By Autumn Shields
There’s a big difference between being alive and feeling alive.
So many of us get caught up in the day-to-day. We’re working, taking care of our families, checking things off our lists, meeting everyone else’s needs, and moving from one responsibility to the next.
And somewhere along the way, we can lose pieces of ourselves.
We stop doing some of the things that bring us joy. We tell ourselves we’re too busy. We put things off until “someday.” We get comfortable. Or we let fear, other people’s opinions, past experiences, or our own limiting beliefs keep us from doing the things we really want to do.
Before we know it, we’re going through the motions instead of really experiencing our lives.
Living your life alive doesn’t have to mean completely changing your life.
It can start small.
Ask yourself:
What makes me feel alive?
And don’t just think about the big things like traveling somewhere amazing, starting a new business, or checking something off your bucket list.
Think about the little things, too.
Maybe you feel alive when you’re near the water.
Maybe it’s putting on music and dancing in your kitchen.
Maybe it’s having coffee with a friend who makes you laugh.
Maybe it’s learning something new, being outside, helping someone, getting dressed up, taking an adventure, spending time with your family, exercising, creating something, or simply having a quiet morning to yourself.
There is no right answer.
Your “alive” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Look at the Different Areas of Your Life
Sometimes we think about happiness as one big thing, but I encourage people to break it down.
Think about the different areas of your life—your relationships, health, career, family, friendships, spirituality, adventure, personal growth, creativity, and even fun.
Then ask yourself:
What is one small thing I could do in each area that would make me feel a little more alive?
Maybe your relationship needs a date night with no phones.
Maybe your body needs a walk outside instead of another hour sitting at your desk.
Maybe your adventurous side needs you to finally sign up for the class you’ve been talking about.
Maybe you need to call the friend you keep saying you’re going to call.
Maybe you simply need to give yourself permission to do something because you enjoy it—not because it is productive or because someone else needs you to do it.
These things might seem small, but small things add up.
This is where we have to get honest with ourselves.
If you know what makes you feel alive but you aren’t doing it, ask yourself:
What’s stopping me?
Is it fear?
Time?
Money?
Guilt?
Someone else’s opinion?
The belief that you’re too old, too busy, too inexperienced, or that it’s too late?
Sometimes the things holding us back are real obstacles. Other times, they are stories we have repeated to ourselves for so long that we stopped questioning whether they were actually true.
Can we reframe that story to fit the narrative of wanting to feel alive
There will always be another responsibility. Another deadline. Another reason to wait.
You have to intentionally create moments that make you feel alive.
So here’s my challenge to you:
Do one thing today that makes you feel alive. TODAY! Share what you did in the comments so I can celebrate you living more alive.
Autumn Shields is a speaker, author, coach, and multi-passionate entrepreneur who helps people
identify their strengths, pursue meaningful goals, and create a life they love.
Her diverse background includes 15 years in law enforcement as a victim advocate, building a
successful wellness business in social marketing industry for the last 25 years, works alongside
her husband in a seasonal water sports company and built a golf driving range, bar & grill in Belize recently. Autumn is the author of “Living Your Life Alive” and is currently writing her second book,“Unlocking Your Freedom Formula.” A Colorado native turned island girl, she has spent the past decade living on four different islands while traveling extensively and pursuing her passion for helping others live life fully alive.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and wellness purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or replace individualized medical care. Supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with medications or medical conditions. HTMA cannot diagnose mineral deficiencies, thyroid disease, blood sugar disorders, nervous system disorders, toxicity, or other medical conditions. Vitamin D status is best evaluated with appropriate blood testing when indicated. Consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding supplements, testing, or significant changes to your health routine.