And They’re All Free
Sure, I am no expert, but isn’t that the point? We are all trying to find those tangible and intangible things in life that make us happy, the conscious alarm clocks that get us up each morning. And the best way to find these objects is to explore, experiment, and push your boundaries; and above all, realize that you are no expert. Here are ten great things in life to help you along your way:
1. Nice Weather
Image by Miriam sa
Go get that vitamin C, feel that sunshine sticking to your skin, and get a nice big whiff of fresh air. Nothing rejuvenates those stuck-in-front-of-a-computer blues then a beautiful day. Whether you like the robust clouds, the pitter-patter of a fresh-rain, or the sweet summer breeze, nice weather is guaranteed (100%) to make your day better. So next time you are feeling stressed out, overworked, or under-appreciated, step outside and you’ll figure out the rest.
2. Conversations
There is no better way to understand yourself than to understand someone else’s different perspective. Mix it up a bit. Take that long road trip with a friend, take 5 minutes for a mutually beneficial discussion, and go meet someone new! Face to face goes the longest distance but everyone enjoys a nice phone call (texting doesn’t count).
3. Exercise
Not all recreation is free but one thing for sure is; sweat. Get out there and push yourself. Growing stronger adds muscle to your body and mind. All problems can be solved through a good workout, and although those solutions don’t always stick around after cool-down, it will put you closer to solving all those fickle life riddles. Take the time to exercise and stay healthy and I promise the return will be exponential.
4. Being Charitable
Helping others is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Putting time aside to put others in front will give you the karma and self-esteem to succeed in life. Something as simple as doing a favor for a friend will give other people the reason to root for you. It will give you a reason to root for yourself. And most importantly it will give other people reason to root for themselves. It’s a great present that requires no ribbon.
5. Free-Time
Some of the most productive days in my life have been my days off. Free time is most valuable when it is the scarcest. Often times, people don’t even realize what it is. It can be hard to sit down and understand what really makes you tick, what you really feel passionate about, and how you like to enjoy your free time. Read a book, take a nap, research anything. Use your free time to grow and further become yourself. A time card or paycheck is not what defines a person; it only provides a contrast to depict who they really. Enjoy and recognize the time between the ticks. As I grow (slightly) older, I realize that free time is not necessary free by any means.
6. Facial Hair
And by facial hair, I really mean individualism. There is no way I got a job with my Gangs of New York inspired facial hair, but I got some laughs and I got to rock an ironic mustache for a week. (Or at least I told people it was an ironic mustache…) Anyway the point is: don’t be afraid to be yourself, to be goofy, and to have fun along the way. There is too much silent emphasis on pleasing others when really the most important person to please is that goofy-mustached fellow staring back at you in the mirror. Why not just be yourself? Who else are you going to be?
7. Products
Products are the result of work, and there are few other things better in life then products that come out of your own hard work. Setting goals and gaining achievements is the only way to grow after puberty. True pioneers of American history, and of society as a whole, didn’t just sit back in their lazy-boy recliners and wait for something to happen. They worked, they struggled, and most likely questioned themselves. Some products are intangible and hard to recognize so at certain junctures in life it is important to sit back and reflect on exactly what product you have produced.
8. Music/Art
Art and music is reflection of society, a communication that’s lost between feelings and words, or maybe it can just be something fun to use as an escape. It doesn’t matter how you feel about art, or what music you like; all that is important is the fact
Des Moines Sculpture Garden
that it is good for the soul.
9. Sleeping In
Ah sleeping in, why do we lose this ability? What everyone needs at least once a month is to turn off that alarm clock, shut the blinds, and find some of those all to valuable ZZZ’s. I’ve realized over the last few years is that sleep becomes only semi-necessary (that’s why we have caffeine). But truly a great way to stay healthy and happy is to sleep in once in a while.
10. Friends/Family
Who didn’t see this coming? Of course friends and family make the list. The wind beneath the sails, the enablers of #’s 1-9, and the real treasures of daily-life. Relationships are never necessarily easy. All take a little work and a lot of patience. I know my friends and family have seen me at my best, and only because they have seen me at my worst. It’s hard to let everyone know how much they mean to you, but take that little extra time to appreciate what has always been right in front of you.
And by facial hair, I really mean individualism. There is no way I got a job with my Gangs of New York inspired facial hair, but I got some laughs and I got to rock an ironic mustache for a week. (Or at least I told people it was an ironic mustache…) Anyway the point is: don’t be afraid to be yourself, to be goofy, and to have fun along the way. There is too much silent emphasis on pleasing others when really the most important person to please is that goofy-mustached fellow staring back at you in the mirror. Why not just be yourself? Who else are you going to be?
