In 1980, I attended a two-weekend (6-day, 60-hour) transformation course known as “The EST Training”. During the training, I gained self-confidence, learned how to make meaningful choices, and enjoy life. The last day of the training, I declared my main goal in life was to make a difference in the world. Forty years later I am still focusing on the same goal.

Yesterday morning, I was thinking about what type of project I could create that would make a difference in a person’s life. This thought stopped me in my tracks. Why was I always thinking about making a difference instead of enjoying the happy moments in my own life?

Yesterday, my daughter was so busy with work she didn’t have time to plant flowers for me. I was annoyed at first that she couldn’t help me. Then I realized that I was jealous because she had a project to work on and I had nothing important to do. How irrational was that thought?

This was a wake-up call: my life was just as important. Why do I have to be working all the time? I’ve always had to be busy working on different tasks, taking classes, attending lectures, or volunteering. Otherwise, I felt like I was just wasting time. I decided to pay attention to how I am now living life instead of looking for assignments that will just keep me busy.

Weren’t there different ways to reach my goal? I realized my life was already filled with moments that made me happy. Sitting on my patio having breakfast and looking at the pretty flowers my daughter planted for me, facilitating different discussion groups, having lunch or dinner with friends… and the list goes on.

Aren’t we always making a difference in the world by smiling at others, spending time with friends, and taking care of ourselves? Last weekend I spent time with a friend watching movies, trying a new restaurant, and just relaxing. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel tired.

We become obsessed with certain ways of doing things and never take the time to realize we are accomplishing our goals. Take the time to revisit your life and see how you are being true to yourself and impacting others. It is time to stop and smell the roses.

Please let me know what is important in your life. Are you focusing on an old goal, creating new ones, or finding satisfaction in the life you are living today? I am looking forward to hearing from you.

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