Surely you remember the good old days – those fun-loving pastimes when the whole world seemed a bit brighter. Let’s travel back in time. Shall we?
Here’s how to get back to good…
1. Accept reality so you can change it.
To move forward in life you must first accept the reality of what it is. This acceptance provides you with an important starting point from which you can move in any direction you choose. To deny this reality or to fight against the past will merely waste your time and energy. To wish that things were different, or to pretend that they are, gets you nowhere.
Instead, visualize the possibilities and the path forward with a calm, collected mind. Then determine the next logical step that will take you in the direction of your vision and step forward. Read The Road Less Traveled.
2. Tap into the abundant resources around you.
When you adopt an attitude that life owes you something you set yourself up for frustration and unhappiness. Realize instead that life has already provided you with a world filled with abundance, and that creating meaningful value out of this abundance is up to you.
No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your socioeconomic status is, a life of fulfillment requires commitment and effort from you. It is through positive, productive choices that you line up life’s abundance in ways that uniquely express your personal dreams and values.
3. Guard your dreams and go after them.
You need space to try things and create things. It takes a long time to recalibrate if you let people pull at you all the time. A lot of stress comes from reacting to stuff. You have to keep a certain guard up against these negative influences.
Build an emotional barrier and allow yourself to dream and explore the passions that speak to the essence of who you are. Then let those dreams and passions pull you steadily through the practical, hands-on work of bringing them to life. Work through each day with diligence and persistence, doing what’s required. And as you do, stay close to the dreamer that always lives within you.
4. Loosen your grip.
Sometimes you can hold so tightly to what you know that you deny yourself the opportunity to learn and experience great new things. And in the back of your mind you know this and it bothers you. You become so worried about losing comfort that you cease to be comfortable.
When you’re willing to let go a little, you can actually discover and enjoy a lot more. Because when your energy is not consumed by possessiveness and fear, you have more energy available to experience life.
Instead of striving to hold tightly to everything, let it come, let it go, and let the next moment bring its own unique wonder. Read The Untethered Soul.
5. Think about the possibilities.
Each new day greets you with no rules except the ones you place on it. So greet it with open arms and positive thoughts. Let the possibilities inspire you and keep you going. Others may call you an idealist or naive or some other belittling title, ignore them.
Life is not about what you could do, it’s about what you will do. Write this down: “My life has unlimited possibilities.” Choose to find these possibilities in everything that comes your way, and no problem will ever be able to conquer you.
6. Replace “I can’t” with “I can.”
The power of the phrase “I can’t” is frightening. It makes strong people weak, happy people sad, blinds those who can see, turns the brave into cowards, robs the brilliance of every genius, causes the rich to think poorly, and limits the potential of that highly capable brain inside your head.
Replace “I can’t” with “I can” and then try again. When you experience a negative circumstance in your life, do not dwell on it. Be proactive – direct your attention to the possible action steps that will bring you to a positive result.
7. Help others feel better about themselves.
There’s nothing more rewarding than helping someone realize their own self-worth. Your life will not likely be measured by a single great achievement; it will be measured by thousands of small ones that all compound on top of one another. Each time you perform an act of kindness or bring a smile to someone’s face it gives your life more meaning.
So act like what you do makes a difference – it does.
8. Save some love and respect for yourself.
You can be the most beautiful person on the inside and out in the whole wide world, and everybody who sees you is awestruck, but if you yourself don’t see and feel it, none of it matters.
Every moment you spend doubting your self-worth – every moment you spend negatively judging yourself – is a tragic moment, for it is a moment of your life that you chose to throw away. Don’t do this. You only have so many moments.
The love you seek is seeking you at this very moment, you just have to open up to it.
9. Purge unnecessary headaches.
As Albert Einstein once said, “Excessive possessions, seeking outward success, extreme publicity, luxuries – to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.”
In other words, in thinking, be down to earth. In necessitates, keep to the essential. In conflicts, be fair. In leading others, guide instead of controlling. In work, tap into your passion. In relationships, be completely genuine and present. Keep it all straightforward and simple. Read The Power of Less.
