The Rocking Chair Check
I get it- the world can be an extremely challenging place. There are always lots of decisions that we need to make. Decisions about work and our careers. Raising our kids (or even deciding whether to have them or not). Health and fitness. Add on top of all of this - past regrets, resentments, anger, sadness, depression, anxiety, addictions, you name it- it can get really messy.
I recently ran into a Palliative Care Nurse that I haven't seen in years and we got onto the topic of what is important in life. HAHAHA...those of you who know me know that I LOVE this kind of convo. ;)
So, I want to know, what is important to you? Is it to make more money and have more stuff? Is it to make sure your relationships are loving and kind? To be healthy? Is it to get your Masters degree and be at the top of your class? Is it to be right and to win every argument? Is it to buy that very expensive property in the Caribbean you have been yearning for? Is it to be the boss, to make millions, to be fitter and smarter than ever before? What is it that is so important to you?? Take a pen and jot a few things down.
Now you see, I believe that you are extremely blessed. You have a computer, a smart phone, great shoes, a warm bed and you are more than likely more evolved emotionally than your parents were at your age. You have food, you travel, you read, you are educated. Your basic needs are met. So then what??? What becomes important after that?
My Palliative Care Nurse friend said that in the 2 decades she has been nursing, she has never heard one person on their death bed say:
-I wish I had worked more
-I wish I had made more money
-I wish I had bought more stuff
-I wish I had one more tummy tuck before I got to this place in life
Most of the people that are on their way out of this physical world say things like:
-I wish I had spent more time working on my relationships with my kids/friends/spouse/lover/parents
-I wish I had told her how much I love her
-I wish I had taken better care of my heart and my body
-I wish I had chosen to let things go so that I wasn't so sad while I lived my life
Life is meant to be completely enjoyed. COMPLETELY. Sure, we need some money to enjoy life- to travel, eat, and provide beautiful experiences for our kids, ourselves, and our pets. (I love dogs). Money is good- and we do need it. We also need relationships, support, love, kindness and health.
And....Experiences will always be remembered more than things.
The Rocking Chair Check will help guide you to your deepest desires and your sweetest life. It will allow you to see clearly what is important so that you can make sure that what you are currently doing in life matches up with your desires. Living in this world without regret and remorse.
Here is how to do it:
1. Look at the above picture and imagine you curled up, comfy in one of the chairs.
2. When you are sitting in this rocking chair- do you want to be there alone? Or would you like to have someone in the other chair beside you? (could be dog, hubby, dad, wife, lover, best friend, son, whomever).
If you want someone in that chair go ahead and visualize them there. If not- that's ok too.
3. Take 3 deep breaths. Inhale through your nose, exhale through your mouth. Letting go of any anxiety you might be feeling or resistance to this exercise. Stay with me.
4. Now, ask yourself....."as I am sitting in this chair, when I am 80, what do I really want? What does my heart desire?"
Then just relax and feel the love come in- the answers will flood over you and you will know exactly what you want. What is important to you at your deepest core. There is no right or wrong. Just allow the answers to come.
Write these things down and revisit them often. Looking carefully to see if your daily actions match with these desires.
If you have a clear, authentic vision of what you really want- you can always get it. ALWAYS. However, you have to do the work and live life intentionally. Nothing comes willy nilly. ;)
Sending you so much love,
Diana