How to Stop Living on Autopilot

If you're feeling like you aren't living your life with purpose and passion, the first step is look at what really matters.
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Happy beauty woman in hat is back opened his hands, relaxes and enjoys the sunset over the sea on the beach
Happy beauty woman in hat is back opened his hands, relaxes and enjoys the sunset over the sea on the beach

I've worked in the corporate world for most of my professional life. For many years, real estate was all I knew and loved--developing apartment buildings, reviewing blueprints, and managing properties all over New York City. Fast forward a decade later, two children and a home, every day felt like it was repeating itself--similar to the movie Groundhogs Day. I started feeling like something was missing and that life offered more in a deeper spiritual way, than I was able to attain.

I had programmed my mind to live on autopilot, locked into the day-to-day stressors. I knew that if I stayed trapped in this mindset I was headed toward a black hole. It was time to break free, to tap into the gut feeling that told me there was more to this wonderful world. It was time for me follow a deep passion I've had for many years.

Having been drawn to mindfulness, spirituality, health and wellness, I knew that's where the answer lied. I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about the roots of healthy mind and healthy living, and after years of research and meeting many inspirational teachers, I realized one of the biggest components to being whole was community and so I decided to start my own -- Rewire Me. I wanted to share what I had learned with others and create a community of people looking to heighten their mental, physical and spiritual self-awareness.

If you're feeling like you aren't living your life with purpose and passion, the first step is look at what really matters.

1. Prioritize your relationships

Nothing enriches your life more than cultivating deep connections with others. Surround yourself with people who make you happy and bring out your best qualities.

Running two businesses, while trying to juggle family, friends and parenting can be a challenge. Just a quick glance at my five Google calendars would probably make you feel overwhelmed.

But regardless of how hectic and busy life can be, when I start to feel like I'm off balance, I find that spending time with like minded people always makes me feel centered.

2. Align yourself with your core values

Imagine this scenario: You are offered a high-paying job at a company you dislike. You get sucked in by the idea of making all this money that you forget what it is you really want to do. Chasing money instead of chasing your passion is a mistake. It will only lead to frustration and unhappiness.

3. Schedule time for play

I recently had a conversation with my friend Nancy Levin, author of Jump...And Your Life Will Appear and host for Hay House Radio. One of the topics she talks about is giving yourself "permission to play," which I agree is so important. Many of us have a misconception that play is foolish or time-wasting and others will judge us for it. But in fact, play plays an important role in our healing. "When I stopped living in reaction to others and in response to my own wants and needs is when I became truly happy," said Nancy.

Are you doing what you really want to do? Are you ready to start really living?

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