Never get so busy you forget this…
Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life! When was the last time you reflected on your life? How are you choosing to live? How do you spend your time? What do you prioritize? Do you feel fulfilled? Are there moments you are so busy and complacent that you forget the most important thing of all?
Life is the most amazing journey, if you so choose, it is meant to be lived out loud. You only have one life so it’s up to you to enjoy it to the max. Sure, focus and discipline are necessary to serve others through the work we do, but what’s the point of it all if you’re not happy and not in love with life. What’s the point of all the hard work if you’re not living life to the fullest?
We are magicians, here to create the most magical of experiences. You decide the unfolding of this adventure with every choice and indecision. The daily hustle and bustle of life becomes routine, and at times overwhelming. We continue on, sometimes mindlessly, the routine of each day replaying—waking, eating, washing, working, chatting, emailing, texting, social media-ing, sleeping, etc., and repeat.
Living without dreams, goals, and aspirations is nothing more than existing. We weren’t meant to just exist. Living without regular fun, play, laughter, and excitement is not living at all. When was it decided that growing up and getting a job had to be so banal? The thing is, it doesn’t have to be—you create your life.
As a born and bred New Yorker, and having experienced one of the most intensive, disciplined trainings when I chose to become a doctor, I know first hand the sacrifice of a busy schedule, hard work, dedication, and discipline. There were times I was forced to miss special engagements because work was the priority. There were times, and still are occasions, where work is calling and I have to say no to invitations and to play. Does this feel familiar at all?
If this sounds familiar at all, how often is it that you are sacrificing the play? Is the ratio skewed significantly in the direction of work? Even though I’ve accomplished quite a lot in my lifetime from becoming a doctor to traveling the world, I’ve always kept the mantra of work hard, play harder.
Spending time accruing wealth and things will not bring happiness. It’s important to maintain balance and having it all is possible, from a successful to career to a fun adventurous life! I grateful that I do, and that I always have. I work my butt off but I always make time to let my inner child play. The freedom to play is a source of inspiration and only enhances my work.
Powder Mountain Eden, Utah 2015
This past weekend I went on a ski trip with friends and it only made me appreciate my work even more. All of my friends are successful entrepreneurs as well, and the one thing we all have in common is we work hard to play harder. Travel and experience provides growth, inspiration and networking for new opportunities be them work, life, friendship, and love. Trips, time for play, spending time with friends, trying new things, and meeting new people are the sugar in life. They enhance our finite time on this planet.
I will say I’m very particular about when I play but when I do I go all out. I don’t go out often or socialize everyday, but rather I save it up for those events and travel experiences that are unique. Even in medical school I traveled the world, using my holiday time wisely. I also went out and had fun, but I was strategic with my time.
I take advantage when the worthwhile opportunities present. I’m sure to make time for the people I love, and I say yes to enriching events and adventures, as they are the gateways to exciting opportunities. I always, no matter what, make time to truly live life.
When was the last time you treated yourself in a way that enhanced your life? Perhaps you deserve a trip abroad to relax, take care of you, and try experience something new? I invite you aboard the Nicaragua Wellness Retreat I am hosting April 25 – May 2. Book before March 1 for a special discount! For more info and to reserve your space visit: http://www.drnikkinoce.com/empower/nicaragua-wellness-and-yoga-retreat-2015.