If you've read my Mortality Manifesto, you may have noticed the last line: "This is the gift that I give to myself - today and every day!" Embracing your mortality is like bathing or showering, it is something that must be done each and every day if it is to be effective. This is because our lives are constantly changing and evolving, and unless you ground yourself in the Power of Mortality, you can be caught up in the daily rush of activity and swept away by life's currents. I know, because this has just happened to me.
The other day I had the feeling that something was "off". As I took some quiet time to reflect on this I realized that I was experiencing regret. And I KNOW that as soon as I feel either regret or fear that is the signal that I am out of alignment with the Power of Mortality. So I meditated on this and tried to figure out the source of this feeling. I used one of the most powerful tools in my toolbox - the question: "Why?" If you're not familiar with that tool, you can read about it here.
Why am I feeling regret?
- Because my level of physical fitness has declined recently.
Why has it declined?
- Because I'm not exercising like I used to.
And why is that?
- Because my day is too busy.
Why is my day too busy?
- Because I have all of these responsibilities to other people that I must fulfill.
A-HA! There it was! I was letting other people take control of my life.
The Mortality Manifesto says: "I always strive to ensure that my every thought, word and action is moving me in the direction of my dreams." If I am experiencing regret, then it is clear that I am moving in the direction of someone else's dreams. Don't get me wrong - I realize that we all have responsibilities to others and not every one of those responsibilities will be in line with our own personal goals and dreams.
The key is to check in with yourself to see if you are comfortable moving in that direction. But here's the catch - you have to ask that question from the perspective of someone who has accepted the fact that they are mortal and are not guaranteed any specific amount of time on earth.
In my case, I knew that something needed to change because I was feeling regret about my choice to not include time for exercise. So the choice was simple: either continue on this path and run the risk of dying with regrets about how I lived my life, or change my path until I was once again comfortable with my daily decisions!
Anyone want to come for a nice, brisk walk with me tomorrow morning?
ENJOY NOW!
For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know that I need to change something.
