Consider this a collection of inspiration from my life's experiences.
Take what resonates and leave what doesn't.
Photo Credit: Roz Huber
Be in constant pursuit to break the mold of what others think you should do. Consider fear of that pursuit as the sign that you should keep going. Understand that fear is only as real as you make it out to be. People have acted in spite of fear way before you, so know that it's been done and it is completely possible. Anything is possible when you're present, anything. Being present is the best gift you will ever give yourself and those you love. Presence is far too uncommon to overlook and undervalue. Being present is a continuous lesson. Diving in to be present with yourself and others will forever be the best teacher and the greatest example of your outlook on every situation. In every situation you encounter each day, kindness, compassion and love are always a choice. Always, always, try to be more kind, compassionate and loving in the times when it's really, really hard. Create more ways to give kindness away. Invent circumstances where you are compassionate and loving in more ways than you ever thought you were able. These three tangible ways of being – kind, compassionate and loving – are also dynamically intangible ways of being that you might not see and will definitely feel; especially in relationships. When you understand that being in a relationship with another human being is a choice, you will see your relationship differently than you do right now. You will also behave differently. When you make an effort to unravel the old patterns, habits and reactions from your past because it matters, you will create the space to make new patterns, habits and responses.
Photo Credit: Darren Hull
Being in a relationship isn't a drag, it is a luxury if you set clear boundaries on how you want to be treated and communicated with. If your relationship is a drag, get out of it. Hold your person in the highest regard and you will never go wrong – unless you aren't holding yourself in the highest regard. You will treat people the way you treat yourself, subconsciously and consciously. Everything you do in this world comes back to you in some form – good and bad. You may never know what current experiences are placed before you because of past experiences. Uncertainty will always teach you to be present with what's in front of you. The moment that it's in front of you is the only thing in this world that's certain and if you think about it, that's pretty amazing. This life is pretty amazing. We only get one that we know of for sure. We don't know how long it's going to be and even if it feels like you're swimming in mud some days, life is still pretty amazing.
Photo Credit: Kezia Nathe
If you have a bed to sleep in, a roof over your head, a screen to be reading this column on, and at least a couple humans who love you for you, you are so fortunate. You have the opportunity to make choices and decisions freely in this country. There are a lot of countries and areas in this world that don't have that royalty. There are a lot of real problems in the world too and the brand of your clothes, car or colour of your hair isn't one of them. Simplicity will always be one of the best feelings ever. Living the simple life entails that you be yourself, do things you love, spend time with people who light you up from the inside, and that you do some kind of good for your community or world. The simple life is always there for you to live into and not up to. Living up to anyone else's standards other than your own is to give away your power. Your power is being you and doing the things YOU think YOU should do. And stop caring about what other people think about you – that way of thinking will make you sicker than any bug you could ever catch this time of year. Wash your hands and call your mom. If you can't call your mom, call someone who feels like home.
