January is the perfect month to reflect, recalibrate and take a fresh look at where we go from here. Let’s reflect on the times for a moment.
No doubt about it. These are different times.
Lone Biker Reflecting On 2014
Seems everyone is rushing to get somewhere or to achieve something. Add in an overload of negative media, unlimited internet access, fierce competition, a pop culture gone wild, a weakened economy, politicians who lie and, it becomes almost impossible to hear yourself think let alone try to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.
Here’s a commentary, attributed to various authors, on our times worth noting as we reflect and think about where to focus in this new year.
Something To Ponder – “The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.”
“We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.
We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.”
So what to do about what seems to be crazy times?
LifeTip: Focus on what matters. Do what counts. Cherish your loved ones with all your heart.
Doing what you like to do really matters. It’s good for your soul. It helps you find purpose and fulfillment in your life. Get totally focused on what matters to you and your family in 2014. As the various authors went on to say in this commentary:
“Remember to spend time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent. Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.” – Click here for attributions.
The first month of every year is the perfect time to recalibrate.
I like the way author, Marina Theodotou, spells it out about recalibration. “While hindsight is usually 20/20 she says, what would you have handled differently given the chance?”
What would you have handled differently given the chance last year?
“Time is our most scarce and valuable resource. We need to recalibrate our thoughts and actions so that we can use time well.”
“What would you tweak to reach a balance? Less work, more rest? Less Facebook, more books? Less worry, more meditation? Of course, whatever works well, you probably will chose to do more of. Whatever it is, now is the time to decide how much of your time you will spend on what.” Great advice here from Marina.
LifeTip: Simplify…Get rid of clutter. Get rid of debt.
There’s way too much unnecessary noise and clutter around us in my opinion. Much of it totally unnecessary. Consider transforming your life in 2014 to exactly the low-clutter, minimal distraction life you want.
Want to really improve your life? Do everything you can to pay off consumer debt and stay out of debt. Correspondingly, researching some of the different debt consolidation options out there can help you to manage your personal finances in a more efficient way. Although right now, you might be wondering, ‘what is debt consolidation?’ there is no telling what the future might hold and therefore the sooner you can work out a repayment plan for any outstanding debts, the better your chances of getting your debts paid off in a timely manner. Besides, nothing seems to kill life’s beautiful moments and one’s dreams like having too much debt. It’s an action strangler. It’s a freedom killer. Bottom line, if you can’t afford it, you can’t buy it. Accumulating massive debt is a surefire way to put yourself in a bad place. Click here to learn about the basics of getting out of debt.
So, what’s the best way to recharge?
LifeTip: Stop running. Slow down. Refresh. Go on a road trip.
There’s nothing like a motorcycle ride to recharge.
Hey, I understand that one has to work beyond their limits sometimes and we can even burn out from time to time but fact is, we need to learn how to recharge.
Learn to walk away. Ground yourself by taking a breather. Get out on your motorcycle. Feel the wind. Enjoy the freedom of the road.
Commit to getting really focused on those actions or things that charge you up. Avoid all the people, things and events that bring you down. Take a mental day off and do nothing for 24 hours. You’ll be amazed how refreshed and recharged you will feel.
The Big Tip…Pandemic or no Pandemic — Release your adventurous spirit…but, be safe out there. Wear a mask. Practice Social Distancing.
As adventure author, Jon Krakauer, said in his book, “Into The Wild” — “Nothing kills our adventurous spirit like being stuck to a life of security, conformity and conservatism. It may feel good, it may even give you peace of mind but in reality, one’s total focus on a secure future numbs or even kills our innate need for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” So true…so true!
Ride Safe Out There.
Motorcycle Marc
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