Last Monday evening, I received a phone call from a friend to tell me that our friend Mike had passed away. Mike had contacted Spinal Meningitis. Along with my friends, we experienced a new kind of sadness with losing Mike. It would be easy to say, “Mike was too young to die”. It would be a true statement. But, I like to think that Mike lived a full life. A life full of family and friends. I think Mike modeled for me how to live a good life.HOW TO LIVE A GOOD LIFE IN 29 YEARS
Always Dance. Disco, 80's tunes, country, polka, the chicken dance. Have a few favorites like "Shake Your Bootie" and "Dancing with Myself". Grab your friends and never let them say no because they will be glad they danced.
Laugh Liberally. There can be humor in everything and every laugh can be loud and memorable. Never take yourself or your friends too seriously because there are plenty other things in life that can be serious.
Give. Give your time. Give your kindness. Give of your spirit so that you are a model of generosity to your friends, family, and strangers.
Enjoy the Little Things. A big plate of spaghetti. A new CD. Your favorite shirt. A good nap. Be happy that you have all this joy in your life and don't take it for granted because these things can make your life better than it was a moment before.
Be Nice. Can it be this simple? I think it can be. You can’t control what other people do or say, but you can be the person that shows compassion.
Be Authentic. Live the life that was given to you. Life isn’t prescribed, but rather created from scratch with your own style and beauty. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, but be elated to be yourself.
Change. Life is not about staying in one place, but instead, move forward and evolve. Keep your eyes open for that opportunity to make a ‘fresh start’. It might just be sitting right in front of you.
Remember and Revere. Think about your past. Revere where you came from and recognize that your childhood, your adolescence, your adulthood are all pieces to your own humanity.