You may have heard about this before. "This life is a test. It is only a test. Had this been an actual life, you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do..."

It would be nice if life came with instructions on where to go and what to do. But it doesn't.

Many people spend their daily life as if they are waiting for instructions or for their real life to begin. You will hear people say things like "When I lose 20 pounds, I'm going to..." or, "When I've got enough money, then I'm going to..." It's as if they've put their life on hold, waiting for everything to be perfect, before they start actually living it!

But this life isn't a test, or a rehearsal, or a game. You don't get a "do over" when it's finished. This is it. Don't waste another minute of your life! Instead of waiting until things are perfect, or for "someday" to arrive, start enjoying yourself now!

You can try by making a list of "What I want to do Before I die". When you are starting your list, it doesn't matter how wild and crazy your dreams are! So if you've always wanted to take up scuba diving, or you want to make a million dollars or even sing in front 10,000 people -- write it down. Think about everything that you really want -- the things that would make you feel special or loved, or important. The things you've been meaning to get around to doing, but for one reason or another, just haven't done. The secret dreams that have been hiding in a tiny corner of your heart. The important thing here is figure out exactly what it is you WANT. Writing the things down, gives them form and shape and power.

After finishing with the list, prioritize the list. What things are on those lists that are the most important to you? If you found out that you were going to die next year, or next week, or tomorrow, what would you want to do before it happens? Don't be surprised if your list is very long. You've probably been denying yourself for a while now, because "life" got in the way of "living." If you're like most people, you'll find there are some things on your list that are very simple, and easy to do. Maybe you like feeling spoiled by having your first cup of coffee in bed every morning. Or maybe you only use grandma's "company" dishes during special occasions, but you love them. Or maybe your list includes things like telling the people you love that they matter to you.

You will be surprised when you give yourself permission to start living your life, amazing things start to happen! You may find yourself going through a "lucky" streak. Opportunity starts knocking at your door on a regular basis. And you may even find that the stress and strain you were under has lifted. Things look brighter, and you feel happier.

It is important that you do not throw your list away -- in fact, keep it handy and add to it as you think of new dreams, new goals. Because as you begin to live the life you were meant to live -- a life that's worth living -- you may just find that you need a new sheet of paper!