2020: A Time for Reflection. By Leora Barak, BA, RHN
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I imagine that in the end, most of us hope to see ourselves at 95, looking back with delight and saying: “I lived a good life!”. I don’t imagine that, at that particular moment, we’ll be pondering on that exam we failed at 15, or on that tropical vacation we took at 25, or on that trendy outfit we wore at 35. We’ll likely be remembering the people that had the most impact on our lives, the memories we made with them, our accomplishments and the legacy we’re about to leave behind.
As we’re more than half-way through 2020, a year filled with tumultuous challenges, I’ve been reflecting, thinking about my life thus far and the lessons that I’ve learned. I’ve come to realize that the COVID-19 pandemic has re-affirmed a lot of what I’ve already believed in. It has re-affirmedthe vulnerability of our technologically advanced society. It has re-affirmed that our material world is overrated and that we don’t need as many “things” as we thought we did. It has re-affirmed thatwe need to live in the moment without always having a grand plan and that what really matters is our health, our relationships, our moments, our safety and our freedom.
Wherever you are today, 15, 35 or 65, my hope is that this inspirational countdown will help you get on that personal journey towards living a more authentic life, free of comparison, free of judgement and with few regrets: that “good life”.
30 - Do what you love, love what you do - "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life".
29 - Own a dog – if you want to learn about unconditional love, how to practice non-judgement and how to fully live in the moment, your dog will teach it to you.
28 - Your body is a trusted messenger, longing to be heard. Listen to it.
27 – “The mind is like a parachute – it works best when it’s open” - keep an open mind, stay curious, stay hungry, travel the world (if you can), observe other cultures, learn about other religions and ask questions. There’s so much to learn out there!
26 - Start each day with a positive affirmation - every morning, look at yourself in the mirror, wink and say: "You rock!”
25 - Spend time in nature - "You may have no WIFI but you will find a better connection".
24 - Keep good company - stick to people who lift you up and encourage you.
23 - "Worrying is silly; it's like walking around with an open umbrella waiting for it to rain". Seriously, what are the chances that your envisioned worst case scenario will actually happen?
22 - Laugh lots - "If love is the treasure, laughter is the key".
21 - "Forgive others, not because they deserve your forgiveness, but because you deserve peace".
20 – No one and nothing is perfect. And neither are you. Don’t be so hard on yourself.
19 - Live simply - the best things in life aren't things.
18 - Breathe – inhale, exhale, and repeat.
17 - Take care of yourself, inside and out - your outward appearance is important too. Don't be consumed by it, but don't neglect it.
16 - Stay authentic – “Be yourself; everybody else is already taken". Besides, trying to be someone else takes way too much effort!
15 – “So much of finding yourself in adulthood is simply getting back to who you were and what you loved as a child”.
14 – “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
13 - If you want to get along with people, don’t expect them to think like you or act like you.
12 – “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” – life’s great adventures have not been known to happen while sitting on a comfy couch.
11 – “Without music life would be a mistake”- music can be therapy.
10 - Kindness – random acts of kindness will not just bring joy into other people’s lives, but they will bring magic into yours.
9 – “How people treat you is their karma, how you react is yours”.
8 - “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success”.
7 - Build understanding and empathy around our racial and cultural differences – the more we understand, the less we'll fear, and the less we'll hate.
6 - Hygge – The Danish are known to be the happiest people in the world because they practice hygge, the art of knowing how to become unbusy, slow down, relax, get cozy, enjoy the simple pleasures and feel at peace.
5 - Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Tell your aging parents that you love them, every day. Hug your kids, every day. Appreciate your partner and your good friends, every day.
4 - Movement – stay active. Whether it’s spending time at the gym, doing yoga or just going for a walk, make sure it’s an activity that you enjoy and can keep consistent.
3 - Water is life – drink up, even when you’re not thirsty.
2 - Eat well – food, real food, is medicine and I can tell you that I've seen it first-hand that one's path to healing can begin as soon as a next meal.
1 - Be grateful – The secret to having it all is knowing that you already do.
Here is a link to Leora’s interview with ‘Women of Influence’:
