Living In 5 Year Blocks

“Live like you are going to die tomorrow.”

“What if you only had six months left to live… how would you live your life differently?”

“To live is the rarest thing in the world — most people exist, that is all.”

We hear quotes like this all the time. We are told to live in the now… like it’s the very last moment of our life. Buuuuuuuuut, is that actually possible? ++ if it is, how do we live in that way.

It’s a little overwhelming, to be honest. + I don’t think I’d get anything done if I truly *lived every day like it was my last.* Instead, I’d be outside playing [IT’S 70 DEGREES IN CHICAGO!] ++ spending time with those I love… instead, of sitting in a coffee shop writing to you, while procrastinating studying for a yoga exam. ; )

I recently heard someone refer to becoming “process-driven,” rather than “goal-driven.” I like this. How can we enjoy the journey, ++ give up attachment to results… BUT, still have *goals* so that we know what path to step foot on. To me — that’s living in the now.

Two articles recently have inspired me:

#1] My Life Countdown
I liked the portion about five year blocks. If I live until I’m 90, I have 12 blocks left. Here are the 12 things I’d love to embark on a journey towards…

• Yoga + meditation teacher
• Write a book
• Travel the WORLD [live in a different country]
• Host a podcast or create a YouTube channel
• Plan wellness retreats around the world
• CHAARG studio + cafe [coffee ++ #AllTheSmoothies]
• The CHAARG Shop expand to… Nordstroms? aha IDK
• CHAARG at every university
• CHAARG city chapters for post grads
• CHAARG goes global
• Get back to my artistic roots — photograph, paint, draw, style homes
• Be the best wife + mom ever

#2] The Tail End
This article definitely gave me #AllTheFeels, + it made me question my relationships with family + friends. I’ve already used up 93% of my in-person time with my family?! Yikes. It’s also crazy to think about only experiencing 60 more springs + winters… 60 more jumps in the ocean… 30 more vacations abroad [how will I decided which cities?!]… etc.

Ahhhhh. Life : )

I don’t think we need to live like we are going to die tomorrow to have a meaningful day + life. But — I do think we need to understand what our priorities are… + enjoy the journey, + surrender to the unknown.

Don’t let what you expect keep you from what you are meant to experience. There are plans for you that you know nothing about right now. Be open to things coming to you in “perfect timing”… which might not be the time you had envisioned. Trust the process, + surrender to each moment along the way.