Opportunities are like sunrises, if we wait too long we miss them.
Too often we waste our time waiting for the ideal path to appear. But it never does of course. Because we forget that paths are made by walking, not waiting. Let this be your wake-up call today!
If you always sit around until you feel 100 percent ready for the journey, you’ll likely be sitting around for the rest of your life. Most of the time you just have to get up and go for it. And no, you shouldn’t feel any more confident before you take the next step. Taking the next step is what gradually builds your confidence.
Today is the day and now is the time! Thus, it’s finally time to admit that…
1. We wait too long to explore the things that call to us.
The world isn’t really as it is, but as we see it, and we all see it differently. So if you spend all your free time following trends and doing what everyone else is doing, you’re missing out. Try things out for yourself — try many things. Explore! See what calls to your soul, or what entices you to step forward, and then go for it. Find out everything you can about it. Find other people who love it too. Don’t waste precious time pretending to like things just because other people do — don’t end up with a bunch of mismatched circumstances in your life. Enjoy what you enjoy, listen to your intuition, and you will end up with more circumstances in your life that make you feel alive.
2. We wait too long to take meaningful action.
Some people wait all day for 5pm, all week for Friday, all year for the next holiday, all their lives for happiness. Don’t be one of them! The world does not owe you a living; you owe the world a life. So stop daydreaming and start DOING things that matter. Take responsibility for your life today — take control! You are important and you are needed. It’s too late to sit around and wait for somebody to do something someday. Someday is now; the somebody the world needs is YOU.
3. We wait too long to trust ourselves with life’s challenges.
Just because you’re struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. Every great success requires some type of worthy struggle to get there. So give yourself some extra credit along the way. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, and that sometimes it takes an overwhelming series of little breakdowns to have an undeniable breakthrough. When in doubt just take the next small step. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Truly, there’s a time and place for everything and every step is necessary. Just do your best right now, and don’t force what’s not yet supposed to fit into your life. It will happen, when it’s time.
4. We wait too long to appreciate what we have.
Truth be told, we often take for granted the very aspects of our lives that most deserve our presence and gratitude. How often do you pause to appreciate your health, your family, your home, or other seemingly stable fixtures in your life? Remember, nothing in life is fixed or guaranteed forever. Living in the present is a basic notion, but as with most simple things we often find a way to complicate it. So check yourself — there’s nothing complicated about learning to notice and appreciate your life as it’s happening.
5. We wait too long to be kind to others.
When you grow older and you look back on your life, you will inevitably forget a lot of the stuff that seemed so important when you were young. You probably won’t remember what your high school GPA was. You will look at your old classmates on Facebook or Instagram (or some other social network) and wonder why you ever had a crush on that person. And you will have the toughest time remembering why you let certain people from your past get the best of you. But you will never forget the people who were genuinely kind — those who helped when you were hurt, and who loved you even when you felt unlovable. Be that person to others as often as possible. (And as you know, what goes around eventually comes around.)
6. We wait too long to be kind to ourselves.
More likely than not, the first person who caught your eye wasn’t “the one.” And the second, third or fourth probably wasn’t either. You know why? It’s because YOU are the one! Seriously, in your own life it’s important to know how spectacular you are. You really have to look in the mirror and be kind, because what we see in the mirror is often what we see in the world. Our disappointment in others often reflects our disappointment in ourselves. Our acceptance of others often reflects our acceptance of ourselves. Our ability to see potential in others often reflects our ability to see potential in ourselves. Our patience with others often reflects our patience with ourselves. You get the idea — you’ve got to show yourself some love and kindness, first and foremost.
7. We wait too long to embrace the truth.
Too many of us prefer gentle lies to hard truths. But make no mistake, in the end it’s better to be hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie. And lying is a cumulative process, so be careful. What starts as a small, seemingly innocent lie (possibly even with the intention of not hurting anyone) quickly spirals into an mounting false reality. We lie to one another, but even more so we lie to ourselves most often to protect our “oh so fragile” egos. We may even be inclined to lie to ourselves while reading this, not wanting to admit how often we have eluded the truth. (Note: Angel and I discuss this in more detail in the Relationships chapter of “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently”.)
8. We wait too long to establish healthy boundaries.
Your mind is your private sanctuary; do not allow the negative beliefs of others to occupy it. Your skin is your barrier; do not allow others to get under it. Take good care of your personal boundaries and what you allow yourself to absorb from others. And if someone in your life is constantly being disrespectful‚ call them on it. If things don’t change, you need to limit the amount of time and influence they have in your life. We need people in our lives who challenge us respectfully, so we can see things from new perspectives, but we don’t need to be constantly torn down by those who don’t respect us. Bottom line: Distancing yourself from people who always give you negative vibes is self-care. Stepping back from situations where you feel unappreciated or disrespected is self-care. Choose to honor your feelings and boundaries, gracefully.
