Life in the 21st Century would be considered ‘madness’ to those living in prior to the 20th Century, don’t you agree? Unless you have found true balance in your work, home life and ‘you’ time, you’re one of the thousands of people who struggle each day to ‘fit it all in’. I find this interesting. And that’s mainly because I know that we all just want to be happy! And maybe you are, but are you really enjoying every moment of every day? Enjoying each day as if it were your last? Or are you just struggling through?

We know the impact of chronic or ongoing stress and overwhelm in our lives, we hear it in the media frequently so we’re aware of the heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, stomach ulcers, migraines, reduced immune function, asthma, eczema, hair loss, brain fog and forgetfulness that it can lead to if not addressed. But what are we doing about it? It seems like there is so much information out there, but no WISDOM. Who is telling you about what is really important in life? And who is giving you real life long changes that help you stop the downward spiral of life in the 21st Century? What can YOU do to stop your downward spiral, change your perception of your life and get back to a life you enjoy living – even through the difficult times?

There’s a parable I often talk about that I want to share with you here. You may have read it before as it is a popular little story with a very powerful message.

The Fisherman and the Businessman
A fisherman was lying in the warm afternoon sun on a beautiful beach, with his pole propped up and his line cast out into the water. An energetic businessman walked by.
“You aren’t going to catch many fish that way,” said the businessman to the fisherman. “You should work harder.”
The fisherman looked up and good-naturedly asked, “And what would I get for that?”
The businessman replied that he would catch more fish, sell them for more money, save the surplus, and invest in a boat and nets, which would let him catch even more fish.
Again the fisherman asked, “And what would I get for that?”
Somewhat impatiently, the businessman explained that he could then reinvest the even greater surplus and buy more boats and hire staff, becoming a small business and catching ever more fish.
Again the fisherman asked, “And what would I get for that?”
Now the businessman lost it. “Don’t you understand that you can become so rich that you never have to work for a living again? You could spend the rest of your days sitting on this beach, just enjoying this sunset!”
The fisherman’s eyes lit up. “And what do you think I’m doing right now?”

– AS TOLD BY ANDREAS KLUTH

Simple, but thought provoking, isn’t it? What is it we are doing here again? Are you working so hard you forget to just sit on the beach, enjoying the sunset. What are you really here for? Are you on this earth to make sure your house is always 100% spotless (or are you always worried that it is not?) Are you here to make sure all your deadlines are met with 100% perfection (or are you always worried that they are not?) Are you constantly running around from A to B each day only to crash and get sick when you finally give yourself a break or a holiday? You’re not alone. There are thousands like you. But that doesn’t mean it’s ok. In fact, it doesn’t even make it nearly ok. Because at some point or another, you’re going to realise you’ve missed out on life itself. And that’s definitely not ok.

Every day we have to fit in so much ‘stuff’ to be able to fall into bed each night only to plan in our heads what ‘stuff’ we need to cram in tomorrow. Why aren’t we refocusing on what is important in life? Do you have kids that you are too busy to play with? Do you volunteer at 5 different organisations but don’t have time for a haircut? It’s meant to be about balance. About harmony. Do what you need to, but also do what you WANT to. Look at your priorities – make a list – think really hard about everything on there and put what means most to you at the top of that list. Then look at the bottom of your list and throw away or change how you think about at least 3 of the things that aren’t so important to you. Is it really important to have an uber clean kitchen every single week? Or is a messy kitchen a sign of a loving home, full of love and activity? If it is really important to you, can you afford a cleaner? Could you afford a cleaner every 2nd week or once a month? Can you swap cooking for cleaning with a friend who likes to clean but not cook?

There are plenty of creative ways to make your life less stressful and more meaningful. You just need to explore them and be persistent with following through with them. And always ALWAYS keep in mind if you want to be a fisherman or a businessman. By keeping your focus on what you want out of life, you can realise the powerful changes that take place.