“Living life to its fullest capacity” is a subjective phrase that can vary in meaning depending on your values, culture, experiences, and beliefs.
“Living life to its fullest capacity” is a subjective phrase that can vary in meaning depending on your values, culture, experiences, and beliefs. However, there are some generally accepted interpretations and elements that many people associate with this idea:
Presence and Attention:
Being fully present in each moment and deeply engaged in your experiences rather than merely going through the motions. I read a great book called Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, which discusses not focusing on the past. The past is gone; there is nothing you can do about the past; all anyone can do is live in the present. Sometimes that is hard to do as we as humans like to dwell on past mistakes or wrongdoings. However, you cannot change anything. All you can do is learn the lesson and continue on your path.
Welcoming Opportunities:
Taking chances and not letting fear of the unknown or failure prevent you from exploring new paths or opportunities. Trying to live outside of your comfort zone is a bit of a challenge. However, it is very rewarding. When I travel, I have found that I really have to gather the strength to venture out and explore the area. I have started doing Street Photography which allows you to explore the area that you are in.
Continued Learning:
Seeking knowledge, experiences, and skills throughout your life, always aiming to grow and evolve. I am always learning. Reading books and reading blogs such as this. I tend not to read fiction books, but I do once in a while to disappear in fantasy.
Forming Relationships:
Investing time and energy in cultivating deep, meaningful relationships with family, friends, and others. I am close to my eight siblings; we have met on Zoom monthly since Covid. This has been a very enlightening experience, as there is a clear separation between the older and the younger generation, allowing us to hear stories about our parents and family life.
Managing Health:
Prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising, meditating, and seeking help. I am not afraid to ask for help. Since setting a goal in my life to row an ocean, I have had to ask many for help. My fitness level has to change, and in order to make that happen has been a challenge. I first have to work on my mobility, so I have started with Pilates to strengthen all those muscles we are not always familiar with.
Intensity and Purpose:
Pursuing what you’re passionate about and finding a purpose or mission that gives your life direction and meaning. Travel, Street Photography, Timelapses, and pursuing my fitness goal, in addition to my mission of helping others.
Contributing to Society:
Contributing to the well-being of others, whether it’s through charity, volunteer work, or simple acts of kindness. My whole life has revolved around helping others. Starting as a member of the Canadian Army, then starting a company to help workers stay safe, followed by creating communities allowing people to share their stories. And helping organizations be successful at getting the word out. Or successful at spreading positivity in the world. Helping businesses and people be more successful as they move forward on their path.
Gratitude and Acceptance:
Being thankful for what you have while accepting challenges and hardships as opportunities for growth. A wise man once said, “The obstacle isn’t in the way; it is the way.” Ending the day by thanking God, the Universe or whomever you believe in is a very good practice.
Exploring Cultures and the World:
Travelling or seeking experiences that allow you to understand and appreciate different cultures and viewpoints. I have travelled to Korea, Poland, Iceland, Ireland, the UK, the USA, Thailand, and Japan in the last two years. I have found that I am the most comfortable in Ireland. Travelling to a country where English is not the primary language is outside my comfort zone and brings the most challenges and is often the most rewarding as you navigate the food, transit, and accommodations.
Dealing with Difficulties:
Instead of avoiding difficulties, confronting them head-on, believing in one’s resilience and capability to overcome them. When I visit a new country, I often have to build the courage to get up and out. Photography helps bridge that gap, as I can get out and shoot. And someone taking pictures always blends in.
Practicing Mindful Consumption:
Recognizing the impact of one’s choices on the environment and society and striving for a sustainable and ethical lifestyle. Choosing ethical pursuits is always an interesting goal. Who is to say what is ethical and what is not? For example, street shooting or shooting nudes? Which is a more ethical pursuit? I have met many photographers who shoot both. Why is one more accepted than the other? That might be a whole blog post in itself.
Personal Growth and Development:
Regularly taking the time to reflect, understanding one’s values, strengths, weaknesses, and desires are important. Are you headed in the right direction? Are you partnering with people who are following a similar path? Are you saying consistent with your own actions and thoughts? Are you learning from your mistakes?
Balance:
In essence, living life to its fullest capacity often entails a balance of seeking personal joy and fulfillment while also contributing positively to the world around you. It’s about not allowing oneself to be limited by fear or societal constraints and instead embracing every experience, good or bad, as an opportunity for growth and enrichment.
