Happy August to you! A few things in today’s newsletter…
• I write about “How to Enjoy Life” - not a complete primer, but maybe it offers a couple things that jog your heart.
• This Friday I’m releasing something I never imagined doing. It’s a 5-part Guided Meditation called “Being Brave.” I’ll put a sample down below, and then on Friday you can stream or download these from wherever you listen to music, YouTube, or on the Insight Timer app. I look forward to your thoughts on these!
• I’ll be singing “God Bless America” during the 7th Inning Stretch of the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays baseball game on Sunday, September 1st at Target Field. A fun outing for the family, and you can point to the big screen and say, “Hey, I know that guy!” Now onto the enjoyment…
I’ve had a handful of good conversations lately where the idea of enjoying life came up. I don’t think any of us would disagree that it probably is best to enjoy life, rather than be miserable. But still, some people feel that being miserable is their only option.
I’m here to say: WE ALWAYS HAVE OPTIONS!
How to enjoy life? Honestly, the answer is pretty simple. Do things you enjoy…and do less of the things you don’t.
• I listen to music that makes me happy • I seek out time with people who I enjoy • I avoid things (and people) that create stress or chaos • I make sure I’m getting enough rest, exercise, and not eating a bunch of junk • I watch things on TV that I enjoy • I look for the good in others and in the world I see • I offer compassion and empathy when I can • I laugh a lot •
A man who some consider the wisest who ever lived was named Solomon. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he tried to answer today’s question. His answer? “A [person] can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in [their] work” (2:24) He repeats this same advice several times in this book, continually commending the enjoyment of life. Maybe we could start there.
But Mark, you don’t understand, I have to do all these horrible things...like my job. There’s no way I can enjoy it. First off, I’m sorry your work is horrible! But you might have more options available to you than you see right now.
And what about all the people around me who are making life miserable?
Let me try an analogy: If I have to enter into a stressful or chaotic situation, like driving on the Interstate, for example, I decide to take a defensive approach. My dad always taught me defensive driving is the best: Use your mirrors, be aware of your surroundings, eliminate distractions, and leave plenty of space between you and the person in front of you. Thanks Dad!
I’ll add: Don’t try to teach other drivers lessons. You know what I mean? Maybe it’s just me. I’ve got to surrender the idea that I can teach anyone a lesson on the freeway. I can only drive the best I can.
Life is a highway and I’m certain there are people bobbing and swerving all around you right now (maybe on social media like I experienced this past week). If we are all driving our little cars the best we can, perhaps like my Dad suggested, the more enjoyable life will be for all of us.
You are worth seeking out the enjoyment you want.
What do you need to surrender in order to enjoy life more? Is it trying to control other people? Let it go. But more than that, how can you better drive your own car, er…life? What enjoyable things can you be more proactive about adding into your life?
• Promote the good things you see • Talk about the ways you’re seeing joy and beauty in the world • Share a smile instead of a complaint • Love someone more than what seems reasonable • Extend forgiveness to yourself • Eat and drink good things •
We could keep going, right? Why don’t we! Your turn
This is so good. Two things I've learned that have made my life more enjoyable are 1) Realizing I don't always need to be right and 2) Choosing my battles carefully. Sometimes it's much less stressful to simply overlook a matter, keep my thoughts--and especially my words--to myself and let it go rather than argue, which can take a tremendous toll on my peace and requires an incredible amount of physical, mental, and emotional energy. I'm so looking forward to your meditations. I've listened to meditation tapes in the past (yes, "tape" gives away my age) and have found them quite helpful. Thank you, Mark!