Live Well,Live Real



I have been wondering for a while,why is it that the notion of 'well-being' has suddenly found an important place in our lives?

We all want to live a healthy, free and fulfilling life.Yet,it seems like a distant dream.





Almost every magazine, internet website,television channel, is buzzing with ways and ideas of 'how to lead a healthy' life.Cities are bustling with yoga,dance,fitness and meditation classes.Spirituality is the new king.


With all these avenues aiding us,we might and are able to lead a physically healthy life and they do put the mind at ease.Yet,this isn't long-lasting.

It seems like we have managed to create an illusory world for ourselves; where if you are not sleeping well,just meditate or worst, pop a pill. If you are angry or irritated,just meditate and it will all go away.


If you're unhappy with something, just accept it and keep going on because you 'can't afford to actually do what you want'.

It's all much too convenient.

Convenience, doesn't have a soul. It's just a plain simple cardboard box,in which we go on stuffing the inner most parts of our life.

We can decorate it how ever we like,just so it looks good.We don't care what's stored inside.

However,the notion of well-being is very intricately linked to certain basic things that we deem unimportant.

Ideas about our own self : Who am I?
What kind of person do I want to be?
What do I like?
What is my worth in my own eyes? 

I am the one living my own life.Therefore, my ideas and beliefs about my own self are very important.

But,we find it much easier to get ourselves validated by people around us. For us to believe we are smart,talented, beautiful etc, we need someone to tell us.

And then,our thirst for more increases-setting of a cycle of fluctuating self beliefs and external validation, for restoring our balance.

The fact is,our well-being depends on what we think of ourselves.Because we are the 'beings', who need to be 'well'.







Our needs : In this glittering world,our wants are the only accessories that will ensure we shine bright.



Well,the human soul wasn't meant to be adorned with ornaments. It was and is,meant to experience. For that,it needs to be nurtured and cared for.We may have a palatial house,swanky cars,a high positioned job. But if those were the true parameters for a happy life; depression, anxiety,anger,broken relationships wouldn't have found a way into our lifestyle. 

Fulfilling the wants for material things doesn't ensure a rich inner life.

The want for a happy life,is connected to the fulfillment of basic emotional needs like love,care,concern and support.


Before we expect others to that for us,we must start doing this for our own selves.

The more we compare our lives with that of others,we disrespect ourselves more.As they say,different strokes for different folks!Everyone has a different purpose and path in life.People may be better,richer,smarter etc,but they can never be you.



How much can one do? : We are running. It's a mad race. Sadly,there isn't a concrete finish line. 
Enough is not enough and there is no one ,who can judge this better for our own selves,than our own self. 

Thus, we need to listen to our mind and body.If need be,readjust our priorities to let ourselves breathe.


Make the time : Our own goals, desires,relationships are important.Pursuing them, doesn't make one selfish. Somebody or the other,will always be a little less satisfied with what we do and how we do it. 

It's better to ensure that that someone, is not 'you'.



And we will never have the time because time too,is running.We will always have to 'make time'. And when we see the results of those little efforts; the pain and the discomfort will all be worth it.

Some things don't promise us anything more than just a 'feel good factor'. Perhaps, that's the only thing we lack in our constantly buzzing lives. We all deserve a little break!

   






Take responsibility : Not everything has to be done. And if it has to be,then we should be able to take responsibility for our own actions.



We love to play games like, 'passing the buck' or 'hide and seek' ,to avoid taking the onus of what's happening in our lives.

We think things 'happen to us' ,because its convenient.

The existential fact, will always remain that all choices are for us to make.

If I choose to take a high paying job that eats up my free time,family time and leads me to neglect my health; I made the choice.The job didn't change, because it saw me sitting on the hot seat.



We are all given a certain range of choices.Whatever we choose to do,we just need to be a little mindful of them.

Some choices are tough,some are easy,some are unwanted and some are delayed.But,they are there. 

For every given situation,we can only choose what fits best!


Relationships matter : There's only a limited period of time for which we can take our loved ones for granted.Parents,children,siblings,friends-they all matter.


Healthy external relationships are vital for the feeling of fulfillment to settle in.In essence,our lives are inter-twined.We are together for a reason.

And attaining that reason requires time and nurturing.The value of  passing 'I love you','I miss you,' surprises,gifts etc. are far deeper than what we can see. Just being together in all times,makes life so much worthwhile!



Change is the only constant : No sunrise is the same.The sooner we accept that,the better it will be. Yes,we go through all sorts of phases.

We feel life is unfair,or we haven't got our due.But, it's not going to be forever.

We just need to be patient and keep the fuel of hope burning.


Learn to appreciate : For every 2 unhappy people,there is one happy person..somewhere! 

Instead of focusing on what we don't have or what we are not; it's alright to take a break, to appreciate what we have ,what we have earned and who we are.
And even when we see something that we like or admire in someone,we must appreciate it! Not because it should be done or it's socially appropriate.


Appreciation brings with itself 'desires'.The desire to be good,to be better,to experience, explore and achieve something new!

Keep learning! : Life is actually too short to wait for the 'right time'.We must observe,explore,meet new people,learn new things! It doesn't matter if we are good or bad.What matters is,that everyday we strive to come closer to our own self!



Eat well and Stay fit! : Ha!ha!I couldn't resist mentioning this teeny-weeny fact! All will be well if we get our basics right! And food and exercise are the foundation of a long and healthy life!

It's very convenient for us to ignore our health owing to lack of time and pressure of work etc. Well,everything is connected! Our body-our responsibility and we will always have to make time! 


Happiness is a state.It's an outlook.But more than that,we should try and be content,satisfied with who we are,where we are and what we have.


That's what 'being' 'well' is all about.It just means "I am satisfied with what I am and the things around me".

It doesn't mean being complacent. We can always want more,need more,strive for more. But a little stability, goes a long way.

Then,it also means "I am mindful of my desires and have the patience and will to achieve them".

Eventually,we all realize that we cannot compartmentalize life in lists and bullet points.It will always be full of twists and turns and it's own zig-zag patterns! We need to keep seizing the day and choosing our own designs and patterns! 
                                               
At the end of a long hard day, if we are able to sleep peacefully and wake up fresh, we can be rest-assured that we are living well.. :)




And you can find more such articles on https://www.rewardme.in/health !



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