Do not let your age be a deterrent to you living consciously.

When I was younger, I used to tell myself, “I will do that when I am older.” The problem is, when is ‘older’? 15? 20? 25? 30? Now, I sometimes think, “I wish I had done that when I was younger.” Well, the past is frozen and cannot change.

However, the present is wide open with opportunity to those who are courageous enough to take it. You are never too old or too young to start living consciously. Age is relative. I have seen 60-somethings knocking at death’s door and I have also seen 90-somethings full of energy and activity in life. A big factor in this distinction is consciousness.

So, I want to define consciousness and then give you some reasons to live this way. Consciousness, in a nutshell, is being aware of your existence, thoughts, and sensations. It is living based upon reason and rationality rather than on impulse or tradition. Please see my post on health and consciousness for a fuller explanation.

Here are some reasons I urge you to adopt a more conscious lifestyle:

1. You will feel more mentally fulfilled. Some people make every excuse to be lazy, distracted, and fearful of growth and change, but all they are doing is hurting themselves. Living consciously will bring you a lot more fulfillment than sloth and triviality.
2. You will be able to make a difference in others. Perhaps you are one that is motivated more by what you can bring others than the direct results you can give yourself. Living consciously will allow you to maximize your time and resources to help others, rather than just wishing them well.
3. You will have better health and focus. The desire to live consciously is what motivates me to exercise instead of watching videos, eat healthy snacks rather than junk food, and blog rather than incessantly check email.

I have purposely left this concept of living consciously open to interpretation. This is because I don’t think you need it to be spelled out. You know the areas of your life that are less than the best. Don’t settle for that. Don’t say you are too old to change. Don’t say you are too young to accomplish something big. Just live in the moment, consciously choosing your destiny rather than getting pulled wherever it drags you.

Whether it is working on a relationship, launching a blog, starting an exercise routine, or moving to a new career, don’t let age be a factor in choosing to live consciously. Realize that the present is all you have. Enjoy life.