Exploring the big picture of being alive

Exploring the big picture of being alive can snap us out of our worries to be in awe of our very existence.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Ryan Hutton

Life can feel consumed by endless worries — small setbacks, looming deadline, nagging doubts. Yet when we pause to explore the big picture of simply being alive, perspective shifts.

The fact that we exist at all, with beating hearts and breath in our lungs, is extraordinary. Out of billions of possible outcomes, here we are — thinking, feeling, creating, connecting.

Stepping back to recognize this wonder doesn’t erase challenges, but it softens their grip. Problems shrink when measured against the vastness of life’s gifts.

Awe reminds us that existence itself is not guaranteed, but a fragile and beautiful chance. In that realization anxiety transforms into gratitude, and the ordinary reveals itself as something truly remarkable.

EXERCISE:

Spend a few minutes outside tonight or early tomorrow morning. Look at the stars in the sky.

Consider the vastness of the universe and appreciate your place in it.

Job shadowing is a good idea at any age

“Job shadowing is a good idea at any age.”

Gabe Anderson– Musician

Image from Unsplash by Yk K

Job shadowing isn’t just for students or those starting out — it’s a powerful tool at any age.

Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, stepping into someone else’s workday can open your eyes to new perspectives, spark fresh ideas, and even reignite passion for your own career.

For those considering a midlife career shift, shadowing helps you explore options without a major leap.

For seasoned professionals, it’s a chance to stay curious, expand knowledge, and connect with the next generation.

And for retirees, it offers meaningful engagement and continued learning. Curiosity has no age limit — shadowing reminds us we can all grow, adapt, and stay inspired at any stage of life.

EXERCISE:

Who would you like to shadow for a day?

How might these experiences spark new ideas and remind you that curiosity and personal growth have no expiration date?

“It’s amazing how often the act of aligning on the problem untangles the messiest of knots.”

“It’s amazing how often the act of aligning on the problem untangles the messiest of knots.”

Rohan Rajiv, author of A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Parker Sturdivant

When we take the time to clearly define and agree on the core issue, confusion dissipates, and solutions become visible.

Too often, teams or individuals get tangled in assumptions, distractions, or conflicting agendas. By aligning perspectives on the real problem, we create a shared focus that simplifies complexity and opens the path forward.

As a coach, I’ve seen this alignment unlock breakthroughs, enabling people to move past obstacles with clarity and confidence.

Untangling isn’t about forcing a solution — it’s about understanding the knot so well that the right moves become obvious.

EXERCISE:

How often do you and your teams focus on solutions before you fully clarify and align on the actual problem?

How would taking this foundational step put you on the road to far better outcomes in your personal and professional communities?

A worthy goal can be intimate

“A worthy goal can be intimate. Choose the scale that suits you and feel your way into the journey.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Ronnie Overgoor

How do you feel about goal setting?

Do you have multi-page documents on hand with spreadsheets, timelines, and milestones? Or do you avoid such details altogether?

Many people see goals from a “go big or go home” perspective. If it doesn’t make a big enough dent in the universe, it’s not worthwhile.

Although Nobel prizes are nice, it is far more empowering for the rest of us to set our sights on more modest and more personally meaningful targets.

Sometimes even having a general direction for our journeys and putting forth our best efforts is more than enough.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the worthy goals you have been reluctant to pursue?

How can you realize the satisfaction of pursuing your intimate desires without having to tell the whole world?

Where is it time to zoom in on the details or zoom out on the big picture

Where is it time to zoom in on the details or zoom out on the big picture? What type of focus is required in your current situation?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Aaron Burden

Last month, many of us in the United States had the opportunity to see the solar eclipse. A family we know traveled 1500 miles from their home to see this event in San Antonio with their two young boys.

Road trips like these are an integral part of their home-schooling efforts and they took plenty of side trips along the way to zoom in and out to capture many other sights and wonders.

