Points on How to Improve your Life

Before Randy Pausch passed away he wrote "Points on How to Improve your Life" for his wife and children to take heed of and practice in their daily life. I think these are some wonderful principles to try and apply in our own daily lives as well.


Points on How to Improve your Life-By Randy Pausch

Personality:
1. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment
3. Don't over do; keep your limits
4. Don't take yourself so seriously; no one else does
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip
6. Dream more while you are awake
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner of his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you
12. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Community:
15. Call your family often
16. Each day give something good to others
17. Forgive everyone for everything
18. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6
19. Try to make at least three people smile each day
20. What other people think of you is none of your business
21. Your job will not take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
22. Put GOD first in anything and everything that you think, say and do.
23. GOD heals everything
24. Do the right things
25. However good or bad a situation is, it will change
26. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
27. The best is yet to come
28. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
29. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it
30. If you know GOD you will always be happy. So, be happy.

Seeing with The Eyes of the Heart

I wanted to share this wonderful excerpt from the book of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu called: "God Has A Dream". I am trying to make this part of my daily perception and understanding about life and others.

"We must learn to see with the eyes of God - that is, to see with eyes of the heart and not just the eyes of the head. The eyes of the heart are not concerned with appearances but with the essences, and as we cultivate these eyes we are able to learn from our suffering and to see the world with more loving, forgiving, humble, generous eyes".

Desmond Tutu

From the Book "God Has A Dream"

The Endowment of Self Expression

Self Expression is a beautiful endowment. A number of us make good use of the diverse talents that God has given us. We even have a multitude of avenues at our disposal to express them in. We can express ourselves through various mediums, whether it is through art, literature, music, fashion or with a phenomenal personality that leaves an impression that is yet to be forgotten. I for one would rather take my last breath than relinquish my ability to convey my thoughts to those that are ever so kind to listen or take note.

I have always been the one with so much to say, whether it was vocally or whether I was making good use of my pen or my keystrokes. I was that child that was often sent home with a note that read "Although a great student, she is just too talkative." I have even been known to be communicative with facial expressions even when trying hard not to be. I just could not be still or expressionless if my life depended on it. I was that child that had to audition and go to the school of the performing arts. I was that child that would be in the school's talent show or play.

I enjoyed being the presenter or center stage. I had to be in the Dance, Drama, Journalism, Yearbook and T.V. Production classes. I enjoyed being the one giving the school's morning news through our school's little T.V. network. The opportunity to captivate the attention of others and make some sort of impression for the better is and has been my life long mission statement. I truly appreciate my family & friends for allowing me to continue to be me & not censor me. I am grateful that they understand my need for me to put my spin on things.

Throughout the years I have exercised self expression through my personal collection of sketches, poems, private journals and love for extreme style. But, as time progresses and daily struggles of life exist, we often move away and lose who we truly are as well as that innovative energy. The day dreams that were constantly filled with yet to be conquered master plans and adventures yet to be taken are now replaced with, how one is going to make it through this new life issue or obstacle. Such worries can definitely eradicate ones creativity or supreme ability to be expressive and reach the paramount of ones soul. Such worries or life changes can cause one to forget who we really are and what we are capable of being.

I want to thank those who have helped mold, motivate, and inspire me, whether you did it intentionally or inadvertently. Everyone you meet in life does have a divine purpose in helping you become the person you are today, whether it was for the good or the bad. Never forget express and acknowledge the value of others in your life. Never forget who you are and your need to release and self express.