I want to live life freely and on my own will and accord. I want to have the freedom to do what I want (within reason.)
To be adventurous and truly enjoy life. To find the meaning of happiness as it pertains to me. To find meaning and joy in my work. To have a passion. To be an honest person, even if doing so has negative consequences. To take responsibility for my actions while not beating myself up over the past or things that I can’t control.
I feel as though the way we (Westerners) are living is pointless and devoid of meaning. Back in the day it was about survival. Today it’s about proving your "worth". And not even you’re value or worth as a person. It’s about what kind of financial value you can provide and how much one can accumulate for themselves.
What’s crazy is that some of the richest people in the world are the same ones that give so much of their fortune away. For them, money doesn’t buy happiness, it’s the amount of people they can help with that money that does. Sure, it's easy to give when you have so much -- but the underlying principle remains. Perhaps this is how I need to view it.
Don’t make money for money’s sake. Do it for others. Do it for the "highest good." Give my time along the way. Money is great -- and can solve many problems -- but nothing will prove to be more rewarding than giving my time. Anybody can write a check. Give myself.
Focus on the present. I preach it but I don’t live it. Each moment I will never get back. It’s gone forever. Cherish each one.
Don’t harm my body. Treat it as a temple. My body is complex but it’s simple for me to maintain. Eat because I have to, not because I want to. Smaller portions, less frequently. Digesting food takes a toll on the body. Why not let it do other, more important things? Eat food that is healthy, locally grown, seasonal, organic-when-available. Exercise. Go out and play. At the same time, don’t take shit too seriously.
Appreciate nature. It’s God's art. Make time to enjoy it. It will benefit me.
Remind myself that words without actions have no meaning, and all of this is bullshit if I don’t make an effort toward living it.
