If you're feeling stuck or uninspired, summer is the perfect time to relax and envision how to change the trajectory of your life in a direction that feeds your soul. I know from experience.
Five years ago, I had a close call with a pulmonary embolism. A blood clot made its way into an artery in my lungs. After feeling horrible for four days, I went to the ER after taking a couple of conference calls and even took a team call while driving myself. At the time, I was working extreme hours, traveling for work and trying to show up 100% for my family while struggling through a second marriage. The pulmonary embolism was a wake-up call for me.
I took a four-month hiatus and hired a life coach and a personal trainer. I began to reshape what I wanted my life's narrative to be. But most importantly, I learned how to get off the hamster wheel and enjoy myself while setting the course on a new path. I eventually learned to have fun.
Here are three tips to focus on FUN:
- Freedom to Be You. Step back and take a close look at how you're spending your days. Are you living authentically, aligned with your values and working toward your purpose? Or are you keeping pace with a storyline dictated by others?
We all possess unique qualities and talents. Start thinking about what will free you from the expectations of others and move in a direction that’s right for you.
- Unleash Your Desires. What changes can bring you closer to freedom? Maybe you take an in-person job because you crave personal connection. Maybe you need to simplify your life — less clutter, less commitments, less noise. Or start your own business. Take that tango class!
Get specific on what you want your life to look like in the next year, five years and beyond. Clarity will help you take the next steps toward your goals and gain the courage to say "no" to anything that will lead you off course.
- Now or Never. Small, dedicated actions can move you forward. Devote 10 minutes a day to your new novel, updating your resume, or connecting with a loved one.
The life-threatening wake-up call reminded me to slow down, enjoy the moment and do what brings me joy.
You also have the power to change today. Don’t wait for that close call. Instead, take some time this summer to assess how you can get to more FUN and make each day count.
You got this.
Melanie is a certified high-performance coach and DSCL contributor. melaniesommercoaching.com
