Many times we deal with many — many small things which make us lose sight of the bigger picture, that of life. The daily obligations, the details, and the secondary needs come to overwhelm this whole wonder called experiential experience.

Many people who have escaped fatal accidents or serious illnesses seem to wake up from a so-called slumber and realize how important time is and that not a single second of it is worth wasting. So let’s look at a short list of things that literally steal time from our real life. You won’t find anything on this list that hasn’t already been said. It’s just a reminder…

1. Things that distract you from enjoying your special moments.

Pay attention to the little things — usually, when we miss someone, we mostly miss the details that make them special, like their smile or the times you laughed together. Start going for long walks, and indulge in the magic of conversations. Indulge even if it’s just for a little while.

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2. Compulsive tasks.

Plan your day so that it is never exhausting. Take time for yourself — keep some gaps in your day to rest and recharge. Don’t kid yourself, you can’t possibly be so busy that you can’t secure even a few minutes of peace.

3. Negative thoughts.

Life is like a mirror — the best results come out when we smile. So choose to talk about the things that are good rather than about your problems or misfortunes. Striving for something doesn’t mean you fail. Every great success requires a similar struggle.

4. The unnecessary drama around you.

Avoid the nonsense around you. Focus on the positive, and you’ll notice that anything negative will begin to fade.

5. Desiring things you don’t have.

You’ll never have exactly what you want, but remember this: There will always be people who don’t have half of what you have now. The things you take for granted, others consider a blessing. Happiness never comes to those who will not appreciate it. Set goals to achieve what you desire but always have gratitude in your heart for all that you already have.

6. The constant comparison with others.

Social comparison is the thief of happiness. You can spend a lifetime worrying and being jealous of the things or conditions of the people around you, but you will get nothing back.

7. The constant comparison with yourself.

You are not the same person you were a year, a month, or even a week ago. You are constantly growing, and your experiences never stop. That’s life. There’s no point in constantly reminiscing about your 18-year-old prowess. Instead, focus on the wisdom you have in the present.

8. Constant worry and regret for past mistakes.

It’s okay to make mistakes — mistakes are what make us wiser. Don’t give up, great successes take time. Choose your mistakes to be a motivation, not an excuse. Decide, right now, that your past experiences will no longer affect your future.

9. Worrying about what others think of you.

Don’t take everything personally, even if it seems that way. You will rarely be the reason for other people’s actions — usually, the reason for their actions will be themselves. You cannot control or change how others will treat you. All you can do is change the way you react and choose the people you associate with.

10. A life path that doesn’t suit you

Life is for enjoying, not surviving. When you really believe you’re doing the right thing, it shows. Success in life is for those who feel excited about what they are living. Life should be valued. Follow your dreams.

11. Other people’s definitions of success and happiness

You cannot base your views and dreams on the expectations and ideas of others.

12. People who insist on using and manipulating you.

What you allow to happen is what will continue to happen. Give as much as you can, but never allow anyone to use you. Listen to the advice of others, but be careful not to lose your own voice in the process.

13. Constantly trying to impress others.

One of life’s most liberating lessons is that you don’t have to like everyone, and vice versa, no one has to like you. No matter how well you think you are living, there will always be someone who thinks you are doing something wrong. So choose to live your own reality — but make sure you won’t be disappointed in the end.

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14. The fears that hold you back.

Fear is a feeling, not a fact. The best way to gain strength and confidence is to do things you fear. Dare to change and grow. Because after all, there is only one thing that can make a dream impossible — lack of action.

15. Doubts.

When in doubt, take a deep breath and take the next step. Sometimes that next step, no matter how small, can turn out to be the biggest step of your life.

16. The people who constantly reject and mock your dreams.

It is better to be lonely than to allow people with negative attitudes and their opinions to derail you. Don’t let others crush your dreams. Choose for once to do something others tell you you can’t do — you’ll notice you’ll never pay attention to their negativity again.

17. The belief in the infamous “right moment”.

You can’t always wait for the perfect moment. Sometimes you just have to take a chance, life is too short to sit around and wonder what could happen.

18. The “patches”.

You cannot change what you refuse to face. You will never be able to find peace if you insist on avoiding things that are not convenient. Deal with your problems immediately before they get in the way of your happiness.

19. The narrow-mindedness.

Open the source of your mind before you open your mouth. Don’t be so quick to hate what you don’t know. The mind is like a parachute, it never works when it is closed.

20. Other people’s mistakes and omissions.

Be tolerant of other people’s mistakes, sometimes good people make wrong choices. That doesn’t mean they’re bad, it just means they’re human.

21. Discontent.

Kindness should never be confused with weakness, nor forgiveness with acceptance. You must know that dissatisfaction is an obstacle on your way to happiness. Remember, forgiving someone doesn’t mean you’re weak. Forgive because you are strong enough to understand that people can, and do, make mistakes.

22. Hateful thoughts.

Give the right example. Treat people with kindness and respect. Make kindness a daily ritual — you’ll see how this small detail will make you feel happier and more fulfilled.

23. Repentance for everything.

The things you did or didn’t do in the past are not what define you. Don’t let yourself be controlled by regret and repentance. Maybe there’s something you could have done differently, maybe not — anyway it’s in the past and it’s not changing anymore. Leave the unchanging past behind and let yourself be in the present.

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24. Clinging to moments that don’t belong in the now.

Don’t cry for the past, it’s gone now. Don’t worry about the future, it hasn’t come yet. Do your best to live in the moment, and make it worth it!

CONTRIBUTED BY geozee

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