Eight easy steps

They say that the Danish are the most happiest in the world. Hmmmm Denmark? Home to our favorite breakfast pastry, Vikings and (most importantly) LEGO bricks, Denmark has been voted the happiest place on Earth.

Most of us aren't Danish, or even know where it is on a map but we can enjoy life, one sweet short step at a time.

Step 1: Back away from your computer for the rest of the day. Yes, I know its hard. Yes, I know that you've been next to your mac since 1998, but times have changed. As soon as you finish reading this, GO! Go out to the "outdoors" or if you live in a cold-weather climate, your neighborhood WAL-MART.

Step 2: Find something that you like to do. It might eccentric and original, or it might just be as plan vanilla as making ice cream in one of those incredibly hard to use ice cream machines imported from Europe. Savor the freedom.

Step 3: Stop worrying about material goods. Think about it; how would life change with a million dollars. Now live that life (sans the money). If you wanted to go volunteer, then volunteer. If you would go skydive, go skydive. Think about the non-material goals that you want to reach for.

Step 4: Make a goal book. I'm serious. Write down your goals, and write down your progress. Write everything relating to your goal, even the setbacks.

Step 5: Take things more slowly. We're too busy. I seem to almost collide to everyone in the hallway. If you're a klutz at life, slow down. Society thanks you. The world would be a better place if people would spend another three seconds (gasp) to hold the door for the person behind you.

Step 6: Get some sleep. Overstressed and overworked people don't suddenly find energy (not unless you count Red Bull). Get some sleep. More than eight hours means you don't have people asking where were you last night, first thing in the morning.

Step 7: Start living life. Life is flowing all around us; get in it. Get involved! Be the guy that everyone wants to stop and talk to, even if its mudane matters such as the weather.

Step 8: Focus on the big things. Hey change takes time! In our society, anything can happen. The sky is the limit. Do you want to go to Harvard? I can see you walking among those Ivy-covered buildings. Actor? I see your name on Broadway. Dream big, like you can fly.

Eight easy steps on living life.
Eight easy steps.

The Pursuit of Perfection

Welcome to life. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. Around and around we go, rushing from place to place, living life in the fast lane. Speedwalking past hallways, rushing around the kitchen, furiously writing down notes. All in a futile pursuit; the pursuit of perfection.

Its all around us, its engrained in our society. The hope for a better future, the hope for a better live drives us to the edge of reason. The American Dream can be fufilled at a human cost. A cost that cannot be reflected in black or white, but simply in shades of gray. How much suffering has come from the pursuit of perfection? Why do we spend our lives constantly chasing life, instead of living it?