A Simple Life

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau

I happened upon a blog post by "Wat da Wat?" during a recent trip around the Internet. The article speaks to "living the simple life" and what it means to the writer. I liked the self-reflection and search that was undertaken.

Each of us are searching for our own view of a 'simple life' as well. Those views remain different and are very personal. The idea is that you seek out the balance you want for your life. By having a better understanding of what you want in life, you will be able to discard that which isn't needed. What remains is your definition of simplicity. It all becomes clearer.

The simple life is what you make it. The same thing goes for a great life, it is what you make it. Imagine, dream and act upon what you want. Life will become much simpler as you figure it out...it always does.
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Where is Matt?

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

I have always liked this video because it simply makes you feel good after seeing it. The guy in this, Matt Harding started out with seemingly little ambition. But soon he learned that there had to be more, so he caused movement in his life. He got up and decided to do something different.

The video came about innocently enough in that while traveling with a friend, they got a bit silly and taped Matt's impressive dancing ability. They posted it on the internet and a large company saw; liked it; made Matt an "offer he couldn't refuse".

So there you have it, something to make you smile a bit more today but also something to encourage you to create change in your life. Dance away friends.
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Should You Stop

As I was reflecting on what to write today, I kept glancing towards a Witness Subpoena sitting on the desk before me. It is a court request for me to appear as a witness in a trial regarding an accident in which a motorcyclist was killed.

The accident happened nearly two years ago and the court date delayed several times. My part is that it happened in front of me and I assisted as much as I could. It was the proper thing to do in assisting both the victim and the other party. Simply put, it was a tragic accident that changed forever not only their lives but for those near to them.

But as I look at the subpoena, it occurred to me that I was becoming perturbed by the delays and 'inconvenience' all of this causes me. I had to stop and examine those thoughts. Is this why many people do not stop and assist others in need? There were many that left the scene of the accident, not wanting to involve themselves. I began to wonder if it was worth my effort.

It shook me back into reality, the understanding that it was the right thing to do. It may inconvenience me, but people's lives were at stake then; people's lives are at stake now. I think of both these people, one that died, one that survived and wish that things could have been different. Two minutes later leaving the house for one, having another cup of coffee or any of a hundred different scenarios. But fate brought these two together and nothing can change that now.

I will attend and give my witness statement, other evidence will be brought forth and lives will be changed once again. Yes, the accident did change me in ways but it did not change my belief that stopping to assist someone in need is the right thing to do. I would have wanted someone to stop for me and I am sure that you would have as well.
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The Project

"I'm not in a hurry to do a lot of projects. I am very resolved in each project I take on." - Maya Lin

Your life is your project whether you want to realize it or not. It take four facets in order to get ahead and move forward in life. These are shown above and mean so much when it comes to seeking a great life.

The first one is to "DREAM" of what you want in your life. Great things in life do not normally just fall in your lap. That which you want is very personal and has to be something that you will hold onto as your very own.

Secondly, you have to "BELIEVE" in yourself and what you want in your life. It takes work to hold tight to that which you want. When other people are not providing encouragement or work to ridicule you, hang on and believe in yourself.

A third item is to "ACT" upon what it is you need. Sitting at home wishing and dreaming will not get you closer to the dream. It takes movement or action by you to begin working towards that dream. If its a new home, the simplest action might be to start saving extra money each week. Maybe it is to change jobs, then career training might be the right 'action' to take.

The last thing is to "REALIZE" your dream. It will happen and you will achieve great things. It is very possible that the final achievement may not be exactly what you first envisioned. Yet the end result will be exactly what you needed.

And when the dream is realized, dream again and again and again. Never stop moving forward in life. Enjoy and achieve all that you can. It is possible and it all starts with the sparkle of a dream.
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