Life is not meant to be wasted living in a state of constant anxiety, worry or fear. Life is to be cherished, and treated as an adventurous voyage of which you are the navigator.
This past weekend, my family and I spent a lot of time around large groups of people. And, although I am not a huge fan of large crowds, I do appreciate the opportunity to “people watch.” It really is a lot of fun to see all of the different types of characters we live amongst. (I live in Los Angeles, so I get to see A LOT of unique characters – to say the least.)
One thing I noticed over and over again was this…many, many people had grimaces on their otherwise wonderful faces. It got me to thinking – Why do so many people lose that spark they once had?
Well…I know the answer to that question is not simple. I am sure there are many reasons for those forlorn faces.
But, regardless of the reasons. There is a way to get that groove back. (Yes, I just said “groove.” I know…I am cheesy sometimes.)
Just like everyone else, I sometimes let the negativity get to me, and I bury my head in the sand. But, here are six things that I do in order to feel that connection with life again.
6. Accept Your Flaws
Clearly, none of us are perfect. Not even close. And, besides – what the hell is perfection anyway? So, instead of dwelling on the things you are not, focus on things you are. Embrace the flaws you cannot change. And try your hardest to improve the things you can. Stop dwelling in the realm of negativity. Life is too short to get hung up on the things we cannot change.
5. You Made a Mistake? So what. Move on!
We all make lots and lots and lots of mistakes. I probably make 500 hundred a day. (That was just an exaggeration… I only make 457.) Honestly, though. We mess up. That’s part of being a human. Learn from it. I repeat. Learn from it. And then, move on. That’s all we can do. Don’t think about it until it drives you crazy. It’s a pointless exercise, and a total time-waster
4. Cherish the Moment.
I know this may sound corny, or cliché. But, it really is true. If you can stop always looking past the moment, and towards the future… And instead, live in the “now.” You will really see a drastic improvement in your enthusiasm for life
3. Don’t Let the Haters Affect You.
Easier said than done, right? Trust me. I know. This particular point is really me giving myself advice. I cannot stand when people treat me unfairly, or disrespectfully. And, I guess most of us don’t. But, I really let it get to me way too much. But, I am working on it. I have to say – it does feel great when you let the hurtful actions or words from another just roll off your back. You take the power back from them. And regain control of your own life and feelings.
2. Explore.
Get outside of your comfort zone. Do something out of the ordinary. I know some personalities are hard-wired to live an adrenaline fueled life, whereas others like to keep things safe and simple. And, that’s cool. I am not saying you have to repel off the Empire State Building. But maybe try a new place to eat instead of Bob’s Pizza every Friday. Or maybe go take a hike instead of spending your entire Saturday inside that 65,000 square foot shopping mall. Try something new. You may like it.
And the number ONE way to get your passion for life back is…. (Drum roll)
1. Laugh, man. Laugh.
Laugh at yourself. A lot. Don’t take yourself, or life, too seriously. Sure. Life can be serious. I know that. I’m a 37-year old lawyer. So I have been in plenty of serious situations. But, no matter how serious it is. I find time to laugh. Maybe not in that exact moment. (Most judges don’t like it when you laugh in their faces.) So, just save the laugh for the ride home. Who cares if you look insane laughing to yourself in your car. Enjoy life! And keep on laughing!
Categories: Ideas, Inspiration, Photography
Laugh, laugh, laugh. Great advice, Kevin. When I feel really down I like to write Absurdist comedy like ‘Taken’ which I just put up. Based upon a nothing-incident when I walked into a changeroom where someone was changing. My inner comedian took over and I went with it 🙂
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Well, I hope the other dude changing didn’t mace you. haha Did you and he get some dinner after? I mean, it’s only right. ha
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Absolutely agree with this post Kevin, life is way too short not to have a laugh at ourselves, we’re not perfect we’re just flawed humans! Sometimes we can be grumpy for no real reason, being grumpy makes me guilty so I try not to be grumpy too often!
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Haha. Exactly. Just laugh it off. The best therapy around.
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Yes, there’s nothing like laughter it works wonders. 🙂
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Lol 🙂 I should have been a stand-up, Kevin but I think I missed my calling 🙂 my family and friends are my long-suffering audience 🙂
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Very well put! I think if we want true happiness we must be able to laugh and live life in ways that bring more joy. 🙂
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Absolutely! Thanks for the comment. 🙂
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I definitely agree with the last one. There are moments that suddenly you find yourself laughing because you’re happy. Now that’s a point in time worth repeating over and over again. Aaaaaaaand thank you! 🙂
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Absolutely. Keep laughing. And when you are done. Laugh some more.
