It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything on here. That’s primarily because of a death in the family. That death, in turn, has caused me to start re-evaluating my life. Then again, I just turned 40. Maybe I’m having the cliché mid-life crisis. I don’t want a sporty car or motorcycle. I don’t want to date an 18-year-old. I do, though, want to travel the world. I want to change careers. I want to feel like I’m positively contributing to the world.

One of the things I enjoy most is education. I’ve been taking some courses on Coursera, and this week one class discussed Emerson. A quote of his really made me pay attention to the lesson: “Live ever in a new day.”

In improvisation, one of the art’s best benefits is that every scene is a chance to start over, that the past has no relevance on what is happening in the now. If you can shake off the past, you can truly live to your full potential. It’s not easy. It takes years of practice. Like a 401k, the sooner you start, though, the better off you’ll be in the long run.

Here’s how you can practice. Every morning, take a minute moment and reflect where you are. Concentrate on the now. Be mindful of what you’re offered. Often, we say we have to do things. Consider changing that line to something the great improv performer and teacher David Razowsky says: We get to do things. Life and its many options are choices. You may feel forced to do things. Think about it (become more mindful), and you’ll notice that you’re choosing one thing over another. You’re in control. You get to participate in your own outcome.

Emerson also said, “With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do.” He’s talking about habitual consistency, a mindlessness toward life. When you fully participate in life, even if you make the same choices every day, you’re truly living. When you get to do things because you choose them, life becomes more fun and exciting. And that’s really what any kind of life crisis is about: seeking to regain excitement.

How do you keep your life exciting? I’d love to know you tips. Please share them in the comments.

(Image via Flickr: Marya/Creative Commons)