I was recently thinking about how to serve people better and how to just make my life more meaningful. There was a whole Q&A going on in my head, but at one point, I had a shift in perception. I always believed that we are multidimensional beings and that we do reincarnate and live different lives, having different experiences.
But what if that is not true? I am not saying it is not, but I started wondering: what if I lived with the belief that this life is unique and could even be my only shot at living and leaving something behind? What if there was nothing else, but this, and the only way to make it worthwhile was to live to the fullest and touch as many people as I can?
This went in deep and I suddenly just made this shift in thinking – I decided to make my life worthwhile, as if there were no other one. Who knows? If there is no other one, I will just have great fulfilment at the end of it. If there comes another one after this, it will probably come with even more blessings. What if you decided to take that shot? Would you become a blessing in people’s lives?
In this article, I want to share with you five principles that helped me to live a fulfilling life. These principles are not based on any religious or spiritual doctrine, but on my own personal experience and reflection. They are simple, yet powerful, and they can help you to find more joy, purpose, and meaning in your life.
Principle 1: Reflect on serving others and making life more meaningful
One of the most fulfilling things you can do in life is to serve others. Serving others does not mean that you have to sacrifice yourself or neglect your own needs. It means that you have a genuine desire to help, support, and contribute to the well-being of others. Serving others can take many forms, such as volunteering, donating, mentoring, teaching, creating, or simply being kind and compassionate. Serving others can also make your life more meaningful, as you can see the positive impact you have on the world and the people around you. Serving others can also help you to discover your talents, passions, and values, and to align them with your life goals.
To apply this principle, you can start by asking yourself these questions:
- How can I serve others today?
- What are the needs and problems of the people I care about or interact with?
- What are the skills, knowledge, and resources I have that can help others?
- What are the causes or issues that I am passionate about or interested in?
- How can I use my gifts and talents to create value and make a difference?
Principle 2: Question the belief in reincarnation and consider the uniqueness of the current life
Many people believe in reincarnation, the idea that we have lived before and will live again in different forms and circumstances. This belief can have some benefits, such as giving us a sense of continuity, hope, and justice. However, it can also have some drawbacks, such as making us complacent, indifferent, or fearful. If we believe that we have infinite chances to live and learn, we may not value the present moment and the opportunities it offers. We may also avoid taking risks, making changes, or facing challenges, thinking that we can always do it later or in another life. We may also fear the consequences of our actions, thinking that we will have to pay for them in the future or in another life.
So you may ask yourself…:
- What if this life is the only one I have?
- How would I live differently if I knew that this is my only chance to experience life and to leave a legacy?
- What are the things that I want to do, see, learn, or achieve in this life?
- What are the things that I want to avoid, change, or overcome in this life?
- What are the things that I want to be remembered for in this life?
Principle 3: Contemplate the idea of living this life as the only opportunity to leave a meaningful impact
One of the most fulfilling things you can do in life is to leave a meaningful impact. Leaving a meaningful impact does not mean that you have to be famous, wealthy, or influential. It means that you have to make a positive difference in the world and in the lives of others. Leaving a meaningful impact can take many forms, such as creating something valuable, inspiring someone, solving a problem, spreading a message, or sharing a story. Leaving a meaningful impact can also make your life more meaningful, as you can see the purpose and significance of your existence and actions. Leaving a meaningful impact can also help you to transcend your ego, fears, and limitations, and to connect with something greater than yourself.
Here are some good questions to ask:
- How can I leave a meaningful impact in this life?
- What are the problems or challenges that I can help to solve or improve in the world or in my community?
- What are the values or messages that I want to express or promote in the world or in my audience?
- What are the stories or experiences that I want to share or document in the world or in my legacy?
- What are the things that I want to create or contribute to the world or in my field?
Principle 4: Decide to shift thinking and live as if this life is the only one, aiming for fulfilment
One of the most fulfilling things you can do in life is to live as if this life is the only one, aiming for fulfilment. Living as if this life is the only one does not mean that you have to be reckless, selfish, or irresponsible. It means that you have to be mindful, grateful, and intentional. Living as if this life is the only one can help you to appreciate the preciousness and beauty of life, and to make the most of every moment and opportunity. Living as if this life is the only one can also help you to focus on what matters most to you, and to pursue your dreams and passions. Living as if this life is the only one can also help you to overcome your fears, doubts, and regrets, and to embrace your potential and possibilities.
So here are some questions:
- How can I live as if this life is the only one?
- What are the things that I am grateful for in this life?
- What are the things that I am passionate about in this life?
- What are the things that I am afraid of or regretful about in this life?
- What are the things that I am capable of or hopeful about in this life?
Principle 5: Encourage others to consider making a positive impact on people’s lives
One of the most fulfilling things you can do in life is to encourage others to consider making a positive impact on people’s lives. Encouraging others does not mean that you have to be pushy, preachy, or judgmental. It means that you have to be supportive, respectful, and helpful. Encouraging others can help you to spread the joy, purpose, and meaning that you have found in your life, and to inspire others to find theirs. Encouraging others can also help you to build meaningful relationships, to learn from others, and to grow together. Encouraging others can also help you to create a positive ripple effect, to multiply your impact, and to make the world a better place.
So I would ask myself:
- How can I encourage others to consider making a positive impact on people’s lives?
- Who are the people that I can support, mentor, or coach in their life journey?
- Who are the people that I can respect, appreciate, or acknowledge for their life contribution?
- Who are the people that I can help, advise, or guide in their life challenges?
- Who are the people that I can inspire, motivate, or empower in their life goals?
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make it count!
Living a fulfilling life is not a matter of chance, but a matter of choice. You can choose to live your life as if it is the only one you have, and to make it worthwhile and meaningful. You can choose to serve others, to question your beliefs, to leave a meaningful impact, to shift your thinking, and to encourage others. These are the five principles that helped me to live a fulfilling life, and I hope they can help you too. Remember, this life is unique and precious, and you have the power to make it count. What will you choose to do with it?