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Wow Kevin !!!! This is so perfect… I love this post ❤
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Hi Himali!! Thank you. ☺️
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My pleasure Kevin 🙂 you have such creative brilliance 🙂
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You are too kind!! 😎
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That’s so humble of you to say..
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Great tips, and I cannot wait to read more!
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Thank you Madison! Great to meet you😁
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No problem, and you too!
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fantastic !
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Thank you! 😎
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good, inspiring article 😀 thanks
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Thank you 😁 Great meeting you
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Hey Kevin! Thanks for following my blog, and for writing this entry in your blog. I need to hear this from time to time! 🙂
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No problem, Steven! I wrote it because I needed a reminder too. Thanks for the comment! Great meeting you!
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Reblogged this on Opher's World and commented:
Great advice! And beautiful colours to go with it! This site is great!
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Wow! Thanks for the mention and kind words!
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Splendid post! Good words/good message.
::applause::
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Hi Robin! Thanks so much! Pleasure to meet you 😁
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Great Motivational Post. Thank you Kevin
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 😀
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Great article
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Thanks, Matt!
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Thanks for helping teenagers like me who are always just buried inside the garbage of negativity. Thanks a ton! 🙂
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Sheetal, I am glad you enjoyed this post and found inspiration. That’s very cool! Great to meet you and keep rising above the negativity you encounter 😀
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Thanks for posting such an inspirational article 🙂
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Margaret, you’re very welcome. Thanks for the kind words!
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Fantastic article!!!!! I’ve just read two and very impressed. Thank you very much!
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Wow, that’s really nice of you to say. I just try my best to speak from the heart. Glad you stopped by my blog. I hope you continue to read my posts and engage. Have a wonderful day!
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I really enjoyed this post, Kevin. Great tips! I especially liked #3 because, like you, I let those haters get to me way too much, but I’m also trying real hard. Although most of us have a few of these in mind it’s great to read another’s take on it. Thanks for this uplifting read. 😀
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Thanks, Vashti! I totally hear you. Sometimes, it is nice when others express what you are thinking. It is a nice way to connect with others. 🙂
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love it! and so true! we definitely need to laugh more!
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Thanks Karen! 😀
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Great advice. There are still some points I need to work on.
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So do I…thanks for the comment!! 🙂
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Hey! I nominated you for the versatile blogger award. 🙂
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Thank you, Ms. Poetry Chocolate-Book! I am honored! 🙂
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You deserve it. You have the most creative, colorful and insightful blog. 🙂
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Wow! Thanks for the kind words. You are talented and have a great blog!
😄
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Thank you so much. You are very kind. 🙂
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Wow, Kevin. You really outdid yourself with this one. Fabulous. Inspirational. Uplifting. Sharing everywhere!
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Wow, Sue! Thank you for this extremely nice comment! I really appreciate the support!
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I, hands down, LOVE your style. And outlook on life. I feel like i’m reading my own writing! Keep up the great work, It’s a joy to read.
-The CPA who too is stuck in way too many “serious” situations and finds reprieve through blogging on wordpress.
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Thanks! I always appreciate a positive comment like that. Have a great day.
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Really nice post, Kevin. I think if you can keep on laughing at yourself and life in general and never take yourself too seriously, and be grateful, you will keep that spark alive.
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I very much agree, Michele! 😁 thanks for the compliment!
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Hi Kevin! I just love your outlook on life! This is something everyone should read when we all need a reminder to literally take life ‘lightly!’ Thanks for the reminder….the ‘enlightenment’ ……and the giggle as I read it all! Angel hugs to your family and to you, Blessings, Barbara xxxxx
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Barbara, thanks so much for your kind words! I am glad the post made you giggle😊 Have a great evening! Your comment was very thoughtful.
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I can’t tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. It’s always heartfelt with little tips on living the “good” life! Thank you Kevin.
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Nicole, that was so nice of you to say. Seriously. Thank you so much. It puts a huge smile on my face to know that you and others are getting enjoyment from my blog. 🙂
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O but how I enjoy laughing at my own self! But laughing at certain situations involving language barriers between my new adopted son and I? O but I must relate you this one. He is Arabic & I am English! His English very limited but he tries! Talking to me about all the things he will get for me, with much enthusiasm he tells me, “I found a place where I can buy you an abogado!” I say, “Whatever for you’ll buy me an abogado?” “To eat you know?” came his quick reply! And I exploded in laughter and said, “And avocado! Ahmad!” It gets better, I related the incident to my radio station friend back in the States and my friend tells me, “Ha Ha it will be kind of tough chewing, won’t it!” Talking about laughter! It goes on and on! Otherwise, we’ll sink to the bottom of bottoms! 🙂 🙂
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HaHa! Thanks for the comment. Best of luck to you and your son!
