live instead of exist

I’m feeling so positive about this today. I’m beginning to realise that the small things do count. I used to let myself get down about the fact I wasn’t going anywhere exotic, or taking part in some truly life changing activity, etc. Every little small thing and new experience adds up.

I’ve decided to combine this goal with two of my others: to go out more, and to make the most of everyday. It’s the same thing I’m working towards, really.

This is perhaps my most important goal at the moment. When I stop to think about it, I’m so lazy. I don’t have a job, and although I am looking, I don’t think I’m looking hard enough. I let myself get worried about the silliest things and end up passing up some wonderful experiences and opportunities. I spend almost every hour of every day at the computer. There are so many things I want to do, see, learn…..but don’t even bother making any attempts to progress.
I really must change all this soon, because I do not want to go through life never doing anything, and regretting everything. That’s what I fear so much. I know I’m the only one who can change that!

This is an extremely vague goal, but I would consider myself living instead of just existing when I attain at least five of the goals on my list. They’re (mostly) kind of biggish goals that require accountability and self-awareness. And I believe that when both of those things are present, you’re really living your life. To me, just existing means that you’re not doing anything except perhaps sitting on the couch all day, or even working 30 hours a week at a job you hate with nothing else to keep you interested in the world. That’s not living. And it’s what I wish to avoid.

This is a beautiful goal.

being an outsider looking in

Lately I have never been happier. I hope this never changes.

So I just signed up for 43things after seeing an ad for the book “Dream it. Live it.” The site seems interesting and a perfect tool to begin 2009 with, especially when my resolutions are still intact and fresh in my mind. 2009 is going to be a big year for me, I just moved to back home (to an entirely different country) and I’m starting my old life anew.

So..after logging on for the first time, the site asks you what you want to do first and I was stumped. So I cheated and looked through what other people already put and was inspired by “Living instead of existing.” What a fitting way to begin my list, my new year and hopefully my life, from this day onward.

But I’ll certainly try. It’s a bit intimidating to see that there are only 18 people who have done this on 43things, but there are now 592 people who have it on their list. Here’s to living – cheers.

...Taste: Hot chocolate with marshmallows, gum that tastes like real mint, spicy chicken gumbo

...Smell: Pine-scented candle, fresh air, lavender, chicken roasting in the oven

...Touch: My electric blanket, new pillows for the couch, hugs from my kids

...Sound: My music, silence, nature

...Sight: The twinkly Christmas tree, my clean and orderly house, snow on the tree branches

Ahhhh….life! :-)

i think the first step for me was joining this site; not only has it gotten me to realize alot already, but its given me a happier more positive outlook on things. i have a feeling that im going to be adding a whole lot more goals to my list, and with every goal i check off im gonna feel a little better about myself. im already excited to get started (: