Life is a Game of Inches

In one of the most inspirational videos of all time, Al Pacino says something very profound. He says, “Life is a game of inches.” This is true. Every step we take will determine the next. Every small decision will affect the big decisions. Every moment is only here once, and it is up to us to make the most of them. We can choose to live, to fight and to move forward or we can choose to give up and accept defeat.

Is there more negativity in the world today than five years ago or does it just seem like it? With everyone talking about the wars, the economy, the hunger, the shortage of resources, it is tough to remain positive sometimes.

Do you ever feel drained and exhausted from all the negativity? I do. At times I feel like I am actually desensitized and I don’t feel anything at all, which is disheartening. Some people thrive on controversy and drama, but I’m not one of them. I prefer to remain in a state of happiness and gratitude.

For those of you that feel the same way as me, I want to make a radical suggestion. Go on a ‘30 Day Mental Fast.’ I tried this about a year ago and it made a huge difference. I’m going to do it again.

If you decide to go on the ’30 Day Mental Fast,” here are the rules:

For 30 days –

1. Turn off the TV. If you can’t keep the television completely off, then leave it off at night. The negativity in the news, the commercials, etc… won’t have a chance to permeate into your subconscious before you fall asleep. You’ll fall asleep faster, sleep better and wake up feeling happy about the new day.

2. Do not read the news on the Internet. I know, this is another one that sounds totally radical. I’ve made this a way of life now. It is important to be informed, but not inundated. You can be informed by just reading the tweets in your stream, there is no need to click on the news links and read something that will bring you so much sadness.

3. Read something uplifting every day, at least for 15 minutes. This is fun, easy and will lighten your spirit!

4. While in your car, turn off the radio and put in a personal development CD instead. If you are like me, you’ve purchased a ton of these CDs over the years but not listened to them. Here is your chance to benefit from them. As much as I sit in traffic in downtown Atlanta, I could probably learn a foreign language in my car.

5. Associate with empowering people. You will become just like the people you hang out with so associate yourself with empowering people. This not only means in “real life” but also on Twitter or any social media site. This one thing makes a huge difference.

6. Drink plenty of water. Water is the universal solvent that removes toxins.

7. Devote 15 – 30 minutes every day for reflection time. Think about what you are grateful for, think about your dreams, think about your desires.

When I went on this ’30 Day Mental Fast’ a year ago, people around me noticed the change and I could feel the change inside. It’s surprising how much the negativity around us affects us and we don’t even realize it.

“Either we heal now as a team, or we will die as individuals.”