9. We wait too long to close old chapters in our lives.
You’re going to mingle with a lot of people in your lifetime. You’re going to have first kisses you feel all the way down to your toes and think “Oh my gosh, I love him,” but really… you loved the kiss. You’re going to meet a friend you think you will know forever, but then something will change and you two will go your separate ways. You’re going to explore different parts of your life with different people who aren’t in it for the long haul, and that isn’t a bad thing. Life is a series of stories, and the way our stories intersect is remarkable. Sometimes people are in our lives for the whole story. Sometimes they are in just a short chapter or two. It takes a brave person to know when that chapter is over, and then to turn the page. Be brave today. And remember that almost every “goodbye” you receive in life sets you up for a new “hello.”
10. We wait too long to accept and flow with life.
Don’t stress over things you can’t change. Live simply. Love generously. Speak truthfully. Work diligently. And even if you fall short, keep going — keep growing. In the end, loving your life is about trusting your intuition, taking chances, losing and finding happiness, cherishing the memories, and learning through experience. It’s a long-term journey. You have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting every step of the way. Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds. You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but I promise you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be.
Now it’s your turn…
Yes, it’s your turn to stop waiting and start paying attention to the beauty and practicality of living a more intentional life. But before you go, please leave Angel and me a comment below and let us know what you think of this essay. Your feedback is important to us. 🙂
Which one of the points above resonated the most today?
Finally, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to sign-up for our free newsletter to receive new articles like this in your inbox each week.
Lynn Biegal says
Thank you so much for the supportive emails and essays you share, Marc and Angel. I just love what you have said in this one today! I am going to try to change the way I behave, and try to take some chances that I’ve surely been thinking about for way too long.
MA Aiken says
This definitely hit me, realizing The One Thing” that will change me for what little time I have left. Im 75…
My sister told me she wants to spend time on Xmas Day only with her husband’s family and her friends. She could spend either xmas eve or the day after with me…we’re the only 2 left of a family of 6. I know now what I should have done years ago after reading your article…Thk You Both…
Maria Pardo says
Excellent reflection! Life is to be lived!
Ila Hurley says
Setting healthy boundaries, really got my attention and reminded me to set limits with a certain person. Thank you, the article was great!
Kim says
Thank you for another wonderful essay, that really means a lot to my happiness. Point 8 on boundaries and self-care and confirming I have the right to end a relationship that is negatively impacted me. They constantly dominate our conversations wanting me to accept their perspective as my truth and I finally am ending the relationship after 3 years
Terese says
Thank you so much for today’s essay, all of what you wrote resonated with me! Your writings encouraged me and challenged me. It’s a little difficult not having a vehicle to go all out and do what I want to do….but I will start with the small things and be intentional and grateful! I’ve let one person I deeply love get me depressed…THINGS WILL CHANGE, thank you again !!!!
Vincent Littmann says
Thank you. Very nourishing article… time to weed my garden and rake up the old leaves…Soul Work.
nonkululeko mdlovu says
Hi, I really enjoyed reading this article about series of life. Yeah for a long time I’ve criticised myself and ofcourse not intentionally but childhood trauma. I’ve gained some knowledge and insight.
Kayla says
I love the analogy you used to describe your reflective thoughts that gave you actions and an agenda to carry out like chores! Everyone should tend more to their own gardens and nourish themselves to blossom in their true life purpose. ?
Wakenia says
Thank you for this post, I have been following your blog essays since about 2011 and each form of wisdom has been instrumental to my growth and development throughout the years. Reading your post today encourages me to look within my own life to make a personal decision to live purposefully and intentionally to prevent a future of guilt that could lead to heartache. My mission and desire are to move forward toward a present and future filled with more love and peace… and less lingering regrets and hesitations.
Melva H. says
Thank you so much. Although I’ve read your articles before; this the first time I’ve actually replied. I’m currently in a reflective and rebuilding stage of my life. This post really hit home. It provides me with tools and insights that I will utilize to stay consistent in my efforts. It’s imperative that I make the necessary adjustments to truly walk in my purpose. I’m choosing to be more intentional and present with myself and others.
I appreciate your support and ideas.
Peace and blessings.
Shyju M varghese says
Hugs to you.
Sydwell says
Thank you guys for this essay, I know we read similar content from other authors as well, what is stunning about how you approached this essay is that you speak directly to the the heart.
It is a wake up call to just make it habitual to practice these facts about life.
Thank you.
