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Blowing the candle and writing a wish

Today marks the start of a new year in my life. It is a day where I look back and embrace the 23 years I have lived and look forward to the many more years to come. Indeed life is short and all of our days are numbered. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the ebb and flows of our lives without exploring what awaits us outside of our daily routines.

To ensure that I give meaning to my life every year on the day of birthday I write a bucket list/ wish list- a list of all the things I would want to experience and do. Generally a bucket list is written for a lifetime, but it is highly advisable to set goals to experience and accomplish on a smaller scale (i.e daily, monthly or annually). The reason being that we cannot wait for the right moment to experience life, we have to create the right moments our selves. It is possible to experience everything the world has to offer, but if we do not make the conscious effort to experience them, we will be left empty.

A wise man once said, if it isn’t written, it does not exist. When putting pen to paper to express our goals, dreams, wants and desires we put power and meaning into those words and ensure that we act on it. So by writing down our wish for the year, we ensure greater satisfaction in our lives.

So I task you to a little activity. Tomorrow marks a new day in your life. It may or may not be your birthday day, but it is a new day nonetheless. Take advantage of the new opportunity that lies before you. Think about what it is you would want to do with your life to surprise yourself. Be courageous and spontaneous and throw caution to the wind. Do yourself a favor and stop being overly cautious and afraid. Unveil the wild bold adventurous person you hide away. Make a wish in your head and write it down and make sure you accomplish these simple courageous acts. In a years time you can look back at your life with fewer regrets.

It only takes one simple act to bring about mountains of satisfaction in your life. For example, travel alone and experience the fear and exhilaration when adapting to a new surrounding. Make friends with an enemy- let go of your feud and experience how it feels to turn hatred into love. Say no to something or someone without giving an apology or reason- experience what true liberation feels like. These are simple choices you can plan to make in your life. You may wish to go skydiving, get married, buy a house, start a business, and get a new hair cut or run that marathon. At the end of the day, just plan to do something new, something exciting and something bold.

So ask yourself what is it that you want out of life? What is your lives purpose? Asking yourself these key questions will help you to determine what it is you want and will keep you motivated to achieve your bucket list. Creating a bucket list will bring direction, focus and purpose to your life.

You can chart your own course in life and design each moment you would like to experience. As your write down your goals and desires you will draw a clear path to follow. A bucket list will guide you when distractions come to compete for your time and energy.

Today as I blow out my birthday cake I have written down my wish list. I encourage your to also create such moments in your life so you can check it off one day. This will allow you to find greater joy, meaning and satisfaction in your life.

Enjoy the journey.

By: Nejat Abdella