When I was in middle school I was a frequent sleep walker. I would unconsciously get out of bed, do something odd, and then return back to my slumber. In the beginning it was as simple as brushing my teeth or changing into my school clothes. However, as time passed by the sleep walking got worse. One time I walked into my sisters room and awoke the next morning on the ground. Another time I poured myself a bowl of cereal and only became aware of it upon taking my first bite. It's safe to say I've had plenty of experience with sleepwalking.
I just finished the greatest book I've ever read, "Tuesdays with Morrie." One of my favorite messages from the book was that humans have a shared tendency to take things for granted. Whether it's the mobility in your legs or the daily opportunity to hug your loved ones we all do it--overlook the simple but mighty gifts in life.
There were many jaw dropping statements by the main character Morrie, but today I want to focus on the following:
Most of us all walk around as if we're sleepwalking. We really don't experience the world fully, because we're half-asleep, doing things we automatically think we have to do.
You don't think when you sleep walk. Some people live in a very similar manner. Lacking a life of meaning, purpose, and love. Busy and full of all of the wrong things. Unsatisfied, emotionless, and above all having absolutely no desire to create a brighter tomorrow. Living half-asleep is equivalent to navigating through life, in a constant state of disconnection.
With this in mind I want you to ask yourself: Are you chasing the right things?
Do you seek out friends that add or deteriorate to aspects of your life? Do you dream of that career because it is your calling or do you just idolize money? Are you in a relationship because you love the person or only wish to be loved?
When you are chasing the wrong things emptiness is always going to be the inevitable ending
Now I want you to reflect on whether you or not you could be: living an automatic lifestyle.
Are you intentional when you attend work or do you simply try to get through the day? Are you cognoscente of what another may be going through or do you honk the horn when they're driving too slow? Do you apologize when you bump into others or do you quietly mutter an insult under your breath?
Routines are great until you become completely numb to reality and a true displeasure to be around.
There is a high possibility you could be leading a half-asleep and automatic life where you seemingly can't help but chase materialistic nothings. If that is the case, I just want to encourage you to wake up! Stop living a life with no meaning and add love back into your routine.
Maybe this means complimenting three people a day to force yourself to look outward. Or it could be writing down what you're thankful for at the end of each day. It could truly be as simple as laughing when you find something funny. The point is don't live half-asleep. Don't chase sweet nothings. Don't living automatically. Find purpose and meaning in each day and treat life like the gift it is. Tomorrow is not guaranteed so stop living like it is.
I hadn't slept walked in YEARS until just last week. I got up, walked into my sister's room, and woke up standing over her. I was kind of embarrassed. I had gone so long without doing it I honestly thought I had stopped all future occurrences. As I walked back to bed I thought to myself, "at least I always wake up."
Just because you are asleep now does not mean you have to stay that way. Wake up, change, and live a fulfilling life of love.
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