EXERCISE:

Where and how would your life improve with greater focus on more of the details of your world?

How might zooming out to a bigger, broader view of things offer you greater perspective and insight about the world?

The way you look at things is the most powerful force shaping your life

“The way you look at things is the most powerful force shaping your life.”

John O’ Donohue, late Irish poet, author, Hegelian philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Bradley Pisney

Today’s quote is an excellent reminder to develop and cultivate our self-awareness and mindfulness abilities.

When we choose to adopt constructive perspectives and attitudes, we can harness our powers of perception to create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

If and when we look at things from a negative or closed mindset, we limit our abilities to navigate life’s challenges and complexities.

EXERCISE:

How can and will you exercise and develop your powers of perception to shape your life and your world for the better?

When it comes to living a meaningful life, whose opinion and feedback truly matters

When it comes to living a meaningful life, whose opinion and feedback truly matters?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by David Travis

How is your life going? How engaged, fulfilled and at home in your own skin do you feel?

These questions are pondered by many of us from time to time or perhaps all the time.

As conscious sentient beings, it’s our nature to contemplate our place in the world and consider why we’re here and if we are making the most of our journey.

On more than a few occasions we get confused, feel thwarted in our efforts and can’t find our way.

At times like these, we can all benefit from some guidance and direction from outside sources.

EXERCISE:

Who are the people that offer you the most useful perspective and feedback on the things that truly matter?

How can and will you take full advantage of these supportive resources during the holiday season and heading into the new year?

One of the greatest treasures in the world is a contented heart

“One of the greatest treasures in the world is a contented heart.”

John O’Donohue, 20th Century Irish poet and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by N.

Today’s quote sends us all on a treasure hunt, challenging us to explore our inner and outer worlds to see what truly offers heartfelt contentment.

What aspects of your life feed and keep you fed — body and soul?

In today’s media-flooded world, many of us have been brainwashed into the myth of having it all. So many of us play this game only to find that long-term satisfaction and contentment eludes us.

Having what we want versus wanting what we have is a perspective worth a closer look.

EXERCISE:

What aspects of your life are essential for you to close your eyes at night with a contented heart?

How many of these treasures are already in your possession?

Stillness is what aims the archer’s arrow

“Stillness is what aims the archer’s arrow, it inspires new ideas, it sharpens perspective and illuminates connections.”

Ryan Holiday, American author, and host of the podcast The Daily Stoic

Image from Unsplash by Mario Doberman

Being still seems like such a passive thing to do. How could the lack of movement get us where we want to go and accomplish the things we desire?

Without a careful aim we certainly miss our targets.

Without new ideas we are destined to keep circling back to the ones whose time has passed.

Without greater perspective we are unlikely to pursue paths meant for today and our future.

Without our connections and communities, we are left as lone rangers, isolated and alone.

EXERCISE:

How could you squeeze greater benefits out of stillness in your life?

Where can it act as a quiet place to reflect and improve your world in so many ways?

Be careful not to let the noise in your mind overpower the whispers of your heart

“Be careful not to let the noise in your mind overpower the whispers of your heart.”

Cory Muscara, international speaker and teacher on mindfulness and positive psychology

Image from Unsplash by Nick Fewings

As a child I was fearful of going to the doctor. The unfamiliar surroundings, the strange smells, and the anticipation of getting a shot from the scary nurse was something to dread.

Doctor Wiederman was always kind and gentle, with a reassuring voice. On one visit, he let me use his stethoscope to listen to my heartbeat. This pulsing sound seemed to let me know that everything was OK and that he and his staff were only there to keep me healthy.

As I’ve gotten older, my perspective on my heart has expanded from a blood pumping organ to the source of my soul. Taking the time to be quiet and listening to its messages is something we can all practice daily.

EXERCISE:

Where and when do you take the time to listen to the whispers of your heart?

How can you quiet the noisy voices of your mind to embrace this inner wisdom?