Three ways to simplify your life

What is holding you back from living your best life?

Go ahead, I’m waiting…

Just the other day, during one of my introspective moments, I realized that there are three things that often hold us back:

1. Fear

2. Regret

3. Expectations

These things are like talons that pierce our desires and happiness, and keep us locked to the past and to the impossible.

Even when we promise ourselves that we will do better, we may struggle with the same issues with no progress.

Have you had moments when you try to justify and camouflage your fears and regret, but they refuse to be covered?

You probably have.

Right now, I want us to really think about the things holding us back.

Take a moment to look back on your major decisions and goals, and examine your reasons for falling back or avoiding them.

You may be surprised to find out how we complicate things.

I once heard something along the lines that —

‘Life is simple if only we will let it be…’

Simple is not the same as easy. Simple here is a recognition that our lives work better when we:

• Don’t hold on to past mistakes or regrets
• Forgive
• Don’t take ourselves too seriously
• Love fully and unconditionally
• Do the things we’re good at and things that matter to us irrespective of what others say
• Don’t pander to human applause

In the spirit of simplifying our lives, here are three things we need to start doing.

Live. Laugh. Love.

Three tips to help you live your best life

To live an authentic and Christ-centered life, you have to learn to:

1. Live, don’t just exist

There is no promise of a life without pain, mistakes, or temptation but avoiding these things means we are barely living.

“I’m not perfect. I’m never going to be. And that’s the great thing about living the Christian life and trying to live by faith, you’re trying to get better every day. You’re trying to improve.” 

Tim Tebow

• Live a life that is true to God’s plan.

Use the gifts you have been given. Consider your purpose and the things you should be focusing on. Remember that God made you for a reason. You were fearfully and wonderfully made to achieve great things on earth.  Jeremiah 29:11

• Learn to stay in your lane and pursue the right passions/interests. 

Here’s a simple truth, just because someone else did it and succeeded doesn’t mean you should.

One thing I’ve learned is that our experiences and character prepare us for the life God has for us, so imagine towing another’s path, we can’t possibly get to the right destination. So, the next time you want to do something just because your friend, Dad or spouse did it, I hope you will remember these words.

• Make the most of your present 

Don’t live in the past or future but squarely in the present. The past is there as your rearview mirror, a reference point but not your focal point. Keep your eyes on the work.

Don’t hold off starting things you’ve always wanted to do, hoping for a perfect time in the future?

There is no perfect tomorrow so you can stop waiting and get on with your work. I probably needed these words more than you did.

Chioma, get to work!?

 

2. Laugh

• Run from a “pride-full” life

I’m sure you have a few tales of moments when you let pride get the best of you. I certainly do.

Be intentional about living a selfless life, and don’t think of yourself higher than you ought. Enjoy your life and find happiness in your today.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Proverbs 16:18

• Be able and willing to laugh at yourself

Laughter is good for the soul. It is a wine for thirsty lips and a balm for sore joints.

I’m a great advocate for laughing as often and as much as you can.

Many times, we take our lives and situations so seriously that we fail to see any humor. We are more likely to be embarrassed or ashamed. You tripped and fell while walking down the road, laugh about it. Did you make a mistake during a speech? Laugh, it’s really not the end of the world.

• Always look for the positives

Living a happier life will mean being optimistic and looking for the positives. It may be corny to say this but there is usually a sliver of light at the end of the tunnel’ and sunshine after the rain.

As Christians, we should be quick to consider what God is saying about our situation. See your experience as a lesson, for you and for others, and use this as your springboard to a better life.

 

3. Love

Love is the most powerful weapon known to man. Only love can cover a multitude of sins, it brings everlasting peace and can ensure a lifetime of happiness.

• Love God with everything you have and deny him, nothing. 

Did you know that Christianity is one religion that was founded on love?

God loved us so much that he gave his son to redeem us. He also told us to be able to live the sort of life his son lived on earth, we will need to love him and seek his will.

Are you loving God with your heart, your mind, and your strength?

• Love yourself.

You have to love yourself in spite of your mistakes, your perfections, and all the many regrets that have plagued you. See, the undeniable truth is that we will never be perfect (at least, while on earth) or do everything we should. More often than not, we will annoy ourselves, do stupid things, and generally act in a manner contrary to what we know is right.

This means we have to ‘be kind to ourselves, we have to be willing to forgive ourselves, and rather than focus on the wrongs, look to create more rights.

 

• Love others

Love need not be reciprocal.

But needs to be unconditional and abundant.

Being able to love (the unlovable, those who curse and persecute you) is an amazing way to grow your peace and joy. It will mean letting go of hurts, keeping no record of wrongs, believing in others, and being good regardless of how you’re treated.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.”

Isaiah 1:17

How to live your best life

So, there you have it, three words for an abundant life:

Live (don’t just exist)

Laugh

Love

I pray that the good Lord will be with you every step of the way. Amen