The Best Time of Your Life

5-27-24

Two weeks ago, my son graduated from college with honors. It was an extraordinary and emotional day for us. As we watched him walk across that vast stage, we felt so proud of him and his achievements. 

A week later, we were jumping in the waves, walking on the beach together, enjoying the local cuisine. And, of course, taking half a terabyte of digital and mental photos that will last a lifetime.

Flying home, I reflected on the past week and told myself we had had the best time of our lives. Then I thought of that phrase, 'having best time of my life.' It's a concept that I've come to understand and appreciate through many of my previous experiences. I also imagined telling my younger self, 'You're gonna make it, you're ok now! Somehow, you overcome all your challenges. You're having the best time of your life!' Have you ever talked to your younger self? What would you like to say to them? Help them get to today.

Doesn't our older version do the same for us? What would my older self want to tell me today about "having the best time of my life" in the future? What would yours tell you? What top 3 areas would you like to live in a space where you're "having the time of your life?"

We tend to think that time is limitless. We will "have the time of our life" in the future, next year when the kids are older when we're not so busy. Big mistake! We put things off, dabble, procrastinate. Sometimes, we need to see how short our life is and how there's no replay, no Act II, and no rain check to redo our time here. How can we "have the best time of our life" within the time we have now?

Imagine if you could tap into the wisdom of your older, wiser self. What advice would they give you? What would they encourage you to focus on right now? They know you better than anyone. If we listen, we can discern our intuition's voice and our Creator's guiding us.

Maybe it would ask: How do you see yourself in the future? How does your life look right now? Are you living a fulfilled life that aligns with your values and brings you joy? Do you love what you do, and does it give you a sense of purpose? How are your relationships lately? How's your health? Your finances? And your Spiritual life? Are you taking time for yourself to recharge? Have you been celebrating your wins lately? Living a fulfilled life means finding balance and satisfaction in all these areas.

Our older self is more aligned with what our Creator wants for us. When looking for guidance, you can expect insights and wisdom from a place of experience and reflection. That voice of Truth offers us:

-Perspective: It will show you how to play the long game, look beyond the immediate challenges and setbacks, and focus on the bigger picture.

-Setting Goals based on your values and priorities and how to complete them. 

-Self-Reflection: It allows us to understand our strengths, learn from past mistakes, and continue growing and developing to help guide our future decisions and actions.

-Finding purpose: it can support you in discovering your purpose and living a fulfilling life. What will your life be about? What would you like others to say about you?

I believe that if our older version could tell us something today, they would say:

-Don't worry so much about how you look on the outside. Beauty is from within. Focus more on being beautiful and develop inner strength, resilience, and an excellent character. That will far outweigh and outlive external beauty.

-Don't worry about what others think. Be your authentic self. You'll be great at it. Embrace your skill set, talents, gifts, and experiences; these are your greatest assets for living your best life.

-Don't try to be perfect. It's exhausting! Nothing can ever be 100% perfect. Shoot for progress instead. Recognize and use your strengths excellently so they can elevate everything in your life. Embrace self-compassion. Remember, being against yourself won't improve you; it will only disempower and frustrate you more. 

-Don't compare yourself to anyone. Just as you cannot be someone else, nobody can be you. Live out of a place of confidence and authenticity. You're enough! Everyone's journey is different. Think of where you started and how far you've come!

-Stay healthy. Did you win if you achieved everything you're longing for at the expense of your health? Do what you know keeps you healthy. Do it for you and those you love.

-Keep learning and developing. Change is inevitable. Learning new strategies helps you stay current. You'll do better in every area of your life when you know better. 

-Make an impact & leave a legacy. It doesn't need to be cash. It could be something you leave in others. Use your gifts and what you know to help and bless others.

-Connect with your Creator. We are spiritual beings. Make peace with your spirituality; don't wait. Love who you are. Love others to the best of your ability. Forgive to live free from your past. Live with peace that surrounds you and an awareness of eternal love.

Stay open to what God will do in your life. His plans are much better than ours. You'll hear a whisper of what to do and where to go so you "have the best time of your life."

All my best,

Maria A. Mansfield

Author and Women's Certified Life Coach