Archives for posts with tag: memories

Don’t be a stranger

May 21, 2014 //
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Remember when everyone you knew was a stranger to you? No? They were. Even the closest person to you was once a stranger.

People get caught in their routines of life. They rush from their car to the door and back to the car as fast as possible. They do the same thing when they get home. Who wants to bother with the neighbors ? They say they aren’t in the mood to be sociable or they don’t need to make new friends. Nothing can be further from the truth.

My life long friends were strangers at one time. We met way back when we were 4 years old. Some of my best memories were made with people who were once strangers – but we met in college or through work, some of us met having drinks at a bar or in the pool. I don’t know what I’d do without them. We have a blast together. Even your significant other was once a stranger, but one of you took a chance and talked to the other one.

I’ve heard if you grow old and can say you have 3 close friends you can consider yourself lucky. I think we should aim for a lot more than 3!

Don’t underestimate the people that cross your path. Open your kind a little and let people in. You never know what they can offer your life, or you to theirs.

You never know what memories are waiting to be made.

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Categories friends, health, mindset, Professional networks, Relationships, social

But did you die?

May 14, 2014 //
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Did you ever meet those people who never break from their routine? Some call themselves “steak and potato” kind-of-guys, meaning that’s what they like so that’s what they eat and that’s that. They don’t budge, they don’t try new things, so don’t bother asking them. Are you one of those people or do you seize opportunities as they arise?

Recently I undertook a somewhat last minute decision to make an 18 hour roadtrip. We “planned” for about a week and said “lets do it!” So we made some quick arrangements and hit the road. I would say we had a vague outline at best. The extent of our planning was picking a route and what time we were going to leave.

During the trip, we stopped in cites we never expected to see and did things we had no idea we would do. From impromptu history lessons of a neighborhood from a long time resident and stumbling upon long lost landmarks to line dancing with people way above my skill level and indulging in an authentic Louisiana crawfish boil, we tried some things that I don’t think we could have planned if we tried. And looking back it was those moments that might have been the best parts of the trip.

So the next time some opportunity to try something new comes up, give it a shot. You might feel akward until you get the hang of it, but most likely it wont kill you.

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Categories social, Travel

Want vs Need

April 23, 2014 //
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I’m notorious for always finding things I want. I’m not a shopaholic by any means, but I see new electronics or big ticket items I want all the time. But as I get older I find it easier to realize that want vs need is very different. Even though I always find new things to want, I have to remind myself that I have much more than I need.

It doesn’t take much to enjoy life and find happiness. In fact, you can do it with very little money if need be. You have to pay your bills and be over that stressful hump. But after that, the simplicities of life can be extremely cheap and greatly pleasing.

Every so often I take a weekend and make myself see how little I can spend. I find myself enjoying making breakfast at home (instead of going to the local coffee shop), going hiking (for free), grabbing a good book or magazine and relaxing at the community pool (for free), or having drinks with good friends at home with the game on (pretty cheap once we all contribute to the menu). Point being, some of life’s most relaxing moments cost very little and provide a great return.

So the next time you stress and wonder if you can afford some item or get envious at your what someone else has, ask yourself if you really need it or if you just want it. Instead, take a walk down a snowy road, enjoy the park and hearing the breeze blow through the trees, or digging your feet in the sand while you relax to the sound of the waves.

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Categories mindset, money, Values