10. Indulge in life’s priceless little pleasures.
The foundation of a good life is all around you. Experience the joy in life’s universal elements…
To find the fresh air and a light breeze exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening stroll; to be thrilled by the sun’s warmth and the flickering stars at night; to be elated over the sound of a rain shower or a wildflower in the Springtime. Etc.
These are some of the greatest rewards of a truly good life.
Photo by: Jason Eppink
Kev says
I love how many of your points here involve a change in perception. It is perception that changes, not life… What a great set of thoughts!
Kathy Holles says
This article really helps a lot and makes me feel better about my direction forward. Every one of us wants to be happy and eliminate headaches where possible. We should always remember that no matter what are problems are, we must be positive. As they say “every rose has its thorn.” Let us see the beauty of life. =)
C. Beck says
Doubt doubt the good life awaits us all if we choose to seek it.
Stumbled upon your website a few months ago and personally its been a great experience. Between your blog posts and the books you suggest its been a thought provoking and life changing experience, and I thank you for it.
Inspiring Citizen says
Dear Marc and my dear fellow readers,
Most of the comments in the blog post will look like this – you have done an amazing job, your article is mind blowing etc.
Unfortunately, I don’t think most people go deep down into the articles on this site to understand the inner meaning of each point. I am saying this to motivate you to do so and digest the entire essence of the article. It’s wonderful. And that is when you get most value out of it.
Please correct me if I am wrong and also you can share your thoughts and feelings on how you see this.
Luv,
Inspiring Citizen
Mehmood says
When I read your posts, I feel you have already lived through many of these emotions and circumstances otherwise it’s hard to write such wisdom. Probably it’s your Dharma or life’s mission now to help million others going through tough times. It’s such a great service you are doing Marc and Angel and we cannot thank you enough for all this.
Trevor says
Life is inherently good. I cannot believe otherwise.
But it’s how we view life that determines whether we see that good or not. Perception is reality. We choose how we see the world. We make our own reality.
And we can choose to see life differently. It’s up to us. The challenge lies in changing our mindset. But when you begin to see how wonderful life is, you will begin to live it. That’s the good life.
Cheers!
Susan says
Thank you so much for this terrific post. Actually, I can’t descripe the beauty of your work, posts, and attitudes. You made me change my perspective in life. I’d really would like to meet you one day, it’d be a great honor and esteem for me. Whatever, we say or do, we cannot fulfill your right on us.
Thank you again.
David Rapp says
To me its the theme of choice that rings true. Almost every point requires a choice, a decision. Its these choices that make us or break us, not permanently. I am at an extreme starting point in my life, and these articles are a God send to me. Thanks!
neva says
It is great to see your posts in my inbox and they are the first ones I open, thank you for sharing your wisdom and clarity, it makes my day.
Angel says
@Trevor and Kev: Indeed, perception alters reality. What we perceive with our minds we create in our lives.
@Inspired Citizen: Although we do love when people digest each of our points in depth as you describe, we purposely write lists that are easy to skim. We do this so folks with only a few moments to spare can grab a useful nugget or motivation while they’re on the go.
In other words, we love receiving comments, both short and long, from our readers whether they have had the time to read our whole article, or just a few bullets points that spoke to them.
@Mehmood: Life has indeed been a rollercoaster. It is for all of us. 🙂 We learn and we share as we live. Thank you for your kindness.
@Susan: Perhaps we will arrange a Marc and Angel meet-up someday. I wonder how many other people would be interested in something like this. An interesting idea…
@David Rapp: Thanks David, great point. Every step we take is a choice. Sometimes we forget this as we press forward with our routines, but it’s true. There is always an option B.
@Neva, Kathy, and C. Beck: Thank you, as always, for leaving us some comment love. We really appreciate hearing from you. 🙂
Susanna Halonen says
I love how so many of your posts refer to ideas some of which are backed up by scientific research.
Completing my Masters in Positive Psychology right now, I’ve learned a lot about tapping your own resources (making the most out of your strengths), optimism & hope for the future & your dreams, how acts of kindness boost your happiness, loving yourself & savouring your life experiences (big & small). Awesome stuff!
