Nugget/Lesson #49
Fortherestofyourlife.com
Copyright 2001 by Thomas J. Leonard.  No duplication.  All rights reserved.


Yes, I recently acquired that domain because since starting the Absence Of Program, I've begun to look longer term, like real long term.  I am 46 and have another 40 good years at least, but I can kinda see my life playing out in front of me even though I'm not there yet.

And, I sense that there are more things that I will and won't be doing for the rest of my life.  Because, they fit or they don't fit.

Now, this may seem a bit obvious to you, but I've never been a 'for the rest of your life' kind of guy.  I'm Mr. Whim, basically.  But, perhaps due to the influence of the Absence Of Program, I'm seeing the 'light' a bit further these days.

Example.  A couple of months ago, I cut out alcohol.  I tend to do this every couple of years for several months.  I love beer and margaritas.  And I'm a pretty cheap drunk; give me 2 beers and I'm quite, quite happy.  I've never been much of a drinker, though.  Thank goodness.

But something went clunk for me a couple of months ago.  Maybe I stopped wanting/needing this artificial high.  Maybe I just want to live a little more cleanly.  Maybe I just want to be me all of the time now.  Who knows, really?

But this recent experience got me to thinking about what else really didn't fit anymore, for a lifetime.  Not just my absence of consumption project, but in general.

I even thought about offering a new course called For The Rest Of Your Life.    It's pretty close to our Absence Of Program, yet different enough.

I guess the question to ask yourself is...

What would I do or not do for the rest of my life?

Here's a quick, 5 item "For the Rest of My Life" list I put together for myself to show you what I mean.

1.  I would never react, get upset or frustrated.  Not because I was using self control, but rather because I just wouldn't feel the urge to react.

2.  I wouldn't drink alcohol.

3.  I wouldn't use caffeine.

4.  No animal products (become a vegan).

5.  No deadlines/promises.


Again, I know this looks a lot like the Absence Of Program, and it is.  But there something to this, as well, although it's fuzzy in my mind.  Maybe it's that most of us have selected a single/primary focus for our Absence Of projects.  And the For the Rest of My Life approach would be broader; universal.

Love to hear your thoughts.  I'll the excerpts unless you tell me not to.  thomas@thomasleonard.com 


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