LIVE wherever you are...

Live Where You ARE (wherever that may be)

I know it’s a cliché to hear that life is what you make it. But do you know why cliché’s become so? Clichés happen because it is repeated so many times, that is doesn’t even seem true anymore. The only reason why a phrase becomes cliché is because so many people believe it (likely because they tried it out), but clichés mostly come from truths. I mean let’s look at some well know clichés:

“What Doesn’t Kill You, Makes You Stronger”

You aren’t dead are you? Oh, okay, I just wanted to make sure. Anything that you have ever been through, and made it past, only makes you stronger. Even if you feel like it broke you, it didn’t. You somehow made it through the challenge, and even when you feel like you might be weak, you are actually strong, if you didn’t give up on life. There are plenty of people who do, or involuntarily slip away, because they are fighting a force that takes over. You on the other hand, are still pushing. In fact, you are a step ahead, because you are here reading this, which means you probably are trying to get some answers on how to live an even better life. So many people give up, and don’t even try to seek answers. I’m glad you didn’t give up. All in all, this cliché is a strong one, because when you don’t die from something, you only realize that you can tolerate it, because you’ve been through it….and that only makes you stronger!

“The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree”

Okay guys, I’m sorry if you don’t like your parents. The fact of the matter is, you probably turned out the way you did because of their traits. Regardless of if you tried to avoid them, or tried to embrace them, you know those traits well. Even if you don’t know them, you picked up their genes –er, their DNA one way or another. And that played a part in shaping who you are.

Okay, Last one…

“Actions Speak Louder Than Words”

I know. I think this is the cliché-iest lol. But isn’t it so true. Like people can’t help what their actions say, but they try so much to control things by what they say. No matter how long people put up charades about what they say, their actions always show the truth, right? Some hold out longer than others, but the truth always reveals itself, through their actions.

And speaking of actions, I want to get back to the topic. Life is what you make it. People move from place to place, and get in relationship after relationship, longing for some feeling of happiness that should come when they engage in some ‘ideal’ behavior. HOWEVER, this isn’t usually how things happen. As a matter of fact, its often the opposite.

People seek all this wealth, or this perfect boyfriend, and find that it does not satisfy them. People find their dream jobs and end up miserable because of all the hours, or the lack of family time they have.

So, it’s clear here, that these ideas we have for ourselves, doesn’t’ guarantee that we will find happiness. However, what can be discovered is that, happiness is within. I know it sounds like some Ghandi, Buddha, yoga…unrealistic, bullsh*t. But it’s true.

It’s so sad to see people search and search for happiness with this materialistic idea of what life should look like, when happiness can truly be found within one’s self. All the money a person can waste on searching for that ideal lifestyle, can be contributed to somebody’s college tuition (for God’s sake). All the money we spend on drinking alcohol, or indulging in drugs to make us feel this “high” or “sense of peace” that can be attained without money or drugs, can go elsewhere.

Honestly, wherever you live, whatever you do, you actually can be happy. Some people think of it as contentment, but I like to think of it as joy. You can find joy in your phase of life, even if it isn’t where you want to be. While working toward goals that are true to your soul, and truth, you can indulge in the beauty of life all around you.

What on Earth am I talking about?

The employees that discuss such ludicrous subjects, that you can’t help but to share a laugh. The music on the radio that speaks to your soul. The beautiful smile, cry, and laugh of your child. The shenanigans of your friends and family that provide pure entertainment and laughter, week in, and week out. The beautiful roses growing on the graffiti covered freeway wall. The hustlers that sell candy and weed down your neighborhood street. The view from your balcony\patio\porch. The nature. The innocence in your child’s tears. The confusion and resolve of your relationship. The brilliance in the writing and acting in your favorite TV show. The tasty flavor in your favorite pizza. The amazing feeling of being in a tub of water, with an amazing smelling candle, and hot water. Your crazy ass dog.

All of these things can give you small bursts of joy, every day. When you are focusing on where you want to be, so much, that you miss where you are, you miss the joy of today. Operating in your present moment, and appreciating life, for what it is, is one of the things I learned late in life.

If I had learned this earlier, I probably wouldn’t have wasted half of my twenties on ‘what is to come’.

How many of you can relate to this? How many of you are waiting on SOMETHING TO HAPPEN, in order for you to finally relax?

Well, EFF that! I used to think this way all the time. Constantly, waiting for the next phase, or the next accomplishment, so that I can finally breathe. OMG! I wasted so many years on this. I had to finally understand that even when you are on the journey to a place, you deserve, you have to enjoy the journey. You deserve to enjoy life, regardless of what is happening.

How many of you were taught that? How many of you believe that?

I know.

So, I want you to go away from this, knowing that wherever you are in life right now…you can still enjoy it. Even if you are still in school, or raising kids, or at a job you hate…you can enjoy life! While you’re moving on up (to the East Side), live it up. Be responsible, but stop and smell the roses. Oh Lord, there’s another one of those phrases. What ever will I do with myself? Lol.

Anywho, enjoy your day. Enjoy your week. Enjoy your month. Before you know it, you’ll be where you want to. But the ride is so much more fun, when you make life what you want it to be!

With joyous vibes,

Chan at the [BOG].

#liveyourbestlife #livebetter #lifecoaching #enjoyinglife #howtoenjoylife #howtobehappy