Regrets

I have many regrets. I can remember specific moments in my life when I wish I had acted differently - when I wish I stood up for a friend, been kinder to a stranger, or just believed in myself a bit more. My mother, however, doesn't believe in having regrets, as she claims to have learnt something from every missed opportunity or poor decision made. While I sincerely believe in hindsight being twenty-twenty, there are some things that I make a priority so that I don't repeat the same sort of mistakes. They are simple, easy actions to take that might help when you just can't make up your mind. Remember: when in doubt, simplify, and listen to the part of you that knows that you are the one who has to live with your decision. So here are a couple of ideas for avoiding having regrets down the line:

1. If you get the chance or have the inclination to travel, do it. I recommend Budget Travel magazine.
2. Don't let fashion magazines dictate your style.

3. Be as kind to strangers as possible.
4. Say thank you whenever you get chance.
5. Don't diss your parents in front of people.
6. Stop worrying about the test/exam/paper after it's done.
7. Communicate your feelings, you have the right to make yourself heard.
8. Don't spend time with people who only talk about themselves.
9. Never anticipate that everyone will agree with you.
10. Be nicer to your sibling(s) and cousin(s), they're the ones you have representing your family in the future...and you'll also be forced to spend time with them, so you may as well have them on your side.
11. Don't categorize yourself. You're more than a "nerd" or a "jock".

12. Make plans regarding transportation beforehand.
13. Drink more water.
14. You don't have anything to prove (just because you're a runner, does not mean you have to run a marathon to be considered "hardcore").
15. Just because you ask for advice, does not mean that you have to take it.
16. Clean out your closet every season and donate what you don't want anymore. Less clutter and good vibes for giving to those less fortunate.

17. Lend a hand whenever you can, unsolicited help is always appreciated.
18. Stand up for your friends and family, they make you happy and they deserve your respect (and the respect of others).
19. Go home when you're tired.
20. Put in just a little more effort than you originally intended.
21. Don't wait by the phone and make a point of calling someone if you say you will.
22. Don't make apologies for what makes you happy.
23. Sometimes make a point of going out of your way to help someone.
24. Do not cancel plans at the last minute - it makes you look like a flake.
25. Don't make impulsive solutions. Think before you act.

20 Ideas to Simplify NOW

1. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need.
2. Get enough sleep.
3. Fill up your gas tank when you are in the moment and thinking about it.
4. Smile at people as they drive by.
5. Say thank you.
6. Make a point of getting up just 10 minutes earlier
7. Call your mom, dad, sister, or brother to say "I love you" as often as possible.
8. Clean off your plate when you're done eating and put it away.
9. Give someone a (genuine) compliment.
10. Be polite. Always respect your elders.
11. Let people help you when you need it.
12. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to organize your workspace.
13. Keep a record of your usernames and passwords.
14. Don't eat when you're bored.
15. Don't drink alcohol to appease others.
16. Write thank you cards. They mean more.
17. Take notes when important people are talking.
18. Hug it out.
19. Drink water if you're thirsty.
20. Apologize when you're in the wrong.

Simplicity: the plain and simple definition

Great concept, but what IS simplicity anyway?

I wanted to start with an introduction on what I mean when I use the word "simplicity," as there are many different definitions.

My version of simplicity is not the first or even the second, but the third definition down as it appears on dictionary.com. 

sim·plic·i·ty

  [sim-plis-i-tee]  Show IPA

noun, plural sim·plic·i·ties.

3.

absence of luxury, pretentiousness, ornament, etc.; plainness:a life of simplicity.

It represents a lack of excess or pretense. I believe that this is the most accurate way of describing it because it implies a state of being whereby we do not strive for the ornate because we are content with the modest belongings that we have. Complexity arises when we forget that what we have is good enough and we force ourselves to tirelessly strive for more.

This blog is therefore dedicated to grounding us with reminders that we create the majority of our suffering by not appreciating the simple pleasures that exist in abundance. Everyday joyful moments so frequently are left unrecognized as the tiny miracles they are.