I watch life like I watch the weather. I take note of the highs, lows, and plateaus, and as I watch, I think about how to live life well--what can we do to live our best lives. As I consider this question, the following lessons bring me strength.
Observe, learn, but don't compare
People live all kinds of lives, and sometimes, particularly during one's lower points, there's a temptation to compare, but that comparison does no one any good. The truth is that we'll live different lives, and everyones' lives will have some amazing highs and lows and lots of in-between times. So rather than compare, observe and learn. Watch how people live their lives, and if you are attracted to some of those life ways, observe and analyze what you're attracted to, why, and how you too, might include that in your life.
Do the right thing
In life, there's sometimes a temptation to take short cuts to get what you want. In most cases, those short cuts leave you lost. Instead, do the hard work and do the right things even when that's difficult. When you do the right thing you not only help yourself, but help others too. Your long term reputation and good living depends on making positive choices and doing the right things.
Connect with good people
Stay clear of people who are doing the wrong thing. If those people are close to you, then do what you can to help them get on a better path. The people you stay close to greatly affect your life so stay close to good people.
Have some fun
Plan some good times with the people you love.
Live within your means
When you overspend, you set yourself up for trouble. Instead live within your means, and if you don't like your means, find a way to make more money.
Do the hard work
Sometimes doing the right thing involves really tough work and sacrifice. Sometimes you have to do the hard work to get ahead or help a loved one. Consider that work carefully and do what you can. We're not superhuman, but we're capable of pushing ourselves to do incredible work, advocacy, and caregiving. When it matters, do the hard work, and do it with love, commitment, humility, and positivity.
Know the tough days will pass
I remember a few times in life when I couldn't stop crying. I had many nights of bad dreams, worries, and despair. Fortunately each time this happened, I had very good people around me who encouraged me and cared for me--even simple, loving gestures at times like these were ever so helpful. Looking back at those tough episodes, it's hard to believe they occurred since those times are in the past now. Tough days do pass, and if you weather those storms with your best effort and a loving attitude, you'll survive those days with strength. Tough days do pass.
Love and acceptance is critical
Sometimes people will worry or bother us, and sometimes those bothersome, worrisome people are the people we're the closest too. We have to be patient with our loved ones during times like these and we have to remember that there will be periods when we worry and bother those we love too. This kind of loving acceptance and commitment creates strong, positive bonds that give us strength as we live life. No one will have all the answers or everything we need, but if we're loving and accepting, people will surprise us and love us in ways that are amazing, helpful, and life-enriching.
Courage matters
Don't stay silent when bad things happen. If you see a problem arising, speak up with humility and care. We can't accept dishonest, dehumanizing, harmful behaviors, the kind of behaviors that greatly harm lives.
Accept your mistakes and learn from them
We will make mistakes. Even when we're trying to do our best, we'll make mistakes. Analyze those mistakes, learn from them, apologize if necessary, and move ahead.
We can't be everyone's best friend
We will love many in life, but we can't be everyone's best friend. Life moves on for all of us, and there's a bit of chance with regard to who you spend a lot of time with and who moves on in a different direction. Accept that reality and love the ones you're with with as much care and positivity as possible.
Expect change
Your life will change, and those changes will sometimes surprise you. As you age, your life will travel through many chapters. Embrace each chapter by acknowledging the strengths and opportunity of that chapter. Live your best life in each chapter, and know that each of life's chapters will be different. Each chapter will have strengths and challenges.
Contribute
Find ways to contribute to the greater good. Give what you can when you can.
As I watch life, I continually think about how people live their best lives. We can all do this, and it's a good aim that leads us positively ahead.