More alive or less?

This morning while taking a walk, it occurred to me how much of life can be boiled down to one or both of those two categories: more alive or less.

Certain decisions, actions and interactions make us feel more alive – others make us feel less. Accepting this can be a game-changer.

Why? Because it lets us get clear on what works and what doesn't, even as we honor our relationships and responsibilities. From there we can make better decisions, guilt-free.

Example: Small talk makes me feel less alive. Likewise for crowds, committees and having to rush to be somewhere. Feeling less alive is a legitimate reason to avoid these things, or if nothing else, gracefully scale them back.

What's on your list of makes-me-feel-less-alive and makes-me-feel-more-alive?

Give yourself permission to name these things and honor them. The relationships that are right for you will grow stronger, and you will feel more alive than ever – just like I did today on that brief, morning walk.

"The glory of God is a human being fully alive."
– St. Irenaeus