And The Winner Is...

So... you found happiness. That's awesome. Like, no joke, I'm really happy for you, I really am. Why? Because you're a pretty awesome person, and quite frankly I like you a lot. I guess I was hoping that you could've found that with me, or maybe I was just hoping to find that in you. But it's ok... Always a day late and a dollar short.

I don't know why I hesitate. I think sometimes I get so close to success and then I get scared. Like... I see the finish line, but then I think about everything after the finish line. From that point on, people expect a certain level of aptitude from you... and you have to maintain your success. It never really just ends at the finish line.

So I slow down... only a little so nobody notices at first. Then, miraculously, all the other runners speed past me. Eventually I completely stop, and I am still. The race is over. Someone else won.

Heh... it's fine. Really, it is. The spotlight is too much work. I mean... yeah, it would be fun every now and then, but could I really handle the pressure?

No... that's not me.

Honestly, I don't even know why I'm in this race to begin with. I've had little training, and quite frankly... I'm not sure if this is even the right race for me.

I guess this was just one of the few times in my life that I felt the trophy was something worth racing for though... So, what the hell, why not give it a shot? And... I think I could've won.

...But seriously, it's ok. I'm happy for the first place winner. Really I am. He worked hard for it, he really did! He deserves his trophy. I smile, and give a thumbs up. He smiles back and waves.

This is great. I'm such a good sport. Yeah. I really am. In the end, that's reward enough.

Yeah...

Four Little Things

I think the emphasis that we put on material possessions is one of our many downfalls in life. In reality, I believe there are only four things that we truly own, from cradle to grave: Our bodies, minds, hearts and souls.

As such, I've begun to use this ideal to create a sort of model to live by. In other words, if a want, desire or perceived need does not benefit me in one of these areas, or if it harms one of these four things, then I see it as unnecessary and possibly as something that should be avoided.

Since these four things are the only things we truly have, it is my philosophy that everything should be done in order to sharpen them. In doing so, I believe we aim for, and quite possibly reach our fullest potential.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Body (Physical Self)
-Am I eating healthy foods?
-Do I have an exercise plan?
-How often do I work out?
-What is my families history of diseases and disorders? How can I better protect myself from them?
-Do I have good hygiene?
-Do I practice safe sexual habits?
-How much sleep do I get?
-What bad habits could I cut to improve my health?

Mind (Mental Self)
-What are topics of interest to me? How can I improve in those fields?
-How often do I read?
-When and what about did I last engage someone in deep conversation?
-What's something I could do more research on, just for fun?
-Should I consider more schooling?
-Does my job stimulate and challenge me?
-How often do I do puzzles and brain teasers?
-Am I open to new ideas and information?

Heart (Emotional Self)
-Do I have good relationships with the people in my life?
-Do I socialize often?
-When was the last time I expressed gratitude for friends and loved ones?
-Am I in a relationship? Do I want a relationship?
-What are my troubles, and how can I alleviate them?
-Do I take time to appreciate and love myself?
-How can I increase positivity and reduce negativity in my life?
-Am I happy with my life? If not, how can I better it?

Soul (Spiritual Self)
-What do I really believe, regardless of the beliefs of others?
-Do I take time to pray/meditate?
-When was the last time I had fellowship with other people of similar beliefs?
-In what ways do I make this world a better place?
-Do I follow the "Golden Rule?"
-Have I taken time recently to appreciate the world and all it's beauty?
-Am I charitable with my time, love and resources? To both friends and strangers?
-Am I able to forgive the transgressions of others and not hold grudges?

I think many of these things are self-explanatory, but I also think it's very easy to neglect aspects of each of these too, which in my opinion, ultimately leads to unhappiness and a lack of a sense of fulfillment. Take time sometime to check and make sure you challenge yourself everyday! By doing so, you only improve yourself and the world around you. :)