Are you truly living?

One of America's most beloved films is the Shawshank

Redemption. In the film, the main characters are discussing their dreams and the ultimate certainty of being imprisoned. During their discussion, one of the actors says, "It comes to a simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying."  I remind myself of that statement when life presents me with challenges and difficulties. The hard truth is that we all have a choice - either we choose to embrace life with optimism and hope, or we choose to live life with pessimism and a sense of impending doom.

Think of it this way - if you knew without a doubt that you only had a number of days to live, what would you do with your time? Would you wallow in grief and waste your time worrying about tomorrow? Or would you do everything within your means to live out your time in vitality and joy? For instance, were you aware just hours or days before the final stage of death that people are often overcome with a burst of energy, a feeling of rejuvenation, a strong appetite and a willingness to engage those around them? Why wait until you are dying to live your life to the fullest? You have the choice to live a joy-filled life - but it is up to you to pursue happiness every minute of every hour.

From time to time, many of you may have asked yourself, "Am I living the life that makes me happy?"  I want you to turn that question around and ask yourself this: "Am I truly making the blessings in my life count to be happy?" When faced with a different perspective, you begin to realize that life is not conditioned to "make" you happy; rather, it is up to you to find the blessings in your life so you can be happier, be more engaged and live your life to the best of your ability. You choose the state of your own perception - no one else can do that for you.

It should not take an act of God to get you motivated enough to spot the beauty and joy in your life. Too many times, individuals get caught up in the doom and gloom of the world around themselves and refuse to see the worth of their own lives and the contribution they can make just being who they are. Do not be the person who stays in a perpetual state of distress. You have so many opportunities to live an abundant and joy-filled life when you remove yourself from your own negativity. For once, I want you to take advice from your own heart: "Stop regretting, stop hurting, stop being pessimistic… be grateful, be loving, and be hopeful.

The world will not end today. Life goes on and you are a critical part of it. Practice creating happiness by rediscovering small joys in your life. Transform your perception and reengage those around you with unconditional love. After all, you only do have one life to live - might as well make the best out of it. Get busy living or get busy dying. The choice is yours.

Joan Marie Ambrose -- Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker

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