The HEART of Living: Questions for Life Skill Training
When you were growing up, did you ever dream of doing certain things? Being something? I’m sure you did, but what happened along the way?
Most people want to keep up with the Joneses, or live by others’ standards. How sad for us that we let the opinions of others get in the way of us living our lives in joy, happy to wake up each morning and begin a new day.
Good news, however… It’s never too late to revitalize an old dream buried long ago. But there’s only one person that can make that happen…and you already know who that is!
Below are thoughts and questions for creating a life you want to live; in other words, life skill training questions to get you started on your way to joy and happiness.
Three Quick Questions:
- How much fun is in your life now?
- Are you overwhelmed, tired, unhappy, stressed, frustrated, etc. most of your waking hours?
- Do you have a passion (one or more!) that hasn’t been developed, played with, or worked on in ages?
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To get to the HEART of Living, it is important to remember that living each day with joy, peace-of-mind, and harmony is the way it’s meant to be... and that it’s possible to achieve and hold on to. This isn’t to say that there won’t be times of stress, pain, sadness, grief, or frustration. Of course there will. But most of your waking hours can be filled with joy, if you’re willing to take the leap.
Try this exercise:
Imagine your perfect world. You have the most fantastic job that you can imagine. There is money for all that you wish to have in your life. Your relationships are harmonious. Your body is healthy. Your mind is happy. You are living your dream!
What were your thoughts and feelings as you did this exercise?
If you have objections, list them and write down what’s stopping you from overcoming those hurdles.
If you had no objections, good. You’re ready to begin!
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Dream on… Here are exercises to help you figure out what you want and to keep your attention focused on your dream goals.
Write down all the things you enjoy doing…everything from gardening, playing tennis, knitting, to eating pizza, or pretzels. Add to the list things like talking to friends, working out in the gym, hugging your child, etc. Don’t forget to put down the things that you enjoy about your present job/volunteer position.
Now you know a lot. But what are you going to do with it?
How much do you do these things each week?
How much are you willing to change your life to bring in more satisfaction?
Are you willing to eliminate those things in your life that no longer serve you?
Are you willing to take the first baby step to make this dream happen?
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Your belief system may still be stopping you from the HEART of Living joyfully. Here’s an assignment that will help change your beliefs.
Write, say, and think a short phrase about what you want. (This works especially well with self-esteem issues.) The words need to be positive (eliminate words such as “don’t,” “not,” “won’t,” etc.). They need to be stated in the present tense, even though you don’t feel that way now. (Example: “I now have a great new job.”)
Modern brain research shows that it takes between 21-30 days to change thoughts and six weeks to change behaviors. These affirmations need to be stated over and over again to reprogram your brain for at least 21-30 days. Keep it short and simple enough so that you can repeat it easily all day long.
These brain exercises, to re-program your brain, will help you make your life a positive experience. Quantum physics shows us that what we think is what we get.
It’s up to you. You can decide what you want to do with it.
