Life is a precious gift, meant to be cherished and lived to the fullest. I’ve heard it said that “Life is not lost by dying! Life is lost by not living!!” In other words, it is not merely the passing of time that diminishes the quality of our lives, but rather our failure to embrace opportunities and live with purpose. In this fast-paced world, it is essential to break free from the mundane and seize every moment to create a life that brings us joy.
Over the past year, I’ve come to realize that the mediocre, pointless, non-productive life I was living wasn’t benefiting me, wasn’t benefiting my family, wasn’t benefiting my community, and it was not benefiting God. I was simply going through the motions. I felt as though I had limits, and I was in a position where I wasn’t going to change in any area of my life. I felt like my health was as good as it was going to get. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high risk of heart attack were just going to be factors that I lived with.
Furthermore, I became comfortable with the idea that the amount of money I was bringing in from being a teacher (married to a teacher) was going to be the norm. We weren’t going to have the big vacation trips, dependable cars, and the ability to repair certain parts of our home that needed attention. That’s the life we chose (teaching) because we have the heart to help children, so money was never that big of an issue. We were used to living paycheck to paycheck…and that’s just how it was going to be.
Add to that the fact that my relationship with my wife, family, friends, and God, were simply existing. They weren’t growing and prospering. There was not much effort put into them because I had no time…and when I did…I was usually so tired from putting out fires in the classroom or trying to scrounge up extra money by any means necessary to pay bills that I couldn’t put in the work to build those precious relationships.
Something had to give! I realized I needed a new mindset. I needed to make all of these areas a priority! I had to spend time rebuilding my health and wellness, my finances, and my relationships. I started by re-establishing communications with God. I began to seek His will for my life. I quickly realized that my current health situation (#MorbidlyObese) was holding me back from reaching my full potential. He needed me to be at top performance. The “temple” was lacking…’cause I was slacking! So I immediately began researching ways to get healthy (physically, mentally, and spiritually). I came across Andy Frisella’s “75 Hard Program”…and the rest was history.
Throughout this year-long process, I’ve learned some extremely valuable life lessons. One of the biggest realizations has been the fact that if we choose to remain in our mediocre and non-productive life…sadly, we’ll succeed in merely existing! BUT…if we strive to create the life God intends…wants…needs for us to live… we’ll succeed beyond our own comprehension. He’s not going to trust us with a fulfilling life if we are content with living an average life. We must be willing to take a chance on ourselves and embrace the idea of personal growth if we are going to live a fulfilling life.
How do we do that Mitch??? Let’s look at a few valuable steps we can take as we strive to embrace opportunities and live with a purpose and explore the importance of taking chances, embracing personal growth, and striving to live a life that truly fulfills us.
- Seize Opportunities and Take Chances:
Living life to the fullest means breaking free from our comfort zones and seizing opportunities as they come. It’s easy to get caught up in routines and fear of the unknown, but taking chances is the key to personal growth and fulfillment. By stepping outside our comfort zones, we expose ourselves to new experiences, people, and perspectives, which can enrich our lives in unimaginable ways. Whether it’s pursuing a new career, embarking on an adventure, or trying something entirely different, taking chances opens doors to new possibilities and allows us to discover our true potential.
- Embrace Personal Growth:
To live a life that brings us joy, we must prioritize personal growth. This involves constantly learning, evolving, and expanding our horizons. Each day offers opportunities for growth, whether it’s learning a new skill, reading a thought-provoking book, or engaging in meaningful conversations. When we invest in ourselves…in personal development… we gain valuable insights, become more adaptable, and develop the resilience needed to overcome challenges. Putting an emphasis on personal growth allows us to navigate life’s ups and downs with a positive mindset and empowers us to create the life we desire.
- Create a Life of Joy:
Living life to the fullest is synonymous with creating a life that brings us joy. It’s crucial to identify what truly makes us happy and pursue it wholeheartedly. This could mean spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies and passions, or cultivating meaningful relationships. Additionally, finding purpose and meaning in our daily lives can bring a profound sense of fulfillment. By aligning our actions with our values and priorities, we create a life that is authentic and fulfilling.
- Work Towards Your Dreams:
Living life to the fullest requires effort and determination. It’s not enough to merely dream; we must take action to turn our dreams into reality. This involves setting goals, creating a plan, and working diligently towards achieving them. It may require perseverance, resilience, and even sacrificing short-term comforts for long-term fulfillment. By busting our butts and putting in the necessary work, we create the life we want and deserve.
Through John 10:10, God tells us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
In this verse, Jesus speaks of the purpose of His coming—to offer abundant life to those who follow Him. It reminds us that life is not meant to be stolen or destroyed by fear, complacency, or negativity. Instead, through faith and following the teachings of Jesus, we can experience a life that is rich, meaningful, and overflowing with joy. It encourages us to embrace the fullness of life and not settle for less.
This scripture serves as a reminder that true fulfillment and a life lived to the fullest can be found in our connection with God, in pursuing His purpose for us, and in embracing the abundant life He offers.
Bottom Line Y’all…
Life is a beautiful gift from God that is meant to be lived to the fullest. It’s not about the passage of time but rather about seizing every opportunity, embracing personal growth, finding joy, and working towards our dreams. Let us remember that “Life is not lost by dying! Life is lost by not living!!” So, let’s break free from the ordinary, take chances, and create a life that brings us joy and fulfillment. Embrace each day with gratitude, and live with passion and purpose. The choice is ours—let’s make the most of it! Move Forward! Don’t Suck! Every Day!
~Mitch
Pivot Then Live It 
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