As stated so perfectly in this Clarity on Fire post, I often find myself getting stuck in the daily grind and then eventually asking what is the point of all of this. That kind of thinking eventually leads to the bajillion dollar question – what is the point of life? Putting aside the broad and generic responses, I find this question really hard to answer. I mean, it’s pretty much as deep as it gets!
But what if you approached the question from a different angle. Instead of asking what is the point of life, ask yourself what is not the point of my life. The addition of that one word changes everything. We all inherently know what is not the point of our lives, but when you don’t frame the question in that way, the answer seems unattainable.
Anyway, after reading Kristen’s post, I opened up the Notes app on my phone and started typing furiously. You guys know I’m a pen and paper kind of girl, however, I want to have my list handy whenever I need an extra boost. It serves as a great reminder of all the things (big and small) I really need to let go of (if I haven’t already).
With that, here’s my “what is not the point of life” list…
- Being perfect
- Having everyone like/love you
- Climbing the career ladder
- Staying inside my comfort zone
- Being super fit
- Being everything to everyone
- Playing the comparison game
- Holding grudges
- Being right (and wanting to prove it)
- Caring about what everyone else thinks about your decisions/actions
- Pretending to be someone you’re not
- Being afraid to make mistakes
- Having a super clean and put together home
- Holding on to the past
…and I’m sure this list will continue to grow over time.
It’s ironic how we all know what our list looks like even if we don’t put pen to paper. But when it comes down to what we choose to focus on, it’s often those very things that end up draining our energy.
I’m no exception to the above. That is why I’m going to try my very best to let go of everything that is not the point of my life and hopefully open myself up to everything that is!
How’s that for a deep end of the week post?!
Happy Friday!
What’s on your “this is not the point of my life” list?
it is so harddddddd for me to just say **** it and move on. it bugs me but im learning how to not let small OCD tendencies get me.
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Virtual Coffee Date
Much easier said than done for sure. I think it becomes easier once you set boundaries of what the **** it things are though.
It’s the hardest thing in the world for me to live by some what I think is the healthy, perfect standard of what “being healthy” is. I hate it. I hate that I won’t let that go and as much as I try to just say “Look at how far you’ve come and how great you are now!” I always ALWAYS compare myself to other people at the gym or yoga or where ever. I’m still working on it, but I know this is not the point of life. :\
I’m in the same boat. Although it’s getting easier as i get older.
This is such a great way to look at it! Honestly, I’ve never really thought of it that way but now I feel like I need to make my own “What life is not” list, haha 🙂
I think you should too! It’s a great exercise in perspective if nothing else.
Such a great post! I was thinking about the same things a few months ago. I totally agree on all accounts, when I’m old and gray, I will not care about the career ladder, or perfection in other areas. It’s all about the relationships 🙂
Most definitely is about relationships! Could not agree more.
I like it! I’ve pondered over the question many times, asking myself what is the meaning of life. But I’m never thought to think of it in this way, because I can easily answer what is NOT the point of life. Thanks for opening my eyes to this angle!
Glad it helped, Ami. 🙂
beautiful post!
http://www.studentswife.com
http://www.studentswife.com
http://www.studentswife.com
Thank you!
Very good way to look at things.
Thanks! Definitely gave me a new perspective.
I think your list is pretty similar to what mine would be. And yes, although I know these things are NOT the point of life, sometimes I still let them drain all my energy! But this post is a good reminder to learn to let those things go that just don’t matter in the grand scene of life.
Reshma recently posted…December | small goals
I think it’s ok if they get to you sometimes and not all the time. We are human after all!
Hope you’re doing well!! 🙂 🙂
I love this Parita! I agree whole heartedly with your list! So many of those truly resonate with me that I’m not even sure I need to make my own list. Sometimes I think you can read my mind 😉
Kacy recently posted…FriYAYS #3 (and a GPSmyCity Giveaway)