Creating the Life You Want

Barbara Barr Bengen

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” —George Eliot

Do you ever feel like you get so caught up in living life by default that you forget to ask yourself this important question: What do I really want my life to be like? Sometimes it is difficult to remember that we are actually the artist of our own life. Sometimes, life gets in the way and we forget that we get to choose the colors, the medium, the canvas, and the subject of our masterpiece, the one life we get to live.

Like a work of art, the masterpiece of our life doesn’t happen overnight. It takes study, practice, acquiring needed supplies, and, most of all, time. We didn’t get where we are now overnight. We can’t change where we are overnight. Creating the life you want takes love, patience, and nurturing.

It isn’t selfish to take time for yourself. Actually, time for yourself is necessary, especially if you are designing the life you want. Meditation or journaling may help guide you in creating the life you want. Others may want to develop a “bucket list” or set goals for travels, a lifestyle, and the things that bring you joy in life. What counts is discovering the life you want to have.

So, take time to nurture yourself and invest in your growth. Find those things that bring you joy and make them a part of your life. Do what you can to eliminate or change those things that are stressful or unpleasant for you. Real change happens when you let go of those things that do not support you or the life you want. Stop living by default and create the life you want. As J.P. Morgan said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” —John Pierpont “J.P.” Morgan

In March, the Wellness Integrated Network of SaddleBrooke is offering the following classes:

Zen Meditation (complimentary)

Each Friday morning in the Agate Room of the MountainView Arts and Crafts Complex

8:30 a.m.: Instruction for new attendees

9 a.m.: Meditation

New class members can register at reikinaturalhealingus@gmail.com.

First Degree Reiki (12-hour class)

Reiki is a Japanese stress-reduction and relaxation technique that promotes healing. It can be easily learned by anyone.

Friday and Saturday, March 14 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the home of Patricia Gould

Register at reikinaturalhealingus@gmail.com.

Barbara Barr Bengen will resume classes at a later date.

The Wellness Integrated Network of SaddleBrooke offers small group classes on a variety of wellness topics and modalities. For more information, email winsbaz@gmail.com or call 520-399-7400.