Is Your Song Still In You?

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with their song still in them.”
Henry David Thoreau

There is a wide gulf between existing and living. Henry David Thoreau captures the essence of this reality through his poignant quote. There are so many people who go through life existing from day to day, not fully engaged, not fully enjoying all the possibilities, not expressing who they are and all they could be. These are the people who exist quietly in desperation and their song, their unique expression of who they are, goes unsung.

So where do you stand? If you believe that you have been primarily existing and not living, here are some questions to ask yourself.

Who am I? The main ingredient in your life is you. Knowing yourself is the key to discovering everything else that will transform your life into something magical.

What am I passionate about? A life without passion and meaning is like a hot fudge sundae without the hot fudge. Knowing what you are passionate about is what gives spark to your internal fire and flavor and zest to your life.

What do I need to be my best? Understanding the specifics of what you need to excel helps you create the environment within which your optimal life can evolve.

What nurtures, renews or inspires me? The answers to this question are your soul food – those things which nourish your body, mind and spirit. Knowing this helps you enjoy the good times in life and provide comfort, support and energy during the low times.

Under what circumstances do I feel limited, shut down or sapped of energy? As important as it is to learn what makes you feel energized and alive, understanding what drains your energy is equally important.

Use this list to help you examine where you are now and what you'd like to achieve. Living your life in alignment with your passions makes every day a joy. Your life becomes filled with excitement, adventure and fun. What is the song that you need to sing? Isn't it time you began singing?