I slowed my stroll down the sidewalk and paused to lean against the side of the building. Casually I observed the bypassers and wondered at the look on their faces. So many had a very sad look as if they were very unhappy. All were in a hurry, going somewhere fast. “Did they have a good life?” I wondered to myself. “Were they happy?” By the expression on their faces, the answer was no. And I rolled that answer around in my mind. Placing a good majority of my own acquaintances alongside all the sad, hurrying faces, I had to wonder if there were very many people in the world who actually enjoyed their life. And then the next question was directed toward myself. At what point did my own life change for the better and I quit seeking after the next big thing? 

Missing The Better Life

I remember the years of growing up and being eager to start my venture into the real world. I was searching and looking for perfection. The drive for just a few more classes and a tad higher average soon turned to a better job and a nicer vehicle. Next came finding the perfect restaurant for the most romantic date and then all the fine details for the perfect wedding. And it just went on and on, this search and drive for finding perfection. 

I smiled as I recalled the many memories life held for me. But I also frowned as I remembered the unrest of that season of life. While I was incredibly proud of my goal of perfection, I recognized that those were not my best years of happiness. And I knew why. My heart was not sure what to feel as I went back in time to the hardest season of my life. Back to the time when my life changed for the better. 

Stop And Think About Better

Life was hard. Incredibly hard. And the strive for perfection was faltering under heavy responsibility. Growth and perfection were good, but the daily question was, “How will I get it all done?” It was in the middle of all the challenges that I had my eyes opened and my life began to change for the better. It was actually my children who opened my eyes. And caused me to realize that I was missing out on my own life.

While I was busy striving for the next best thing, my eyes were closed to what was happening in the here and now. The little moments of laughter, the once in a lifetime scenes and the priceless quiet moments were being ignored in a future driven quest. I realized that while I was heading toward something better, I was missing the better life I already had around me. And the day I realized that, was the day my life changed for the better.

Changing For The Better

I began to focus on the good I had around me, the amazing results of previous achievements and the beautiful season I was in. I still had future goals but I was also learning to enjoy the journey too. This shift had many benefits for me and the change in the quality of my life was incredible. I relaxed. My stress was cut in half and my relationships grew stronger. I was happier, which caused others around me to be more pleasant. This, in turn, made my life change for the better. 

Learning to take time to live in the moment has changed my life for the better. I am very thankful to have discovered this secret before too many years were robbed of this priceless discovery! And it’s my goal to share this gem with as many people as I possibly can. So they, too, can apply this amazing secret that will change their lives for the better.