Imagine you are on your way to hang out with some friends downtown and you get a flat tire. You pull over on the side of the busy highway and go to check it out. Then suddenly, a yellow Jeep that is not paying attention is trucking full speed ahead. You, unaware of the immense danger are checking your friends flat and trying to see how you can help fix it when suddenly, its dark.
Recently this very scenario happened to one of my dearest friends.He was unconscious in the hospital for about a 2 weeks and I am still receiving updates about him. This news was texted to me over iPhone Whatsapp Messenger all the way from Florida to me here in Sweden. It was devastating to hear. I cried for about two days straight, and had about 3 sleepless nights. All the while my boyfriend was incredibly supportive. Holding me close when I was whimpering in bed and even when he could barely keep his eyes open, if he heard me get upset in the night he would reach over and squeeze my hand tight. But all this emotion made me realize one thing. Life is so short. And what we all must realize, is that unlike our furry feline friends....we only have one life!
I have thought long and hard about what it is to truly live...and here are my top 10 tips to start living your life with purpose.
1. Don't argue over petty things. Forgive people, and do what is right. And please, just put away your pride. Having pride is useless, and will only hurt you in the end.
2. Be healthy. You only get one body. And if you plan on living a long life, remember that when you are young and impulsive (ie. tanning beds, plastic surgery, tattoos, piercings.)
3. Dress and look your best everyday. Why not be your best self? Not next year, right friggen now.
4. Get rid of negative people in your life. Anyone who makes you feel bad about yourself is NOT a friend. Drop them. Or if your in a bad relationship, get out. I experienced a year being in a mentally abusive relationship...trust me from experience, life goes on, and gets much much better. You have to give up to go up! I live by the quote, Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated."
5. Make a bucket list. And do it.
6. Save your money for something good. stop doing those impulse buys ladies, and get something you really value like a trip, or a good quality winter coat, or even a great gift to your mom or best friend. For everyday motivation to not buy that random top on sale, or that $5 Starbucks coffee, I read these budget blogs to keep me centered and focused. I think women have more an issue with this than men, but guys...you could learn how to cut your monthly spending by $400 or why it feels oh-so good to not spend your money!
7. Laugh. My mother asked my boyfriend, "Out of all the beautiful Scandinavian girls you meet there, why did you pick my daughter?" I mortified, but curious to hear his answer. He replied, "She makes me laugh everyday." At first I was feeling like he just put me in the "not cute-but good personality" category...but then my mother said something profound. She smiled and replied, "Laughter is the very best thing to have with your partner. Physical beauty fades, but laughter and happiness is the beauty of life."
8. Help someone. With no hidden agenda of your own.
9. Learn something new. My friend that is in the hospital had fractured his skull and was in a coma which could have easily lead to brain damage, but he is recovering more and more everyday and slowly returning to his sharp-minded, witty self. I am so amazed with his mental progress. I truly believe this is because he is always learning new things and exercising his brain. He loves puzzles, music, painting, and he studies health medicine. I'd like to share with you why learning new things is so vital for your brain health. And I call dibs on the first game of Scrabble with you when you recover Kenny.
10. Remind yourself everyday how short life is. Watch the news, go to church, or even wear something like Buddhist worry beads. This little guy is a daily reminder that we might not have tomorrow, so live in the moment, take time for people, and absolutely do not worry. They come in all different colors for men and women, and it is a reminder to stay focused on what truly matters in life.Hope you learned something, I know I do everyday.
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Love,
Devin Rene
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PS - Please keep my friend Kenny in your prayers.