Freda says
Thank you Marc and Angel for your encouraging words throughout the year, you have helped me to move on from my most recent break up of 4 years with a man that I truly loved but was a narcissist. I feel good about my decision and your encouraging words have helped me move forward.
Thank you both.
Freda
Julia SB says
Marc & Angel, since the middle of August, when a life-shattering event showed up on my doorstep and changed my life, the only thing I had to hold on to was your regular updates and the lord himself. You don’t know what you do for your readers. Did you get a Webby award yet? You need one, retroactive to this year, 2013! If not, your rewards are definitely coming, directly from heaven.
Stephanie says
Your posts are so uplifting and inspiring. I am just out of a relationship and just back to the US after living abroad for two years. It’s overwhelming! I am embarking on a huge journey and will be relying on your wisdom to keep me focused and hopeful. Thank you for what you do.
Helen says
Dear Marc & Angel,
I’m going through a rough stretch right now and it seems as if each and every post is written just for me. Thank you so much.
Peace,
Helen
jes says
So spiritually refreshing…
Thanks for this post. It really helped me feel better today.
This is the mindset (my feelings) that i was looking forward to since this morning, now I feel it again. It’s a great reminder…
Angel says
@Susanna Halonen: Thank you. It is so true; personal happiness is heavily weighted by the decision to focus on the positive aspects of life – the strengths, people, ideas, and work that lift us up. (Oh, and best of luck with the rest of your degree. Congrats.)
@Freda: Stay strong. It sounds like you made a good decision. Focus on you taking small steps forward. You’ll get there. 🙂
@Ashley and Love B: Thank you for the continued support.
@Julia SB: I’m glad our content is helping you cope and pushing you forward. We’d love a Webby Award someday. Thank you for that kind remark. It means a lot to us.
@Stephanie: Welcome back to the States. We’re happy to have ya. And we will be right here doing our best to inspire you in the years ahead. Good luck with this new beginning. 😉
@Helen: You’re welcome. Keep pushing forward with a smile on your face. Even during tough times, life is still beautiful.
Whorunewayz says
I believe Inspired Citizen, that each individual, although reading the same inspiring messages, will absorb the information in varying degrees depending on where they are in their own personal journey. For instance, someone who has only just begun the lessons of self-reflection might not reach the depths of another who is say in self-improvement 301 as opposed to 101 🙂
david says
You failed to mention: tap into the superior intelligence and positivity around you, especially your spirituality.
Aya says
U always put a smile on my face 😛
Julie says
Thank you Angel for this truly inspiring post. I found these words: Life is not about what you could do, it’s about what you will do, quite profound. Your blog has great potential to help so many through life’s journey.
May says
Angel Thank you for this. And yes we are so grateful! Keep it in the positive perspective always because we are more blessed than we thought. Thank you. This year I commit myself to helping others.
Tammy C. says
Thank you for this website. I find inspiration and assurance from it daily. You are truly gifted in your ability to communicate! Please keep it coming!!
Mike says
Excellent article, so many truths, this is my first time on this website I’m glad I stumbled upon it. Almost seems as if it is a reward for being truthful with myself.
Dzung Nguyen says
Thank you guys so much. This post is helpful and useful for me. I am reading it to learn English, in addition to learning meaningful lessons to improve my life. Thanks.
Tonui says
This is so great! You never know how many souls you are uplifting… many with struggles and disappointments. I am one of them and I am so inspired. May you have the grace to continue sharing with us. Thanks.
Made Ari Yuliati says
Hi, Marc and Angel,
It is amazing to read this article. I know that it is easier to learn the theory of making such a wonderful life, than to implement it in life. You know, I had experienced the way to change my life into a good and even wonderful one. It was three years ago. I wrote a daily story about amazing things happened to me and people around me. I felt blessed and grateful of being born as myself. I keep writing until now. I thought that I need to share what I have experienced before like what both of you do. It is wonderful. I write articles about life and wonderful things at my site.
With love and gratitude,
Made Ari Yuliati @ madesandat.com