"Do...More"

Sometimes you read something and it hits you right on the head.Sometimes you read something,and instead of hitting you on the head..it knocks you right off your feet.

Chris Guillebeau travels and writes for a small army of remarkable people at chrisguillebeau.com.

"When you were a kid and wanted to do something your parents or teachers didn’t like, you may have heard the question, “If everyone else jumped off a bridge, would you?” The idea is that it’s not good to do something stupid, even if everyone else is doing it. The logic is think for yourself instead of following the crowd.
It’s good advice, regardless of the motivations of the authority figure giving it to you. But one day, you grow up and suddenly the tables are turned. People start expecting you to behave very much like they do. If you disagree and don’t conform to their expectations, some of them get confused or irritated. It’s almost as if they are asking: “Hey, everyone else is jumping off the bridge. Why aren’t you?”

PhotoDelusions

Every day, you’ll encounter the bridge in countless decisions and conversations—but the choice of whether to jump or not is completely up to you. How can you back away and make your own choices?
Try this:
1. Ask why. A powerful, annoying question, why is frequently used by three-year-olds but usually abandoned by adults. Support the why revolution. Start asking why of everyone, including yourself.
2. Clarify. What’s it all about? What do you really want to do, and how can you make that the priority?
3. Simplify. That’s what minimalism is all about—letting go and living the dream. But the best part of simplicity has nothing to do with how many socks you own; it lies in being clear about your intentions and motivations.

Keeessss on Flickr

4. Do … more. That’s right, do more, not less. When you don’t know your core passions and are staring out over the bridge, it’s good to back off and strip everything down. But when you’re crafting a remarkable life, why wouldn’t you want more of it?

Here are a few options for step four: learn a language. Write a book. Take a trip. Learn to walk on hot coals. Enroll in trapeze school. Volunteer.


Or do something else—it’s a big world out there. The main question is: How can you wake up tomorrow and live the life you want, while also connecting with the world around you?
Most of us don’t really want the simplest possible life. We want a life that is free from clutter, yes—but we need to connect our lives with a greater purpose. We don’t need to own things we don’t use, but we should spend freely on meaningful experiences. We should invest in ourselves and invest in others.
Take a hard look at the life before you. Are you staring out over the bridge? Take a step back. Decide for yourself what’s best.

The rest is entirely up to you."
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Today is my anniversary.19 years and he still gives me butterflies.We are two peas in a pod.Made for each other.Blessed everyday.

As always,
thank you so much for stopping by

Comments

Lori ann said…
Happy Anniversary dear Cat and Husband!
What a lovely positive post, I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing.
I'm not sure why but it seems i've missed several of your posts, they haven't come up on my dashboard!? Well, anyway, i've loved catching up.
Cheers lovebirds!
Unknown said…
Hi Cat, Thank you for this thoughtful post. I am 52 and feeling like I am starting over, but have a lot of baggage from my past-regrets and losses. I am trying to figure out how to let all that go and I keep thinking if I get rid of stuff in the house that it will do the trick but you reminded me that I to must get rid of those thoughts that are cluttering my brain. Thanks !! And there is no reason that at any age for what ever reason we can start over !!! We just need to keep the bridge analogy in perspective. Happy 19 years !!!
HAppy Anniversaty Cat and happy that you still get butterflies! this was a lovely, thoughtful and thought provoking post. Well done and thanks for provoking my thoughts.
hugs
Gail
Thanks for that beautiful, inspirational post. Happy anniversary to your and your man--we just celebrated our 19th, too, and feel the same today as we did the day we met..only more!
Girl...if you two still make each other feel that way after two decades together...then your union was meant to be and heaven kissed!
Your words of wisdom really hit home...how'd you get to be such a smarty-pants, anyway!!??
Jan scrap said…
Congratulations on your Anniversary, and that you are still 'smitten'.
What you have written is excellent advice, and so true how sayings apply differently in childhood and when as an adult. No wonder we are all confused lol
Anonymous said…
Great post Cat. Happy Anniversary to you. I love the do more, not less, it opens up so much in your heart when you just do, follow your gut and be kind in your heart.
Sometimes it is just fine to jump of that bridge- the bridge of fear that holds us back from doing what we love. I work at it every day. xox Corrine
Eugenia said…
Happy anniversary!!!
Best wishes : )
sharon said…
A big anniversary to you Cat! It's wonderful!
Thank you for your always positive and uplifting words, and kindness. I am still trying to figure out where I am going, but I know it's all okay!
Happy Anniversary! I hope you have a very special day! Love this post...very insightful! We all realize our need to simplify but I am going to think about the Do More aspect! Very interesting! ♥
Riki Schumacher said…
Hi Cat! What a lovely post. I really connect with those words as well. I can see why you wanted to write about them. Sounds like a pretty smart lady! And celebrating 19 years of success, how wonderful. Congratulations, that is bliss and blessed. Your are a lucky girl in so many ways, I feel the same way. Much love, Riki
Dede said…
Happy Anniversary! It is wonderful to hear that you are still very happy! An awesome post today! Wishing you another 19 years of bliss!

(((HUGS)))
Margaret said…
Happy Anniversary to you and your fellow pod pal! Lovely thought provoking post, beautiful photography!
Caterina Giglio said…
love your thoughtful post and the ideas that you give for living more. happy anniversary also!
Cindy said…
Hello Cat! I hope your 19th anniversary was wonderful. Something tells me it sure was. You live a rich life and sure inspire those that are fortunate to cross your path! :-)
Olá!
Belos e espectaculares registos.
Muito interessante a forma de olhar. Belo.
Continuação de bons momentos.
Xau. Até sempre.

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