Richard is always sending me life nuggets via articles. This one was particularly good. 8 Remarkable Things to Do with Your Life. It wasn’t about finding the cure for cancer or how to become a billionaire. It talks about finding joy in your life by living joyfully in simple ways.
Find your passion: Writing is my passion. I say to whoever will listen that making a living as a writer is my ultimate goal. On Friday night, Jen gave Abby and I a profound life nugget. She said that people don’t always have a job that they are passionate about but their job should support their passion. Jen’s passion is travel. She is so right! I’m blessed that I have stumbled on a platform that helps me exhibit my passion. I can write whenever I want and whatever I want. And people read me. I have passion actualized.
Do everything with purpose: Last night, I picked up the Saturday night dinner shift. I wanted to help Mark out AND I’m saving for my couch. There is purpose there. I was the first server cut so my tips weren’t an amount to boast about. But here’s the other thing, I didn’t spend any money. I made a little cash. I hung out with a fun crew. I had a couple shift drinks. It was a cheap evening. Because here’s the other thing, I need to not spend money so frivolously. I need to spend with intention. It’s too easy to blow through cash on a night out. I want to enjoy my friends, my experience and my life without dropping a wad of cash.
Get in the best shape possible: I’m working on this. I don’t necessarily like the word ‘shape.’ I’d prefer substituting ‘health.’ On Friday, Josh told me I looked skinner and asked how my clothes were fitting. I told him that as is my past experience, I’ve lost weight first in my chest. My legs are also tighter and toner. But my menopausal, wine belly seems untouched. So, my clothes are loose in some places and tight in others. I look like a baggy freak. After seeing the Hubbard Street dancers on Thursday night, I told Josh I wanted to become one. He told me I would be a very old lady by the time I got a dancer’s body. So, I’m not concentrating on ‘shape.‘ I’m focused on ‘best health possible.’
Give: I’m a fundraiser. I believe everyone should have a philanthropic plan. People don’t have to give to my cause but support something or someone less fortunate. If you only spend money on yourself, you won’t find happiness. You’ll chase it but it’ll never be enough. I know the more I focus on materialistic things, the more I want.
Break free from your comfort zone: This one is hard. Who wants to be uncomfortable? Yet, I won’t have a broader and richer life unless I step outside the familiar. I want to be a student of life. And to learn more from others and have new experiences, I must challenge myself to not be afraid of failing or being the fool. I need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Hack your life: I think this one is funny. I’m all about the shortcut.
It’s never too late to start over. If you weren’t happy with yesterday, try something different today. Don’t stay stuck. Change it up.
Learn how to enjoy life: I’m pretty damn good at this one. I enjoy most things. I find fun in the work and the play.
Use the power of attraction: I am genetically wired to be optimistic. Life experiences have done their best to defuse my natural positivity. Still, I strive to thrive in a positive environment. Sh#t happens and I walk into it. I choose not to stay in it. I wipe my shoes off and keep going. I know misery loves company, I choose not to be her houseguest.