I like lists - and this is one I think I'd like to think about in the future - here's the list of things I'd like to do with the next year of my life, and it's based on some of the things I've learned over the past 32 awesome years of wandering.
- Stay positive - this is something I got really good at over the course of the last four years. The last four months, have not been as good on this front. But life is about ebbs and flows, and I'll get there. But the reality is, I'm confident shit is always going to work out for me, and even if it didn't, that I'd move on, get better, find better shit. So really, Why wouldn't I be positive? (Just don't forget it!)
- Stay Ambitious - Everything I've loved that I've done in life came because I tried something that pushed me. The key experiences, the best relationships, the best relationships for the second time, the best conversations, the best workouts, and best jobs all happened because I got out of my comfort zone. Here's to keeping that going (even when it's a little bit scary, and sometimes a lot exhausting).
- Stay loving - Keep operating from a place of love, don't forget to show it to people. Be a cheese ball sometimes. It's who you are. You like it. It's ok to be the corniest person in the room. People love you anyways. (even if I'm becoming super emo)
- Operate from a place of truth with yourself - Don't be scared. If it is true and it hurts, it's ok. It will pass, but the truth, it's freeing. Regardless of its convenience.
- Never operate from a place of fear - making decisions because you're scared is a one-way ticket to borings-ville. F that. It's not why, it's why not. (See number three about being a cheese ball.)
- Ok, sometimes operate from a place of a little bit of fear - well, sometimes that fear might be ok to have. LIke trying to climb a big ass mountain having never done such a thing with no training and no help. Don't play games where losing means you can never play any game again, and you have a legit chance of losing. But, always be honest (number 4!) about the real risks.
- Be honest with others - it's easy, but profound. Sometimes it can get you in trouble, but being honest with more than just yourself with allow you to really move on when necessary and give others the information they need to come at you with respect and understanding.
- I mean, mostly, be honest - if you don't have something nice to say, and it isn't necessary, you can ignore number seven.
- Love life, it's pretty excellent - This is a gift. And I need to treat it as such, EVERY day. I've gotten much better at this in the last few years (I've worked at changing the tape that plays in my inner monologue and filled it with great things - [thanks for that]) - Oh also shout out to New Orleans for just existing in this exact way all the f-ing time. That shit is joyous & infectious.
- Don't forget what got you here, but be understanding that it might not get you there - Don't drive looking in the rearview mirror.
- Sit still next time will you!? - I've moved around a lot and I'm really excited about where I've been. But Lord Jesus, you can grow and love and learn while not having to move on average every 9 months. Just a suggestion.
- The grass is not always greener on the other side, but sometimes it might be - However, it doesn't matter. Love and nurture the lawn you got. It's yours and that's what matters most. The time spent pondering someone else's lawn could be better spent working on yours and loving it, that's way more fun. I may have killed this metaphor.
- Thoughts become things - So, don't waste your thoughts on things you don't want for yourself. For your loved ones. Or for anyone really. Negativity kills you. Conjure joy and love with your mind. It's what it's there for.
So, Originally I was going for 32 intentions - but honestly. That was daunting and I'm already four days late on this post - I'm feeling like the pursuit here should be developing content, pushing it out, and refining as we go. If I wait for all posts to be amazing, well, then it'd never get out there, cause I have some perfectionism issues. (That could have been another intention, blerg!)
This 33rd year of life started out weirdly. But I am unbelievable proud of myself and excited for where I'm headed. I cannot F this up. And remembering the things above will help me not just not F it up, but really cherish it, and optimize the shit out of it. In the immortal words of T. Pain: "All I do is win, win,win...."
PS - Don't ever stop eating pizza, it makes you feel like this:
