Life is a rollercoaster ride, with periods when everything goes as planned and others when nothing appears to go right. We all know this, but we have negative emotions and energy when external events are not how we want them to be. Lately, I have also been irritated because of some work and personal life-related events. Nothing extraordinary, but enough to keep you thinking. Generally, I am self-motivated. However, this time, I needed a little nudge.
The universe was listening and provided just that. A few weeks ago, an email popped up inviting me to attend the “Art of Livin’” by Matthew McConaughey. I have talked in my blogs about discovering who I am, winning against self is the most important competition, the importance of life experiences, flexibility and strength of being like water, the power of a conscious and creative mindset, taking action, and intuition, along with being boundless to unearth limitless potential we all have. I know what is right, and I have been practicing it.
However, sometimes, you need a reminder, an external voice to reconfirm and validate your beliefs about life, values, purpose, and the tools to navigate the journey called life effortlessly. The event provided me with just that.
Therefore, I decided to share with my readers some key takeaways from the event.
Background: I have not watched any of Matthew McConaughey’s movies. However, I have heard him speak over the last few years. I loved his style of storytelling, the choice of words, and the anecdotes he presents from his life to relay the thought. I read his memoir “Greenlight” twice and listened once. It is a gem! If you have not read it, I highly recommend reading it. For those who want a quick download of critical ideas, see my thoughts at the end of the blog.
So, I attended the “Art of Livin’” event on April 24. You must be intrigued by the choice of the word “livin’” in the title of the event. Matthew explains during the event that life is nobody’s proper noun, and there’s no “g” at the end of livin’ because life’s a verb.”
The notion that “life is a verb” emphasizes that we are constantly changing and adapting to fit in with our surroundings. The concept shows how vital it is to participate in one’s life and enjoy the ride. Developing, learning, and adapting throughout time are essential for thriving in life. This point of view urges us to do what it takes to make our lives meaningful and authentic expressions of who we are and what we value.
The event began with the idea that what binds every one of us is a desire for more. We seek wisdom, money, wealth, and freedom. McConaughey emphasizes science’s fundamental connection to the art of livin’. Science is knowledge, art is experience. The scientific side represents facts and methods, while the artistic side represents each person’s goals, dreams, and feelings. Science can create art. Studying the playbook and using the right tools may help one call audibles and create life’s art. The art of living makes life meaningful and enjoyable.
McConaughey recommends asking the appropriate questions to have a happy and fulfilling life. Living effortlessly has no single solution. Mastering life requires serious self-questioning and honesty. These questions will help people achieve their ultimate goal: a life they like and are proud of.
The “art of livin'” also involves finding your frequency or life’s driving forces. Finding your frequency requires risk-taking and experimentation. “Be prepared to confront the impermanence of life,” says McConaughey. If you follow your passion and principles, you’ll find your unique frequency and live a real life.
McConaughey emphasizes that self-awareness is the first step to mastering the art of livin’. Accepting our views, feelings, and prior experiences helps us manage fear and uncertainty. We must own our future-altering decisions. Being adaptable and open to new ideas might improve your life.
The event was full of inspiring talks by Tony Robbins, Marie Forleo, and Trent Shelton. I have already re-visited parts of the conversation, and they have provided me a boost and have inspired me to become more of what I’m today. Remember my blog on how we are never finished.
I’m in a crucial phase of my life where the outcomes of my actions will profoundly impact the quality of my life. However, I can confidently say that whatever the outcome is, I’m more joyful than ever in taking these actions and will not stop chasing the goals even if the results are not in my favor. Life is an obstacle course, and I’m prepared with a big heart and smile.
*****
As promised, below are some excellent quotes and their context from McConaughey’s thrilling memoir, Greenlights.McConaughey describes life as a road trip full of traffic lights, greenlight (positive moments, opportunities, and realizations that propel us forward) and red and yellow (obstacles, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty or reflection). The key is resilience, which turns the red lights into green. McConaughey notes, “The problems we face today eventually turn into blessings in the rearview mirror of life. Yesterday’s red light leads us to a green light today.” In many cases, people need a challenge to push them to develop and change for the better. We will learn valuable lessons and grow as individuals by facing adversity head-on.
Another important lesson I learned from the book is a quote from McConaughey’s father, “I’d rather lose money having fun than make money being bored.” McConaughey also said in an interview, “It is okay to have a beer on the way to the temple.” This expression is a metaphor for taking pleasure in the little things in life without feeling guilty about them, even when you are focused on the end goal. It also emphasizes the significance of balancing material comforts with the pursuit of one’s happiness.
“Stepping in shit is inevitable, so let’s either see it as good luck or figure out how to do it less often.”This phrase underlines the influence of perception on our experiences. Misfortune is unavoidable in life, but we can choose how we perceive and respond to it. We may better handle life’s ups and downs by changing our mentality and viewing setbacks as chances for progress.
“Persist, pivot, or concede. It’s up to us, our choice every time and a good plan is first to recognize the problem, then stabilize the situation, organize the response, then respond.” The statement emphasizes that we have the choice of response and by careful selection, we can change the outcome of the challenging situation.
“It is not about win or lose, it is about do you accept the challenge.” This comment underlines that facing and experiencing a problem could be more valuable than winning. If we accept the process, we may grow as individuals and gain knowledge from the experiences that we have had.
“We cannot appreciate the light without the shadows. We have to be thrown off balance to find our footing. It’s better to jump than to fall.” The quote highlights the need to maintain equilibrium despite the inevitable ups and downs that are a part of everyone’s lives. The ability to persevere through adversity and adapt to new circumstances can be developed by accepting and even welcoming the challenges and unknowns that lie ahead.I will leave you all with this McConaughey’s quote to ponder on our existence, the life we want to create, and the mark we want to leave on the lives we have touched, “Rather than struggle against time and waste it, let’s dance with time and redeem it because we don’t live longer when we try not to die, we live longer when we’re too busy livin’.”
