40 Ways to Feel More Alive

8/13/2019 40 Ways to Feel More Alive

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40 Ways to Feel More Alive

ByLori Deschene

I dont believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive.

~Joseph Campbell

As I write this, I am two hours away from my first weekly acting class in Los Angeles. Ive been here for almost two years no w,and though I loved Community Theater as a kid, I never so much as researched acting classes until a couple weeks back.

I frequently said I wanted to do it, along with painting classes, which Im starting next week, but I always made excuses not tostart either.

I was too busy. I didnt have enough money. I didnt have the time. I wouldntbe good enough.Id feel uncomfortable. I mightnot enjoy it. I dont like commitment. It wouldnt lead anywhere.

The list went on and on, but I realized the last two were the big ones for me. I chronically avoid commitment because I associatethat with hindering my freedom. (What if I decide last-minute I want to go somewhere or do something else?)

Also, I hesitate to give large amounts of time to hobbies I have no intention of pursuing professionally.

I realized last month, however, that I want to prioritize more of the things that make me feel passionate and excitedand not justoccasionally, but regularly.
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I dont know if these classes are leading anywhere. I just know I feel in love with thepossibilities Im creatingnotpossibilities for growth tomorrow; possibilities for joy today.

Thats what it means to really feel aliveto be so immersed in the passionate bliss of this moment that you dont think aboutyesterday or tomorrow. You just enjoy what youre doing and love every piece of it.

If youre looking to feel that sense of exhilaration but dont know where to start, you may find these ideas helpful:

SAY SOMETHING YOUVE BEEN MEANING TO SAY

1. Tell someone how you really feel about theminstead of waiting because youre scared.

2. Tell someone what you really want and needinstead ofbuilding up resentment.

3. Share your fears publicly, in a blog post for example, and ask the community to keep you accountable in overcoming them.

4. Tell a friend your greatest dream, and then ask them to hold you accountable in pursuing it.

5. Admit to a friend how you really feel about how you spend your timethen brainstorm about ways to improve it.

6. Introduce yourself to someone youve been dying to meet, even if you feel nervous.

7. Ask someone whos done what you want to do for advice and encouragement.

8. Tell your boss what you can doinstead of wondering if youll ever move forward professionally.

9. Or tell your boss his services are no longer neededthen finally start pursuing your passion.

10. Tell yourself the truth instead of lying to yourselfabout the changes you want to make in your life.

TRY SOMETHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO TRY
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11. Sign up for a class to learn a skillyouve always thought would be fun.

12. If you cant afford a class, look on Craigslist for free events related to that interest.

13. Ask a friend to teach you to do something you dont know how to doand offer to teach them something else in return.

14. Take that new class at your gyminstead of worrying that you wont be able to keep up.

15. Buy a new or used instrumentand look on for instructional videos on YouTube.

16. Think of something youd enjoy creatinga blanket, a song, or a small piece of furnitureand then do some researchtoday to take the first step in doing it.

17. Write a blog post or take some photosand submit them to your favorite website.

18. Invite a few of your friends to play a sport youve always wanted to try, even if you fear youll seem uncoordinated.

19. Blast your favorite song and try a dance style youve alwaysadmired.Nothing makes you feel alive like getting yourblood pumping!

20. Make a list of things you think youd enjoy,and then pick one youve never done to try this weekend.

GO SOMEWHERE YOUVE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO


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21. Plan a vacation to that destination youve always dreamed about visiting.

22. If you cant afford that, researchcheap ways to travelstaying in hostels, volunteering abroad, or transporting someoneelses car, for example.

23. Issue yourself a life ticket. According toTiny Buddha contributor Jamie Hoang,we find ways to pay tickets when we getthem because we have to. Think of travel in that same wayand be resourceful to make it happen.

24. Take a weekend road tripto somewhere close youve always wanted to visit.

25. Write down your three favorite hobbies and for each, a place youve always wanted to try (i.e.: a beautiful beach anhour away for surfing). Plan to go this weekend.

26. Invite friends to a restaurant, bar, or other establishment youve wanted to try, but have avoided in favor or familiarity.(Once you invite other people, youll be less inclined to change your mind last-minute!)

27. If youve avoided going to a new spot because its expensive, start a fun night savings jar today, and make trying thatplace a priority.

28. Make a list of fun staycation ideas (for daytrips in your area).Schedule at least two of them for the next month.

29. If theres a conference youve always wanted to attend, book your ticket for next year, or see if you canvolunteerthereto get free or discounted attendance.

30. Plan some type of creativity-driven travel projectonce a week or even month, take photos, draw, or write in a new spotyouve wanted to visit

DO SOMETHING YOU THOUGHT YOU COULDNT DO
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