The coronavirus pandemic has changed everyone’s life in one way or another. So, as we emerge from lockdown, now seems like the perfect time to re-examine our priorities in life and how we can live in line with them.
Life and How To Think About It
My new book ‘Life - and how to think about it’ considers how each of us can make the most of our brief period of existence by approaching life in a thoughtful and well-informed way.
A good first step in considering what matters to us is to take the time to stand back from the stresses and detail of our busy lives, and reflect on the big picture. Seeing our lives and circumstances within the context of history, the universe and other people’s lives can help us to feel less anxious about our present situation, and see the options before us more clearly.
Having stepped back to see your life within the big picture, my book then helps you to explore a number of big questions of life, including how to find meaning, how to think well and how to get the most out of life.
Again, now seems like the right moment to consider some of these things, not just because it’s useful to remind ourselves of our priorities in life, but also because we need to adapt to the changed world we live within.
So, ask yourself the question ‘What gives me real meaning in life?’. In normal times, we can sometimes struggle to answer questions like this. But one of the few positives that some people have gained from the pandemic is that it has given them a clearer idea of the things that give them real meaning in their lives.
From my own perspective, these have included things I have missed enormously during the lockdown period, such as social contact, travel and adventure, as well as things I have worried about, such as family and friends, and things that have brought me pleasure and fulfilment during this difficult time, such as being out in nature and exercising.
Take some time to sit quietly and think about the things that really matter to you. To help you do this, try this quick thought experiment. Imagine yourself in many years’ time, lying on your deathbed. When you look back over your life what will be the things that gave you most meaning? Things you wished you’d given more time to? If you want to, make a short list (up to around 5) of these.
Don’t judge yourself on the things you’ve chosen. If going for walks with your dog means more to you than writing that book you’ve always promised you would write, that’s fine.
Then consider how you can build the real priorities into your life more, whilst freeing up time from the things that give you less meaning.
This year, we’ve seen how short and precious life really is. So let’s take this opportunity to give ourselves more of what matters.
Richard Docwra is a writer, coach and consultant. His new book ‘Life - and how to think about it’ is out now. It shows you how to navigate life in a thoughtful and well-informed way.
Visit www.richarddocwra.com
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