Welcome, Lovers of Wisdom. Christmas is amazing.
Ready. Set. Go.
I know it's a bit morbid, but death provides context for life. And those who reflect on death for even just 60 seconds each day are significantly less likely to waste their lives. Welcome back to Best Christmas Ever, where we are exploring 28 ways to make this your best Christmas ever. Number three is reflect on the shortness of life. The Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca wrote, "Most mortals complain bitterly because we are born for a brief span of life." He went on to explain that life is shortest for those who waste it. And the brutal truth is that we have all invented our own intricately personalized ways to waste portions of our one short life. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Computers, said in his commencement speech at Stanford, "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself if today was the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today? And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." Almost everything. All external expectations, or pride, or fear of embarrassment or failure, these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Life is short, and you're dead an awful long time. So what is truly important? Think of it this way. What can you take with you from this life to the next? I don't mean things. Reflect on your day yesterday, on everything you did yesterday. What would you feel comfortable bringing with you to the next life and laying at the feet of God as an offering from your day yesterday? Do something today that you can take with you into eternity.
Are you feeling inspired? That's great, but we're not done yet.
It's not easy to have a great Christmas in a world where everyone is striving for what isn't worth having. Welcome back to 28 obstacles that will prevent you from having your best Christmas ever. Obstacle number three is no plan. Not having a plan will make it all but impossible to have a great Christmas. Those who failed to plan can plan to fail was Napoleon's counsel. You are not simply going to stumble into your best Christmas ever. It requires a plan and intentionality. Over the next couple of weeks, we will help you put that plan together. But remember, find your joy, guard your joy, follow your joy, not just happiness. It seems our culture has confused happiness with comfort. And following comfort will lead you to misery. Find your joy. Cherish your joy. Guard your joy. And follow your joy.
Most people spend the Christmas season rushing around, stressed out and overwhelmed by the sheer speed and busyness of life. It's no wonder why they feel like their joy has been stolen away. Don't let that be your story. Right now, when you become a Dynamic Catholic ambassador, we will send you a free copy of my new book, Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy. Nothing will transform your Christmas and your life like learning how to slow down to the speed of joy. So click the button below and join today to get your copy.
Have a great day.
