Another Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One
The Moment That Changes Everything
We often live under the illusion that there is always more time—time to chase dreams, time to make changes, time to become the person we want to be.
We convince ourselves that “one day” we’ll start living fully.
But what if that one day never comes?
For me, the moment of realization didn’t come from reading a self-help book or hearing a motivational speech.
I came at 18 years old, holding a rifle in a war I didn’t start, abandoned by the very people who were supposed to protect me.
At an age when most people are choosing universities or planning their futures, I was choosing whether to pull the trigger. I had no home. No family. No safety.
I was alone.
And when you’re alone on a battlefield, you don’t waste time worrying about “someday.” You focus on survival.
But survival is not the same as living. I had to learn this truth through hard experience.
The guts to start the transformation process
The Courage to Start Over
Fear is what keeps most people trapped in an unfulfilled life. Fear of failure. Fear of the unknown. Fear of stepping outside of what’s familiar.
But here’s something most people never truly understand there is no real security.
I know what it means to have everything taken away overnight. And that’s why I know that the only thing we can control is how we choose to live.
After surviving war, I had two choices:
- Live in the past, paralysed by everything I had lost.
- Start over, no matter how many times I would have to fall and get back up.
I chose to start over. I did this repeatedly.
I moved to new places, changed careers, and rebuilt my life from nothing. Every step was terrifying.
Every setback was painful. But every single time, I became stronger.
And through it all, I learned this: fear only controls you if you let it.
Get out of the routine
A daily routine is one of the most frequent barriers to living an authentic life. Although routines provide security and structure, they can also suffocate.
It is simple to forget the emotions, dreams, and desires that once excited us when they become enmeshed in the routine of our daily lives.
To overcome a habit, one must embrace a new mindset that is prepared to question the status quo and explore uncharted territory.
Exit routine does not usually necessitate significant modifications.
I understand that it is quite popular on social media nowadays; we live in a time when fitness influencers and their ideas for exercising and living a healthy life are widely visible. But that is undoubtedly the first and smallest step that we can all take for ourselves.
I made the decision to exercise on my own multiple times, but it wasn’t until I started taking small, daily steps that I realized its benefits.
It was a significant achievement that propelled me beyond my comfort zone and initiated my journey.
Realizing that life is too brief to be mired in repetitive tasks is essential. Each day offers a chance to transcend routine and embrace life to its utmost.
You allow yourself to see the world with new eyes, let go of old passions, and make new memories when you break free from the usual.
Over time, these modest actions cause a series of changes that may culminate in an entirely different way of living.
Small changes that create huge waves
It can be tempting to believe that we must make big, drastic changes that will have a big influence on a world—or perhaps better described as a life— that is full of enormous difficulties or aspirations for change.
I can state, nevertheless, that minor adjustments result in the most profound effects because of the exclusion. We earn a path in life by making small, regular decisions.
Small adjustments could be as easy as making healthier choices, such as setting aside time for personal development or attempting to establish a deeper connection with others.
You can reject one act of kindness, a new habit, or a deliberate choice to prioritize joy throughout your life, resulting in waves of fulfillment, happiness, and connection.
Life-Conscious
It is stated, and I believe it is true, that if we dwell on the past, we become depressed, while fearing the future generates anxiety. The only thing left to do is to live in the here and now, which is only feasible.
One of the most effective ways to regain control over your life is to live mindfully. Living in a state of consciousness means that you are more in tune with your needs, wants, and values.
Making thoughtful decisions and realizing that each one has the capacity to give your life purpose are hallmarks of being aware of life.
A conscious life should be lived in the here and now, free from the distractions of daily existence. This technique enables us to let go of things that don’t serve us and adjust to what matters most.
Being conscious of life entails making choices based on one’s own convictions rather than on demands or expectations from others.
It inspires us to live in harmony with who we really are, free from the cacophony of the outside world.
When we live intentionally, we design a life that is more in line with our goals and values, which brings us more joy and tranquillity.
Love and joy are necessary components of a genuine life
The desire for happiness and love is one of the main drivers of change.
Every meaningful life revolves around the relationships we build and the joy we experience daily.
It becomes evident that love and joy ought to be at the centre of our lives when we acknowledge that we only have so much time.
These feelings are strong transformative catalysts in addition to being sources of joy.
Authentic living, which fosters passions and acceptance of the small pleasures in life, is the source of joy.
It can be discovered at times of thankfulness, creativity, laughter, and connection.
Prioritizing joy allows us to accept the beauty of what is here rather than focusing on what we lack or what is wrong in our lives.
In a similar vein, love, whether it is with our loved ones, friends, or a romantic partner, nourishes our spirits and gives us a strong sense of purpose and belonging.
We automatically start to live more authentically when love and joy are given priority.
We cease looking for acceptance or validation from others and instead concentrate on building a joyful and peaceful existence.
These feelings turn into powerful influences that mould our choices and actions, resulting in a harmonious and joyful life.
The initial phase of living a genuine life
Ultimately, realizing that you deserve to live a life that reflects who you really are is the first step towards living an authentic life.
It begins with embracing its special characteristics, recognizing your worth, and establishing boundaries that safeguard your well-being.
The authentic life emphasizes living in harmony with your inner truth rather than giving in to outside pressures and social expectations.
It is helpful to consider what is most important to you in order to take the first step.
What sort of life are you hoping to build?
Accepting that life is a continuous process of growth is another aspect of living truthfully.
Accepting every stage of the journey and finding joy in the decisions you make daily are more important than perfection or getting to your destination.
Conclusion
Realizing that he only has one life can serve as a wake-up call to live life with more meaning and purpose.
Embracing change, breaking free from routines, and making minor adjustments can lead to a life filled with happiness, love, and genuineness.
I intentionally live, focusing on the things that genuinely unlock the life we have always envisioned.
And we encourage others to follow suit. Understanding that you only have one life and it is your responsibility to live it to the fullest signifies the start of another.
How are you stepping outside of your comfort zone?
Have you already done that?
This post was written by Mario Bekes