“Everything will line up perfectly when knowing and living the truth becomes more important than looking good.” – Alan Cohen

Before we can dive into living a meaningful life, it all has to start with who we want to be. Only then will we be closer to authenticity. Some of us spend hours, days, months, YEARS trying to figure out who we are. Through each new experience we slowly begin to learn what makes us tick, our likes, our dislikes, what to stay away from, who to surround ourselves with, the list goes on and on. And while all of that is really valuable, and important, I’d like to offer a new perspective.

Who do you want to be?

Close your eyes for a moment and take a few deep breaths. No really, try it.

Picture your future self. The self that is living the life that you have always dreamed of.

• Where are you?
• Where do you live? The city? Countryside? Ocean?
• What do you notice around you? Look at the vivid details.
• What is your home like?
• Who is in your life? Do you have a partner? A family? Any pets? What about your closest friends?
• Look at yourself, look into your eyes.
• What do you look like? Notice the details.
• Are you young or old?
• What is your body like? Your health?
• Notice the energy you radiate.
• What kind of person are you? Creative? Technical? Nurturing? Intellectual?
• Most importantly, how do you feel?  Are you happy? Peaceful? Confident? Sexy?

These are all important messages that your body, mind and soul are telling you.

Does the life you live today mirror the life you want for yourself?

From this point forward, hold on to this vision you see of yourself, and every time you are faced with making a choice that does not line up with these images, take a moment to pause and make a mindful decision. This is something I learned to do myself, and remind myself everyday now. Nobody’s perfect, so don’t beat yourself up if you sometimes fail.

For example, you have a choice of eating an ice cream or sticking to your healthy diet. Remember your visualization and make your choice in line with that. Or you are pressured by your family to have a career you have no interest in? Make a choice that lines up with who you want to be. It’s important for living your life with a purpose. It’s essential.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the life you saw. Let me know in the comments below or send me an email at lessoftheexcess at gmail dot com.

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