Lessons in Life

I firmly believe that all of life is about learning, changing, growing.  Trying to be a better person, to find a purpose, love, fulfillment.  

So far, these are some of the most important things I've learned.  The list is still growing...

Learn something every day.  It can be small (like a new word) or large (like tackling a new computer program or hobby), but never stop learning.

Smile.  Even if you don't feel it, because when you smile, the world does smile back at you, and before you know it, you will be smiling.  Each day is a gift... make it fun.

Look.  There is beauty all around you.

Listen.  It's the lost art.  When someone is talking, pay attention.  Be in the moment.  Make them feel important, and make a real connection.

Make mistakes.  It's OK.  Above all, don't be afraid of trying.

Quit procrastinating.  There really is no time like the present.  Don't let opportunity, and life, slip away from you.  Make every moment count.

Do what you love.  You don't necessarily need to make a career of it, but do that thing, because it will feed your soul in ways that are indescribable.

Live simply.  Enjoy what you have and get off that hamster wheel of consumerism.  It's empowering.

Live in the moment.  Stop your past and future tripping or you will never be happy, and you'll miss out on all the beautiful details.

Be who you are.  And if you don't look in the mirror and love that person, create a new you who you admire.

 

Are You an Urbanite?

ur·ban·ite.

From the Urban Dictionary: A person who inhabits one of the major cities in the world, aged between 17 and 44. An urbanite is an affluent consumer with an optimistic outlook on life that is very different from those who live in "small town" or rural areas.

Urbanites are both a subculture and a contemporary lifestyle. They have 6 key characteristics: Time-poor, city-proud, media-literate, brand-centric, trend-sensitive and culturally-aware.

The British newspaper Metro has listed the 10 "Great expectations" that above all else motivate and drive Urbanites:

1.   Expecting to live a meaningful and experience-rich urban life.
2.   Expecting to succeed in multiple areas of life (not just career).
3.   Expecting to get substantial fulfillment from work (not just cash).
4.   Expecting to be at the hub of a large friendship network.
5.   Expecting the traditional ideal of "true love" in the modern world.
6.   Expecting to have to "make time" in order to have and enjoy time.
7.   Expecting to use debt to have what they want, and have it now.
8.   Expecting to have a progressive government that delivers results.
9.   Expecting to live in a pleasant "urban village" area of their city.
10. Expecting to live a responsible life as an urban consumer. 

Wow, do we have a lot of expectations!  Can I axe numbers 6 & 7?

Tea Time #1

I love taking the time to enjoy a cup of tea.  There's something inherently calming about imbibing a warm cup of herbal essence.  Even more enjoyable, is when the tea in question has a meaningful bit of wisdom or inspiration attached to it, as do the Good Earth varieties.  Today's quote is:

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you."  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson was an American essayist, lecturer, and poet, who led the Transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was seen as a champion of individualism and a prescient critic of the countervailing pressures of society. He wrote on a number of subjects, never espousing fixed philosophical tenets, but developing certain ideas such as individuality, freedom, the ability for humankind to realize almost anything, and the relationship between the soul and the surrounding world.

 

Special Delivery

I recently went to an art showing that blew my mind.  

Expansive.  With more than 80 local artists contributing in a space measuring 36,000 square feet.

Thought-provoking.  Social commentary ranging from religion, to politics, to the environment, to what we eat, to who we are.

And about to be destroyed.  September 30th was the last, and one of the very few days when this collection was viewable to the public.  The entire space has since been sandblasted.

The Story of Change

As a follow-up to my posts about simplicity and social responsibility, this new video by the maker's of "The Story of Stuff" is an interesting and compelling story about how to take the next step.

I'm an optimist by nature, but change for the better won't just happen.  I, and you, need to take an active role in directing the course for the future.  Whether it be through our vote, voice or dollar.