Do you ever find yourself feeling sort of empty inside, like you're missing out on something bigger but you don't know what it is? Do you feel depressed? Lonely? Like time is passing you by? Do you feel like the excitement for life has run out or is wasted on the young?
I know I'm sounding a little like the beginning of an infomercial, but if you can identify with any of these questions then I'd like to give you a little perspective that can have you rekindling that excitement and zest for life and bring you a deep sense of fulfillment.
First, imagine a bird's eye picture of yourself. Now in your mind draw 3 rings around yourself, the first one really big, the second one smaller and inside of the first ring, and the third one even smaller and inside of you.
These 3 rings represent the 3 areas of fulfillment and by taking a look at each of the rings you can identify what you can do to feel happy and fulfilled. The first ring I call the Long-Term Ring. The second ring I call the Short-Term Ring, and the third ring I call the Inner Ring.
Area #1: The Long-Term Ring. The first area you want to look at is the broad picture of your life. What are your goals? What is your purpose or mission in life? Are you creating a legacy for yourself? If not, start looking at what you could do to start working on the BIG PICTURE of your life. What can you do for others? How can you leave a lasting influence in this world?
People who live their life with a sense of fulfillment are Purpose-Driven. They go after what they want and they create a clear vision of the life they want to design. Not sure what your purpose is? First of all, you don't "find" your purpose. You create it. Nobody's purpose in life is to be the doughnut guy. Yet many people settle for a mediocre purpose. Just take what inspires you and figure out how you can set goals around it and make it BIG.
Area #2: The Short-Term Ring. Are you having fun? Are you using your free time in the day for REAL recreational activities, activities that re-create you? Or are you just filling that time up with distraction activities like watching TV or surfing the internet? The short-term ring is about making your immediate NOW better and more fun. Take up a scuba diving classes, wake boarding classes, or go running by the lake. Anything that leaves you feeling renewed and refreshed, more filled with life.Even just going outside to study for your class can make your short-term ring better.
Area #3: The Inner Ring. Finally, how much chaos is there going on inside of you at the moment?The inner ring is about finding peace. Take time to go for a relaxing walk, sit down and meditate, or even go see a therapist if there are any deep emotional wounds that need healing.
By focusing on each of these areas and improving them you will be able to experience a deeper sense of constant and long-lasting fulfillment.
I will also add that martial arts is a great way to bring fulfillment to area #2, as well as create the focus and inner strength to achieve fulfillment in areas 1 and 3.
Sifu Forrest
Sifu Forrest Caudill
Forrest is a certified instructor in two martial arts and runs the Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do school in Austin, Texas. For more resources and information check out his website at http://martialartsaustintx.com/.
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