Occupancy Limit

Occupancy limit signs are all over the place: bars, restaurants, cruise ships, buses, etc.   The signs convey the number of people who can safely be in the same area at the same time.  I believe we also have occupancy limits on the number of and type of people we have in our lives. 

Our inherent insecurities can push us to continue to allow more people into our lives under the guise of them all liking us and being our friends.  The reality is we only have a finite amount of emotional and mental bandwidth available relative to our space.  Face it, not everyone can be our friend, and that’s not a bad thing. I probably have four people I would consider best friends who I trust with my life, another handful of actual friends I enjoy being around, and there are many more acquaintances.

It’s not a matter of being disrespectful or stand-offish, but I have learned through experience I can only accommodate so many people before it affects me on all levels. If I attempt to or do exceed my occupancy limits, all sorts of less than good things happen.  I get anxious, bitchy, stressed, withdrawn, and sometimes just shut down. 

Take some time to identify your best friends, friends, and acquaintances then think about how the people in each category make you feel or affect your life.  It might just be time to adjust your occupancy limits.

Prime Responsibility

I believe we have a prime responsibility and purpose on this earth.  It is a challenge for me to hear things like, I'm useless and have nothing to offer anyone, I bring nothing to the table, the world would be better off without me, or I don't know why I'm here.  We are not meant to just exist and sit around waiting to die. The process of questioning your purpose is logical and normal; however, questioning your reason for being is not.  We all have worth and value even though it can sometimes be a challenge to see it.

My definition of the prime responsibility is to live the best life I can and make a difference in the world. Differences can be a hug from a friend, saying hi to a stranger, holding the door for someone, a few dollars to help someone, or maybe kind words letting someone know they matter. Each morning when you wake up, tell yourself you do indeed matter and will make a difference in the world. That little validation can change the world right in front of your eyes. Watch and smile at the difference you make.

Life Changing Events

We think there must be some huge wow moment like buying a house, winning the lottery, getting married, or even having a child for the moment to be a life-changing event.  Granted, those are all big events; however, I believe every experience can be a life-changing event. 

Breathing is a life-changing event, as it sure beats the alternative.  Giving a compliment can brighten someone’s day.  Listening is one of the best things you can do for someone, as it means you are giving them some of your time.  Saying hi to a stranger offers an opportunity to meet someone new.  Smiling at someone can bring a little joy to them.  A hug can change everything.  Buying someone lunch, which could be the only meal they have that day.  The examples are endless.

There are 86,400 seconds in a day.  Each one has the potential to be a life-changing event.  See them as such and watch how your day will change.