I am one of the world’s least introspective persons. Almost everything I know about myself I have been told by others. I’m okay with this, and I really enjoy hearing the analyses and evaluations of myself by my peers. I’ve even been known to accept criticisms or “character flaws” (even though I don’t believe in character flaws, just characteristics).
Even as one of the world’s least introspective persons there are still some things that I know about myself from myself. I know what I like (e.g. Superstore). I know what makes me happy (e.g. being at the Superstore). I’ve also managed to recognize some life philosophies or ideas that I think accurately depict how I live my life. The following is not a complete set, but they are ones that come to mind and that I really enjoy.
No regrets
This is easily the cheesiest one, but one that I do take seriously. I think this is a common one, despite people occasionally saying otherwise. I honestly believe that every single decision I have ever made was the best decision. Even those decisions that have led to trouble of difficulties are ones that I have an appreciation for. Each and every life event helps build your character, for better or for worse.
I think this one could also be rephrased as some form “always try your best”. You could also make ties between this and the idea that it is easy to have faith when things are going well, but equally important to have faith when things are tough. (But this is not meant to be any sort of religious entry, so I won’t go into this further and I’ll only bring up religion once more.)
Do it for real
This is a phrase I heard only recently, and it shares some underpinnings with the above concept. The idea is simple: life is real; take it seriously. Again, the idea of giving 100% is imparted in here but this time with a little bit of a “you get out of it what you put in” sort of spin.
This one has the most potential to offend people, and that’s not the point. Specifically, I can see this as offending those who may be stuck in their career, or who may not have started a career. (Career is a stand-in for any long-term life objective, be it work, family, a cause, etc.) You might feel as if I (more generally, others) don’t think that you try your best because you don’t have the same idea of success, or you’re not where you want to be. I don’t think this is supposed to offend as much as it is motivate. Even the strongest need to be reminded sometimes.
Leave more than what was there when you arrived
I’m sure someone has said it better. Feel free to leave your rendition of this in the comments.
This is an idea that I have always tried to live by, but didn’t realize it until I heard it in words from a former boss, Larry. I’ve always wanted to improve the things I come in contact with; I don’t want to be a leech, a mooch, or a disease. This is an interesting idea because it can apply to everything from the physical world, to relationships, to work, and more.
As an example, when I used to visit my sister in Toronto I would arrive to the city and buy a bunch of TTC tokens–more than I would need for the trip–so that I could leave extras with her. Or when I would grab some groceries to make dinner while visiting a friend I would buy more than I would need so that she would have leftover raw materials for recipes of her own, and/or make extra so that she could have leftovers for lunch.
Ultimately I think it is important to strive to make the world a better place; some will have a broader reach than others but even the little things make a difference.
The journey is the reward
This Chinese proverb is most definitely my favourite catchy phrase to live life by. So many people are always working toward a goal, some end, and they fail to appreciate the journey that gets them there. I find that this can be more true in those who believe in a Heavenly afterlife. An undivided focus on the end means you are missing out on everything leading up to that end.
This is an idea that we all know to be true. Think of the value of a trophy you have won versus the value of a trophy you see at a garage sale. Think about the degree that hangs on your wall. Try to imagine how different that first step into your new house would be if it were just handed to you rather than having to work for it for many months or years.
This idea is the one that gets me up and out of bed every morning.
That being said, it’s now after midnight and I’m tired. It is unfortunate that the point that suffers the most from this tire is the one that is most dear to me but I hope that those who know me personally can just read it, think of me, and see how it fits.
On an unrelated note–and this will only be meaningful to one person–I opened a Almond Nature Valley Sweet ‘n’ Salty bar only to realize that I didn’t want it so I’ve left it out in its opened package.
