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Joie de Vivre [ w d vvr ] 1. Joy of Living 2. Exuberance: energy and love of life 3. A cheerful enjoyment of life

Finding Joie de Vivre

Joie de Vivre is found in the process of self-discovery, visualizing and pursuing dreams (little or big) that are meaningful to you, and by taking care of ones well-being. 1 IDENTIFY All of happiness stems from knowing and accepting oneself. To know who you are, you must take an inventory of your strengths, go back to your roots, and seek out experiences that bring out the best in you. 2 IMAGINE Once you have identified your truths, you can now use the God-given gift of imagination. Imagine goals that are challenging but are so attractive to you that you will find joy and boundless energy in pursuing them. 3 IN TEGRATE Apart from energy, it takes discipline and focus to fulfill a dream. And to have this discipline, one must take care of ones body, heart, mind and soul.

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IDENTIFY Who Am I? You are equipped with the tools you need to have a fulfilled life : your skills and innate strengths. Revisit them, bring them to the forefront and have a greater appreciation of who you are. A life of joy begins with self-knowledge. From self-knowledge comes acceptance. From acceptance comes appreciation. From appreciation comes the desire to be the best version of yourself. From that desire comes the push and motivation to pursue your dreams.

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

1. PEAK PERFORMANCE When are you at your best? What conditions bring out the best in you?

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

2. PURSUITS What are your interests? What are your hobbies and favorite past times? What things do you want to learn?

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

3. TALENTS What are you good at? What skills have you developed?

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

4. STRENGTHS What are qualities you like about yourself? What positive things do others say about you? (Dont be shy, ask family and friends.)

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

5. INSPIRATION Name three people you wish to emulate. What is about them that inspires you?

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

6. LEGACY On your 80th birthday, what do you want your loved ones to say about you? By then, what would you have done?

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IDENTIFY

Self Awareness Questionnaire

7. CONNECTIONS Who are the people in your life whose presence and bonds you value and nurture?

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Map out your answers using images / symbols.

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IMAGINE Where Do You Want To Be? Three years down the line, what kind of experiences are you having? Whats making you happy? Its important to visualize all these through images or words, and revisit them every day. Your identity and self-knowledge will ultimately dictate which dreams will come into fruition and which will not.

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IMAGINE

Vision Board
1. Think about where you want to be in a years time or two. 2. Gather images that represent your desired life. Focus on desired experiences and roles you want to fulfill in the future. Arrange and paste the images on a piece of construction board. 3. Place this Vision Board in a visible place. As you grow, your dreams and goals may change. What is important is the images constantly inspire you when you look at them.

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INTEGRATE How Do I Get There? Goals are dreams with deadlines. Dreams should not remain fuzzy pictures in ones head. Goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Otherwise they will remain shapeless visions floating in the air. Its time to break it down into bite-sized pieces. Its the little steps you take each day that ultimately lead to your destination.

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INTEGRATE

Making Smart Goals

Now take one image from your vision board. Translate it into a goal and write it in a SMART way Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound.

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INTEGRATE

Breaking it Down
Break down the goal into specific tasks and give a deadline for each.

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INTEGRATE

The Balanced Life

Its important to keep your body, mind, soul and heart in shape. These are the instruments which will help you achieve your goal. With a happily functioning body, a clear and sharp mind, a peaceful soul and a happy heart, you will have the internal strength to pursue your dreams.

BODY

HEART

MIND

SOUL

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INTEGRATE

What Happens Now?

After accomplishing the exercises in this workbook, you will go back to living your life. On the outside, it will still be the same your normal daily routine will be waiting for you. The change will come from inside you. The change is that from now on, you will live life wide awake keeping your heart, mind and soul open and fully engaged in each moment. You have already set in motion a process of fulfillment by expressing your vision of an extraordinary, passionate life. To keep the energies of this process of fulfillment flowing, it is important to do the following: 1) REVISIT Keep your mind maps and passion boards visible. Revisit them. Update them if needed. They should continue to be relevant at whatever point you are in your life 2) RELATIONSHIPS Nurture relationships with family and friends. Fix broken bonds. Forgive. Let go of past emotional hurts. 3) REVEL IN NATURE Watching a sunset on a beach does wonders for the soul. Get out of the city. 4) RECREATE Pursue your interests and hobbies. Do the things that make you happy. Best if this hobby allows you to create something. Shopping does not count. 5) RETREAT & REFLECT Have some time alone. Disconnect for a few days. Enlightenment comes in solitude.

For words of inspiration and references on living an extraordinary life, visit www.thepassionplate.blogspot.com

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