“I don’t believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.” – Joseph Campbell
I realize more and more the importance of creating a life filled with exhilaration and excitement. If I don’t create adventure I get bored and stuck in a rut. I end up feeling a void and lack of purpose. I won’t feel fully alive!
As I write this, I’m in the process of reading Chris Guillebeau’s new book The Happiness of Pursuit and it solidified the importance of creating a life where we are pursuing something meaningful. A life where we are following our dreams and feel truly alive!
This is why I am following a dream of playing drums in the band Yes You Are. But as I have been doing this, I realized that it isn’t necessarily the band that makes me feel alive. It is the way I have started to approach life that has changed.
I can create the experience of adventure and purpose without the band, just like you can start to feel more alive without having to embark on a wayward journey. Here are some ideas to help you feel more alive and fulfilled in life that you can do today!
1. Make Fun A Priority
For many people fun is the antithesis of a successful and responsible life. It’s all about achievement, results and the bottom line! What about having fun?! What about enjoying the journey along the way?!
If you want to feel more alive do what you enjoy, or at least find ways to make the process fun. Do something inspiring! Don’t let you heart and spirit get corroded from the daily grind. The reason I play drums is because I enjoy it more than anything else. It makes me feel alive, free, and exhilarated. I make it a priority because of this. What can you prioritize in your life to have more fun?
2. Dream Big!
“Many people die at twenty five and aren’t buried until they are seventy five.” ― Benjamin Franklin
When we stop dreaming we stop living. A dream gives us something to live for and invigorates our soul. So, one of the best ways to bring back excitement and exhilaration in your life is to dare to dream! Expand what is possible for your life! Anything is possible!
Think big and follow your dream. The dreamer feels alive because they are on a mission and pursuit that is truly meaningful to them. Live a life where you reach for the impossible.
3. Face Your Fears
Avoiding risk and staying safe certainly helps us feel comfortable, but it doesn’t necessarily make us feel alive! Get uncomfortable and do what you’re afraid to do. This is how transformation happens.
Get out of your comfort zone and do something you have been avoiding. It doesn’t have to be a huge step but at least a step that gets your heart pumping and blood flowing. Go scare yourself!
4. Say Yes! (To What’s Important)
Sometimes we avoid doing or trying things because we worry about what other people would think. We say no to what we really want because it isn’t what we are “supposed” to be doing. Instead, figure out what you value most and what is really important to you. Then say “yes” more often to these things.
Do something even if other people don’t approve of the decision. If it is really important to you, it is worth doing. This is your life and you are responsible for making the most of it!
“If your mind is expansive and unfettered, you will find yourself in a more accommodating world, a place that’s endlessly interesting and alive. That quality isn’t inherent in the place but in your state of mind.” ― Pema Chödrön
5. Avoid “Debbie Downers”
Do you remember that SNL skit about Debbie Downer? No matter how spirited other people were, she always had something negative or depressing to say.
Negative people can be seriously draining, and they can really sap the energy out of even the most inspiring experience. Avoid people who shoot down your dreams and start surrounding yourself with people you love and care about – people who lift you up and encourage you to live fully!
6. Speak Your Truth
Self-expression is the essence of feeling alive. But if you’re like me, self-expression isn’t easy. Sometime I hold back and don’t say or do what I really desire because I worry what other people will think.
But, when I express my truth, say what I want to say, and do what feels right in my heart, my life experience always changes for the better! I feel more alive! When we speak our truth we get out needs meet and connect more deeply. We all have something to share or something to contribute. Where are you holding back from speaking your truth?
“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” – Dr. Seuss
7. Step Up To A Challenge
What positive challenge are you stepping up to in life right now? Are do something that will help you grow and get in the game, or are you playing it safe and sitting on the sidelines?
Challenge helps us feel alive because we elevate our performance. We end up developing new skills and showing up in a way that is bigger and bolder than before. Go challenge yourself and feel more alive!
“Challenge is the pathway to engagement and progress in our lives. But not all challenges are created equal. Some challenges make us feel alive, engaged, connected, and fulfilled.” – Brendon Burchard
