The Ripple Effect
5 Ways to embrace special moments to transform your life.
I’m currently reading Beartown by Fredrik Backman—a gripping and beautiful novel of life in a hockey town. What surprised me about this novel, was when he talks about ‘moments’. Several of the characters consider that life is not about success, the big picture, or contributions to the community, but rather about the moments they have that make it all worthwhile.
We struggle to survive the bad in life. We plan for a brighter future. But it’s really the one moment when you’re sitting in the bleachers by yourself, watching the fruits of your labor, that you realize what it’s all for. Or the moment when a loved one holds you in a tender embrace.
This is what you wanted. To be acknowledged, loved, heard, and seen.
I had a dilemma in my life and wasn’t sure what to do. But when I read this section of Backman’s book, I realized there was no question at all. I know exactly what I need to do.
It’s all about the moments. How do you create memorable, loving moments, those cherished memories that live on long after you’re gone? And who will value them the most?
For me, it all became clear.
But what about you? Do you wonder about things like:
- Should I take this job or the other one?
- Is this the right relationship for me?
- Is this where I belong?
- Should I move?
- Should I change my career? Go back to school? Change to a different major?
- Should I buy this house? This car? This coat?
The list of questions we ask ourselves is endless. Some are big, and others are small. But they’re all important in one way or another.
Don’t make decisions hastily. But do take the time to consider, will this choice lead me to a moment in life that matters?
Follow these simple steps to a more enriched life:
- Live a healthy life. You know what works for you. Eat well, exercise when you can, and get plenty of sleep. By being healthy and refreshed, we’re more receptive to those around us when something significant happens. We’re more alert to those precious moments.
- Create a positive environment for yourself. This isn’t always easy, but it can be done. Just remember to approach it with baby steps. What’s one little thing you can do right now to get you on that better path? Change jobs to a more positive, enriching career? Surround yourself with positive people. I have some friends who are total trauma-drama queens. I’ve had to distance myself from them because their energy was too destructive and draining on me.
- Be clear on who it is you want to share special moments with. Who will remember you with cherished memories long after you're gone? Your friends? Your family? Who do you need to be around the most?
- Find the joy. What brings you joy? Who brings you joy? Increase that part of your life as much as possible. The people at the office truly will not have cherished moment memories of you long after you leave. But your friends and family will. What can you do with them to create those moments they’ll always remember?
- Laugh whenever you can. Smile every day. Hug. Harness love.
It’s all about the moments. That’s all we truly have.
Your friend, fellow writer, and lover of all things magical, Sherry Briscoe
Reader, Writer, Wordsmith Advisor — navigating the universe of fiction and fantasy, sharing words of wisdom and inspiration. Send coffee.
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