Bethowlon Smith says
Thank you Marc and Angel sharing this with us. Every word written in this message resonated with me. I really need to appreciate me and look out for me more. I cried through every passage number. It’s been so hard for me these past few years but seeing messages like this really gives me hope and a new perspective in my life. Starting here and now, im turning a new page in this chapter of my life. Thank you for confirming what I need to do moving forward
Blessings.
Micki says
I took screen shots and made notes on having boundaries and the final points that start with living more simply. I am so torn in a hard relationship. Trusting my intuition is not easy. I have been greatly deceived and have paid dearly in the past. I also can’t deny that I am deeply unhappy in my life. I cannot change anything but mindset and my choices. Here lies the problem. I don’t trust myself and am afraid on most days.
Thank you for sharing this important article. I need to challenge my ‘stuck’ patterns and be brave, no matter what that looks like in the coming days and weeks.
Arlene says
Me, too! Have lived a lot dominated by fear, and continue to. But, now I know that I can change maybe not some of my fears, but can lessen them, at least. Even small steps turn into bigger steps. “Walk with Fear so one day you will walk without so much Fear!”
Deb says
One of the best books I read in my late 20’s, was “Feel the Fear and do it Anyway” it helped me a lot. As well as “The Power of Positive Thinking” changed my life and I have often referred to the second one throughout my life. Praying you overcome Fear. We all have to struggle with this one. Peace to you.
Shyju M varghese says
Hugs.
Ritz says
I feel the same. We can do this. One at a time, we will get there. I wish you all the best in life.
Michelle says
I can relate to this! This article sure was a good one. I took notes on all points! Thank you Marc and Angel
BE says
Hello Marc and Angel,
The paragraph that touches me deeply was number 10. We often wait way too long to accept and flow with life.
At 82, every moment counts even more for me, and I try to appreciate it as often as possible. Life is a gift, as we all know. We better enjoy the ride. Be happy when happiness is present, even if for only a moment sometimes.
Beth says
Marc and Angel, I love this one… I remember years ago when you first started with these great articles I was at my desktop computer reading it and just sat there crying – I am not a crier. The tears just rolled down my cheeks as I realized I was not happy and I needed to make changes in my life. I have worked really hard over the past ten years or so to make those changes… death a parent, separation, moving residences six times, divorce, changing jobs after 17 years!! Whew. But I still remember the tears that day, and know that I am making the changes so I am living my best life, I am not a doormat, I don’t need to put up with disrespect or lies from people, and really search for the people who are kind and supportive with a positive attitude. I am tired of working hard on relationships that I now realize are one-sided. I have done the work and realize that old pain points play a big role in how we act as adults and as you get older if you have not recognized it and begin to deal with it, then life doesn’t get easier. There is only one me on this earth and playing small doesn’t change anyone else’s life for the good. What I realize is the energy spent with those folks who are takers can be spent with someone who is a lot more fun to be around. Make space for the good to come into your life be letting go of the old habits and patterns that you thought you needed to continue because that is what you have always done. Trust your gut, as it is a feeling in your body! Thanks for your excellent work and your vulnerability in all of your sharing!
Steve says
Indeed I totally agree with all the comments expressed in this article and instinctively have always lived my life in accordance with this. Life has not been easy, but I have always lived according to my principles. Best wishes to all who read this.
Patricia Elana Brooks says
Probably number 7 hits the hardest for me. Not only embracing the truth but having the guts to admit the truth. I mean not holding back and excusing behavior because it may hurt our feelings or someone else’s. I think that’s one of the hardest things to do – face and embrace the truth on the daily when you’re going through a hard season. But I’m making progress.
Linda Bowen says
Your Article is on Point.
Very useful encouraging and inspiring
Susan Lapping says
Loved your entire essay, so the ones that resonated the most with me were 1, 8, 10. After a 22-year hiatus and at age 72, I moved across the country again to “push Reset”, so I’m a living testimony to choosing to get the most out of life no matter how old you are!
It’s taken me a lifetime of being a caregiver to putting myself first and not feeling guilty for doing so…I’m still a work in progress, so thank you for this list of reminders!
Sandra says
This post/email today resonated with me. Number 8 and 9 – creating and maintaining boundaries in unhealthy relationships and closing the chapter of some parts of my life. I have had to create boundaries with family members that were sucking the life out of me. I constantly tried to build relationships and have them part of my life. Unfortunately, I was the one always giving with little to no return in the relationship. I felt terribly guilty until one day the ‘one thing’ happened that made me realize I couldn’t do this anymore and decided for my own psychological well being I had to create a boundary with this person. After doing so, I started to realize that my life and well being was all I can control and it has been happier – although there are times I struggle with the guilt.
