What Really Matters?

When Steve Chandler quoted Ambrose Redmoon, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” I started thinking about those “something elses”; those things for which we’ll cross the swaying bridge, stand up in front of a crowd of people and do something we had always been afraid to do.

We don’t often take the time to consider what really matters. We assume we know. We are so programmed to be do and have what the world tells us we should we sometimes forget what REALLY matters.

What inspires us to do something even when we’re afraid.? Is it love, integrity, pride, family, creativity, adventure, service, passion?

I’ve been looking around at my life and asking what kind of a person lives here. Who do I associate with? What do I read? How do I spend my time? I learn a lot about what matters most to me on the inside by what is showing up on my outside.

People who are very ill or have survived a trauma speak of impermanence and the precious nature of everything. There is  a newfound depth of gratitude when we realize that nothing’s guaranteed. It’s all a gift.

It enhances our happiness to know what matters most. We learn what we’ll take great risks for and why. We get a chance  to have been afraid and done something anyway, to feel vitally alive and 10 feet tall!  To let go of things that don’t really matter and lighten our loads.

I believe that life is meant to be enjoyed. When I honor and nourish what matters most, tune into my inner guidance system, focus on what I want, on being of service and being grateful NOW – I have an amazing time.

To keep all those systems humming requires practice(s) and the courage in the quote. We’ll go to bat for what matters most, climb mountains, keep things humming, do something scary anyway.   When we move from fear into action we’re good to go.

I gave myself homework and am passing it on – I’m making a list of the top 10 things that matter most in my life. Then I am looking to see if I am spending most of my energy on those things or not?  I’l keep you posted.  I’d also love to hear what matters most to you.