Want a simple technique to help figure out whether that thing that’s stressing you really matters?
Here’s one of my favourites – the eightieth birthday test.
“Does it pass the eightieth birthday test? If not, then it’s not really important.”
How often do we get fixated on proving a point in an argument? Or feeling stuck over what seems to be a big decision? It’s a major cause of stress – and relationship problems.
Luckily there’s a simple test you can apply, to figure out if it really matters.
Imagine it’s your eightieth birthday – or a birthday at least ten years ahead.
Look back at the event from today and see it with the eyes, heart and experience of that eighty year old you.
Does that old choice or action make any difference to the eighty year old you? Did it change the course of your life? If yes, was it in a way that you would want?
What advice would the eighty year old you give the younger you, in this situation?
Coming back to the hear and now, what have you discovered?
I’m curious: is there a situation where you could experiment with this technique today?
Wishing you a day full of sunshine and laughter.
Namaste,
Clare
This article is an excerpt from The Little Book Of Daily Sunshine by Clare Josa.