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And thanks for your reply! New post today! Later!
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Life supposed to be fun… that’s the real purpose 🙂 Tx for the reminder Kevin ! Great post…I’m a fan !
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Exactly! Thanks for the kind words. 🙂
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Amazing picture like always!!
The 6 ways u have given actually helps!! 🙂
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Thanks, Vishakha! Glad to know that it helped you. Hope your day in India is going well!😀
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Days are always crazy!!
Hope u having a great time too!! 😀
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Such a wonderful post, Kevin! Your zest for life, your way of enjoying life, your perspective always are like a fresh ocean breeze. I could not add anything. It is all said. Life is about living! And we only live when we find ways to enjoy it again and again – no matter what happens around. I love that. Thank you, Kevin! That was beautiful again!
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Thanks Erika! I have to remind myself of my own tips quite often. But I do my best to keep myself in an upbeat, optimistic mindset. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated!! 😀
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I soooo hear you, Kevin! We know it all. But when it comes to us everything seems just dissolve, right? But since we know it, we have no excuse anymore and lead ourselves back on track again… I always laugh about myself when I come to that point. 😀
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Exactly! Have a great day, Erika!
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You too, Kevin 😀
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Your pictures are so gorgeous! Loved the post too. #5 spoke to me today. And of course #1. Laughter is sometimes the only way to make it through!!
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Thank you! I really like hearing that my words resonated with someone. It’s been great having you participate in my blog. Thank you for that!
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Thanks, bro’
Totally positronic!
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Thanks dude!
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Reblogged this on my personal thing.
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Thanks!
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You’re welcome 🙂
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Lovely post. All six ways speak to me… I especially like the last one ~ “laugh, man, laugh”. I plan on doing that a lot 🙂
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Very cool! Thanks for the kind words!
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Number 3 and number 5 I find the most difficult. I have a bad habit of trying to fix my mistakes. The more I try, the worse it gets. Three will become crucial once I publish something because of internet trolls… I enjoyed your post.
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Thanks Raeanne! Glad you enjoyed it😎
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Nice post! Ha! I use groove too, from time to time. You’re not alone there. LOL Keep it up! 🙂
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Thank you, Ms Beach Bum! That’s a cool name to be born with. Your parents are hip! 😜
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Well, initially it was Maria Rebecca Martina but then they thought, nah, too long, Beach Bum it is. :p
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Right on! Groovy! Lol
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Insights we discover when people watching! 🙂 Crowds choke me but next time around I’ll remember to take being stuck in a crowd lighter and people watch for a dose of sense of humor!
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I hear you, Rina. Crowds are not cool. Ironically, I’ve lived in America’s two largest cities for the better part of my adult life!
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Great post ! Better laugh than cry 🙂
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Thank you! Very true. (Unless you are crying tears of joy b/c you won $10 million lol)
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I needed this! What great timing. Thanks for posting this, Kevin! And that photo called “Shining Water?” Beautiful! The filter you used made the water look like Starry Night by Van Gogh. 🙂
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Wow! Van Gogh? Funny, my wife is from holland. And we went to a Dutch festival in Santa Monica yesterday. Van Gogh and Rembrandt are favorites of ours! Thx for the comment and nice words! Have a great evening, Camille. 😀
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Wise, wise words!! Took me a long time to figure some of these out…and still working on them. Enjoyed your post!
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So am I…for sure! Thanks for the kind words, and comment!
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This was inspiring👍
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That’s so kind of you to say, Omotola! I am going to check out your blog. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
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Wow you are too kind. Thank you
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Words to live by.. xx
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Thanks, KL!
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Well said! I think I’m smiling now! 🙂
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Thanks, Jen! Your comment made ME smile. It’s like a smile-fest! Smiles for everyone. Nice, concept! I dig it. 🙂
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Beautiful words!! I enjoyed reading it, thank you!!
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Thank you, Rania! That’s very nice of you. Have a great day. 🙂
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This post made me smile! Thank you! 🙂
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YOU make me smile! So…thank you!
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