I have moved a few times in my life and had friendships end. At first it is hard until I realize that chapter of my life is over and I am on to a new one. Sometimes, it takes a while to create the new one. I am gradually starting to look at all the good in my life and enjoy every moment – especially when I have friends die, unexpectedly.
Thank you again for your emails. I don’t always comment or read them at the time, but read many and take something from each one – even if it is only a reminder.
Tess Burton says
We often wait too long to close certain chapters in our life. That resonates deeply right now. I’m certainly struggling to close a few.
Great essay all around too.
M says
I would have to say #9 resonated the most with me because of current situations in my life. I just recently lost one of my best friends, and have struggled to grasp his loss at such a young age (he was 55). Although we went to the same high school, I didn’t know him back then. We became really good friends about 15 years later. As I went through a divorce, he was there for me anytime I wanted. Having him for that short period of my life was exactly who I needed to help me get through. But his loss has also made me realize that I hold myself back. I am looking now to close the door on certain relationships in my life and seek out new ones that will carry me in a better direction.
Bogg says
Just awesome, quotable, relatable!
anne says
I have loved ALL your POSTS/ESSAYS since subscribing. I could add a few too!! Nearly 77 years of living, loving, raising a large family, relocating several times and life’s experiences have taught me much.
Cheers to you both today!
Liz says
I am closing a chapter on my life and you have given me confidence to move foreward saying to every goodbye by there is a hello A simple but positive thought I needed today of all days.
JFR says
I just started reading your posts. They hit a nerve and right on. I am going through a tough time now, and I feel more strong and less scared….thank you!
Almarie says
Thank you so much… This post helped.
Steven says
Just what I needed to read today! Thank you.
Diane B says
This article is helpful to me in so many ways!
Recently, my work environment became intensely toxic because of one coworker (who used to be a close friend). Both my mental and physical health began to be negatively affected. It took this situation to help me realize that I had to make a change and start actively improving my life. I decided to take care of myself, let go of the toxic friendship, face my fears surrounding making big changes, and retire from a job I’ve had for 34 years.
The feelings of relief and contentment really do manifest when you follow these 10 choices. It’s like a thousand pounds have been lifted off my shoulders.
Thank you Marc and Angel for giving such great guidance!
David says
“You will never forget the people who were genuinely kind — those who helped when you were hurt, and who loved you even when you felt unlovable. Be that person to others as often as possible.” “Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds. You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but I promise you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be.” Those quotes are very reassuring and worth staying true to. Thanks. Hugs.
John Steve says
A great essay this one, has reminded me to live in the present, been stressing my self a lot with what will happen tomorrow! At 63 I have to appreciate all that I have got, particularly a bunch of good friends and family!
Cynthia W Ferguson says
Very informative, so much of this moved me to change some things in my life. Thank you both for always being here.
Shivadatta. A says
Good one!
L says
No. 9 is for me!
The last time I trusted somebody so much…until recently, was around 30 years ago, she was also my bridesmaid, a very dear friend. She passed away in 2009 and since then I have not really found someone like her to open with, bec i am just a very private person…until recently, a year ago.
We were just really happy, with work and with who I am, felt completely different and I never thought I would open up again to trust someone with my self. Of all the people, she was there for me, always…only to realise she was just a very deep pit that I fell into. It was very dark for me, confusion all around, endless crying, I could not understand…when she left, I suddenly faced the rejection of my life.
It took months…am still recovering but am getting there.
Yeah, waiting too long to close that chapter and to turn the next page!
Thank you Marc and Angel, for being my guardian angels, reminding me to take baby steps each day. 🙂
Mary says
This one article resonates with me in so many ways. Since leaving a 29 year toxic relationship your blog and articles have become the center of my healing journey to find myself again. I look forward to reading them every day and apply the wisdom that you share in my journey to help me through this new chapter of my life. Thank you.
Anne says
Today I read the first of your lessons and how I wish I had known of you both many years ago. I am 82 now, very lacking the confidence to close the doors on a number of issues and move forward.
I’m looking forward to your next chapter.
Christina Gates says
Thank you.
Teresa Haragely says
Great words of wisdom! I really like the truth aspect. We all need to be true to ourselves and love ourselves flaws and all. Good luck everyone on this journey of life!
Stacey says
I couldn’t possibly pick one – they are all brilliant. I shouldn’t be crying this early in the morning. ? I’m old enough now that I have been able to fulfill some of these (and ongoing) but still have work to do particularly in loving myself and letting life do it’s thing. Cheers to beautiful writing.
Thomas says
This speaks to me and my family and friends. Wow! What a reflection!
Thank you so much.
Dennis Flores says
I’m 71 and preparation for the final chapter is a key to happiness.