Good lives are created, not awaited”-Jonathon Fields

An author and speaker, Fields hooked me with that statement. Whatever verb you use: “create,” “author,” “design”- the mindset to make a better life happen is necessary for it actually to happen.

We are each gifted with some ability and talent to put to work. We have choices about how we employ those gifts. Fields say the more we work to employ them, the more we will be satisfied with our lives. He presents “Five Be’s” to help the listener remember

1. Be intentional

Created, not awaited. Get off the coach. Put down the game console. Write down some goals. Be in pursuit.

2. Be open

Open yourself up to new, different experiences. Try things out. Enter new groups. Be willing to experiment. Had a guy tell me once “if you are too cool to be a fool, you won’t ever have any fun.”

3. Be kind

Kindness attracts. Kind people are welcomed. Their generosity invites good. To be kind is good for your soul.

4. Be you

People get mired down in pursuit of a good life because they immobilize themselves with regret and negativity. If you remain discontented with yourself, it will be hard to get out of the ditch. Focus on the strengths you have. Believe in the package you are. Use what you have to make your life what you want it to be.

5. Be still

Most often my inspiration comes from reflection. Seeking quiet. Thanking God for his favor. Asking for and trusting some forces offer help and they will come if I will listen. It works.

A personal inspiration I encountered years ago:

“Until one is committed there is hesitancy. The chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.

Concerning all acts of creation there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:

All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no one could have dreamed would have come his way”. W.N. Murray

Commit to creating a better life. Get to work on it. You’ll be surprised at the result.