It’s always amazing to me how simple life really is.

I’ve read tons of books and traveled around the world. I’ve meditated, reflected, and spent a bunch of quality time with myself. And after all of that, I’m sitting in my room this morning thinking about the fact that the key to living a passionate and purpose-filled life comes down to one thing:

Making a choice

Now I’m not discounting the reading, self-awareness and life experiences, because that’s an important part of the deal. But at the end of the day, we must choose to pursue our Best Lives or assume the default position: 

Living our lives based on the fears and expectations of others.

I’ve read several books by Carlos Castaneda. And the other day I came across one of his quotes that really resonated with me:

“We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same.”

There it is! It’s not about the effort. It’s about the choice.

Here’s another one of my favorites (author unknown):

“Faith and fear have something in common. They both ask you to believe in unseen things.”

Once again, choice. So if we’ve got to believe in something unseen, why not choose Faith?

Look, I get that life’s default position is easy. No consciousness required. But if in the end it doesn’t create the Joy, Passion and Purpose of a well-lived life, what’s the point? 

We can begin today by making a choice to move in the direction of our Best Lives. And then take a step. It doesn’t have to be a big one. Just forward momentum.

If Faith is required, don’t worry about mountain-moving size. Mustard seed size will do for now.

If Courage is required, don’t worry that you need to start your journey with massive amounts. All you need is incremental courage. Start with a little and watch it grow.

And watch as your life begins to soar.

Carpe Diem