother Teresa

“We know too much and feel too little. At least, we feel too little of those creative emotions from which a good life springs.” — Bertrand Russell

In our overly rational world, we tend to think about how we feel, which, of course, is not feeling at all – it’s thinking.

Honour your feelings and be willing to experience them. They give us valuable feedback about what is and what is not working in our lives. They are the signposts to meaningful inner work.

“Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge.” — Audre Lorde

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“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.” – Sidney J. Harris

Everything in the universe, including us, is fundamentally energy. We block the flow of energy when we’re stressed. Everything works better – our bodies and the details of our lives – when we can relax, let go of resistance and go with the flow.

Deep breathing is a powerful way to release tension. Stretching is also helpful. And watch your self-talk. Negative thinking is a primary cause of stress, so choose to focus on what you want – not on what you don’t want.

Life is so much more enjoyable when we’re relaxed!

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.” – Sir J. Lubbock

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