I used to be incredibly depressed (to the point of being suicidal) and like so many others had fully internalized the oft-repeated "practical" philosophies that life's not supposed to be fun, life's not fair, and that nothing's guaranteed in life other than death and taxes. Who started those rumors? I don't think I'd be friends with them for long.
After hitting bottom ten years ago, I realized that society's formula for success just wasn't working. I was a highly trained professional with a great income, but was totally miserable. I hated life so much that I decided I had nothing to lose, and began to act on the various crazy impulses and dreams that I had in my heart, to see if it would help.
Why not try becoming a professional dancer by signing up for salsa classes at the age of 28? Why not do whatever seemed fun or even ridiculous? Why not move to Mexico to dance in the middle of my medical career, even if all the "sane" people said I would crash and burn, or should be locked up? The more outrageously I acted, the better life seemed to go, and the happier I got.
What I discovered along the way now fills the pages of my new book, which came out this first week of March 2010 - Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You.
Here are my seven steps, with some of the key points that can help you, too, to turn your life around on your own terms:
STEP I: ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE YOU
When I tried to be who everyone expected to me, I experienced depression and poor health and energy. When I started allowing the real me and what I really longed for to matter, everything changed. Even just honoring who you are in the smallest of ways starts to make a huge difference.
STEP 2: LEARN TO LOVE YOUR SELF
This may sound cliché or corny, but being genuinely kind to ourselves and nurturing ourselves in ways that serve our real goals and dreams is something so few of us do. Instead, we immerse ourselves in or indulge in addictions and patterns that make us feel good or give a high in the short-term (think overeating, overspending, alcohol, relationship drama, etc.) that do nothing more than distract us from the best things in life.
STEP 3: HONOR YOUR BODY
In many cases, rather than handing you a prescription to fix what ails you, I've found it more helpful to encourage you to learn to listen to your body and what it might be telling you about your life. I also don't believe in diets or fads - there's a brilliantly simple way of eating and choosing foods that gives you sustained energy, boosts your mood and can actually turn back the aging clock. It's about enjoying a healthy lifestyle that works for YOU.
STEP 4: RESCUE AND REVITALIZE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
For years I chased the perfect romantic relationship, sure that once I found Mr. Right I'd live the rest of my life in bliss. Ha! Mr. Right (or rather, a series of them) taught me lessons about myself and life that in the end really did give me a shot at happily ever after.
STEP 5: GET A LIFE
My life used to be about trying to survive my workweek. When I learned to play again, took creative risks, got rid of the personal, physical and financial clutter, and figured out the activities and attitudes that had the biggest positive payback, I started looking forward to the future instead of wondering how I'd get through it. It's easier than you think!
STEP 6: MAKE ROOM FOR THE DIVINE
Studies show that spiritual and religious practices have an astounding impact on our physical and mental health. Learning fundamental spiritual truths and living by them will positively transform your entire experience on this planet.
STEP 7: MAKE SOMEDAY TODAY
Forget about the great life you're going to find time for, or start, someday in the future. You'll be floored by the things that happen when you take even the smallest steps towards meaningful changes in your life - and you'll wish you'd started sooner. It's never too late, you're never too old, and life will always surprise you with rewards greater than you ever dreamed if you just take action.
You really can live a life you love.
You can read more about the book at www.LiveALifeYouLoveBook.com, and can order it online from Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Powell's - as an owner of the book you'll also get a free downloadable workbook to help you put your new insights into knowledge into action, to create measurable change in your life right away.
May you enjoy much, much more health and happiness in your lifetime! You deserve it.
