Post 5: What is your non-negotiable?
There are some things in life that we feel we can’t live without. Our morning coffee, quality time spent with a partner, quiet alone time, gym sessions, working on your hobby etc. In our minds we’ve created a list of things that are important in our live’s because they make you feel happy, make you feel alive and feed your soul. These are the things we don’t give up easily, the things we will sacrifice other things for. I call these our “non-negotiables”.
Take a moment and think about the things you couldn’t live without, the things that are your top priority. For me these things are vital to my well being and quality of life. I have made them a routine/ritual so that they feel like second nature. These things include daily exercise, daily alone/contemplation time. They include connecting to nature as much as possible. It includes setting boundaries and saying no. Eating well every day and being mindful of what I say and think and where my energy is at. In essence it’s knowing thy self and living according to your own truth, your own authentic way of being.
We all lead such busy lives, juggling so many things it can be hard to become “selfish” when it comes to doing the things that make’s us happy. We often feel pulled in so many directions and then feel guilty if we don’t meet certain obligations or expectations. But like everything, balance is key. We are human beings, not machines and need to fuel and feed the very things that are going to enliven us. We need rest, we need recovery, we need to make taking care of our well being the priority. I’ve always put that at the top. Whatever serves my well being is what needs to be the priority in life. This is my ethos, my philosophy and guiding principle.
The cool thing is you don’t need any special tools or ideology or way of living this way. Just be honest with what you “already know” makes you feel happy and gives you joy. Those things that at the end of the day you couldn’t live without, the things you choose rather than feel obligated to do. They can be little things but they can make a world of difference!!
Rob Ipsen