Does living fully mean you are living dangerously or does it imply that you are passionately spending each day doing the things you love to do?

When you wake each morning, is your first thought, “Oh my goodness, I don’t want to go to work?”

If so, you might not be where you are destined to be. There are multiple options and alternatives to life that do not keep you in a box.

Think about five things that you enjoy doing and then consider whether you do them well. This is a great start toward discovering what type of job you should be investing time and energy in each day. You don’t have to follow someone else’s dreams. Follow your own. Step outside your comfort zone and aim high to learn and explore the many different things you are capable of tackling in life.

Many people find comfort in sitting idle and waiting for the right door to open.  Unfortunately, that door may not open if you do not take the appropriate steps to get to the right door. 

To find happiness, you may have to take risks. You have to believe in yourself and find ways to hold yourself accountable for your actions.

I’ve heard many people — who appeared happy on the outside — claim something was missing in their life. Some people may choose to have children, buy new vehicles, or try a new job; but the truth of the matter lies in the fact that life is not perfect.

You will never be perfect, but you can strive to be and do your best.

With that in mind, you can focus on being the best you that is possible.

Money cannot buy happiness, nor can people fill every empty part of your inner being. You are the only one who truly knows what in life can make you sincerely happy. 

Do you keep yourself busy with work or family responsibilities to fill some void?

Do you feel unsettled when others talk about their dreams and passions?

If so, you may need to brainstorm healthy ways to make your life more fulfilling. Yet, keep in mind, the grass is not always greener on the other side.

The preacher at Bay Community shared in this week’s message, “Some grass may appear greener from one’s perspective, but it may also require more watering.”

Be careful what you wish for in life. Know what is important and take great strides to conquer happiness in a courageous effort.  

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column regularly appears in The Bulletin.