The Things That Matter

Dear {NAME}, It still gives me chills to recall my near-drowning experience several years ago... I’ve loved the water for as long as I can recall and have been chasing waves since I first discovered bodysurfing. I’m sure most of you with a hobby will relate, whether it’s travel, photography, or something else entirely. The day started well; the surf was almost empty, and the sun was out. I headed out and caught a few waves—all was normal until a rip current gripped me. The channel pulled me out to sea, and the next thing I knew, I was caught on a reef with wave after wave pounding on top of me. All I could think between desperate gasps was: "Why did I come here alone?" Frias et al. (2010) and other positive psychology practitioners say that being faced with our impermanence can clarify our core values. That knowing what’s truly, personally meaningful to us helps us live our most authentic lives, because we can use those values to guide our actions. All I could picture on that reef was my family and friends, and I promised myself I would spend more meaningful moments with them. Needless to say, you do not have to make my mistake to find that same clarity, nor do your coaching or therapy clients. This festive period, we’ll probably be doing something less adrenaline-fuelled than bodysurfing, but what matters to me is that I’ll be with my family. We can always catch waves another day—and next time, I’ll be bringing some friends. Have you ever had a similar "close call"? And (how) did it make you re-evaluate what matters most to you? Enjoy the holidays, Seph Seph Fontane Pennock Co-founder PositivePsychology.com © PositivePsychology. com Sent to: {EMAIL} |  PositivePsychology.com, Gandhiplein 16, 6229HN Maastricht, The Netherlands Don't want future emails? [Unsubscribe](