Day 76: Before I Die

“Every man dies - Not every man really lives.” - William Ross Wallace

What do you want to do before you die?

That's a question I'm sure we all think about time and time again. I know I've thought about it most of my life, adding things to it, and sometimes revising previous items I had in my head of what I wanted to do. Our plans change. Our lives change.

What we want most, and what we want to achieve usually doesn't change much throughout our lives. What want to do most, what we want to achieve; this is our bucket list.

Most of us want a lot of the same things. We want happiness, love, family, and success. But then there are the little things we want to achieve. The fun places we want to go. The dumb things we want to say we experienced. The life we want to live. What is it that you want to do? What is that I want to do?

I want to feel alive. When I look back at life, I want to know that I lived, and I did the things I wanted to. I want to feel like I accomplished and achieved. I want to live every day like it's my last, and be proud of who I am.

Live before I die.

I want to live, and love. I want a family. I want a career that I enjoy. I want to travel. I want to do things, I want to see things. I want to experience life. I want to smile, laugh, and have fun.

I'm working on my bucket list. What's on your bucket list? Are you really living?

Day 48: Laughter

Laughter is the sensation of feeling good all over and showing it principally in one place.  - Josh Billings

Laugh often. Have fun. Always smile.

Laughter is the best medicine. It's such a stress reliever, and very relaxing. Had a lot of fun this weekend, after having a very long work week. Worked 10 days in a row, and it seemed like it was never going to end. Finally the weekend arrived.

Don't let a day go by without laughing. Life is too short to be serious all the time. Sometimes you have to have fun, kick back, and laugh. I love the feelings of laughing. I love when I laugh so hard my stomach hurts, and I can't breath, even if it is slightly painful.

It's amazing how quickly you can laugh, and forget everything else. Stress just disappears. A smile comes to your face. I laugh really easily about the silliest things which helps a lot. I love to laugh. I can't count how many times I've laughed so hard I've spit my drink out, often embarrassing, but entirely hilarious.

Sometimes the best thing you can do in a difficult situation, is to just laugh it off and move on. Let it be. You can't control everything, you can't fix everything. Just let it go, and laugh it off. Laugh off the excessive seriousness. Laugh off the stress. Laugh off your depression. Laugh off your tears.

Live, love and laugh.

Day 40: Smile

Start every day with a smile and get it over with.  - W.C. Fields

Every day remember to smile. It's easier to smile than it is to frown, and it feels a whole lot better.

Happiness starts with a smile, and it's contagious to those around you. Laugh. Smile. Repeat. Everyday.

Appreciate the little things in life. Wake up and smile, and be thankful, and happy for everything that you have. Be thankful for those around you. Make them smile with you. Make them laugh.

Don't let a day pass without smiling. Life is far too short to not smile. Enjoy life. Do something every day that makes you smile. Do something everyday that challenges you. Laugh every day.

Forget your frustrations, your stresses and all the other nonsense; just smile. It'll make your day a lot brighter. I need to remember this, every day. Let life be, enjoy life. Smile. Life is happening, whether you want it to or not. You can't stop it. Don't try to. Just enjoy it. Cherish the moments you have. Smile and laugh often. Cry and frown only when appropriate. Don't dwell on your sorrows. Remember the most important thing in life, is to be happy. A smile is the quickest way to get there. Share a smile with someone every day. Make someone laugh.

Day 37: Gentleman

All I want now is to be a nice, clean gentleman. I've proved my point. Now I'm going to set an example for all the nice boys and girls. I'm through talking. - Muhammed Ali

A true gentleman, the epitome of what I want and strive to be. Sometimes I fail. Often in the past I've failed. I'm not perfect, and I know I cannot be perfect; but I do know I can be a gentleman, and be the best me that I can be. Being a gentleman is not just about being nice to someone you're interested in; but also being kind and considerate to all of those around you; even complete strangers. It's not always easy, and it's often easier to be the complete opposite, and temptingly so.

Last weekend I started talking to someone new, as a friend. I know her through a mutual friend, and we went to the same high-school. She's a very sweet girl, and I thought she'd be a nice person to talk to, and be friends with. This weekend we met. I had met her once before, several years ago; but she'd forgotten. We went out as friends, and we had a lot of fun. We met with the intention of hanging out as friends, and not a date. The night had other plans, and it turned into more of a casual date.

We were both very surprised with how comfortable we were talking to each other. It wasn't awkward at all. Prior to meeting, we hadn't even talked on the phone. We'd only been texting each other here and there, just having casual conversations.

It was nice to take someone out, and treat them like a gentleman should. I hope she had a good time.

Last night we hung out again, with some mutual friends of ours, and went and played pool for a couple hours. I was surprised when she asked if I wanted to go. Was very last minute. We had a good time. It's nice to get out, have fun, and enjoy life. I've been completely honest with her, about where I'm at right now, and she respects that.

Enjoy life, and live it, don't let it pass you by.