There's more to life than livin'

There is more to celebrate in life than a great marriage, a successful career and a brand new car. In fact, in pursuit of the mentioned goals, often times we find ourselves missing out on other, almost equally satisfying, milestones. 

These neglected accomplishments are as important as any other because not only do they add an exciting chapter to our lives but help us develop as humans even further. Maslow's Laws of Hierarchy place our basic needs, family and money much below the main aim of a human's life; that of self-actualisation. That, indeed, is the hardest goal to accomplish. 

One of these out of the way goals one must certainly try is to conquer one's fear. Many a man will claim to have done just that the minute they tied the knot, but there has to be more to fear than that. 

Imagine your heart pounding so loudly that it's the only noise you hear. You feel cold all over, yet the perspiration refuses to stop. The adrenaline pumps in your body, threatening to engulf your entire self in one sudden burst. You want to yell at the top of your voice and you feel like a volcano about to erupt. Your knees go weak and you have trouble stilling yourself. 

Marriage may encompass a few of those but that's all. Only raw fear of something can bring that out and in your life you must put aside a day to conquer that very fear. The feeling of accomplishment is then delicious. Go skydiving, pet a snake, let a spider crawl all over your body or eat a cockroach. Whatever your fear is, at least attempt to conquer it once in your life. 

In a similar vein of thought, try and make a conscious effort to get out of your comfort zone. Sure, familiarity brings a sense of ease but must you really be mollycoddled your whole life? Take a promotion that puts you someplace you have never been before or go stay in a whole different city for a while. 

While you are young, explore all opportunities because all the money and the children in the world cannot bring back the time that has been lost. While you still have the chance, reconnect with an old friend that you have not spoken to in years. Often times as we grow we wonder why we were friends with certain people. 

Turn back in time and you will find your answer; memories alone will hold you two back together and create a bond that you can create with very few people after university. And as you earn, spend not only on yourself but also on others, complete strangers even, because it is something one must do at least once in their lives. 

And as you age, think further. Quit your job if you think you have been doing it only for the money all these years. Do not hesitate to provide some basic luxuries for yourself; a softer comforter, a better TV, the things you always wanted as a child but thought you were now too old for. 

Remember, how when you were a kid you promised you would buy all the candy in the store and get the best toys? Do that right now; if not for you than perhaps your child or your niece or nephew or someone younger. Live like how you promised your 5-year old self that you would. That, in and of itself, is an accomplishment. Get a tattoo, change your hairstyle, get fit while skipping the gym and do a lot more that you have not already because it does not go according to your perfect step by step plan. Get to the point where you tut tut at teenagers and college kids making the same mistake that you once made; don't worry, growing up is all about making mistakes anyway. 

The best laid plans of men and mice never seem to work themselves out. When you hit a red light, always wait for it to turn green. Life is not about your bank balance or your amazing marriage and honeymoon thanks to your awesome 9-5 job where you are a rung above a slave, because what slave earns 6 digits, right? 

Life, in reality, is about living. It is about making memories. Imagine now sitting on a rocking chair, resting your 70 year old bones and your grand kids run up to you and ask you to tell them a tale about your life and you pull your crowed self to your tallest height and tell them about the time you brought in ten clients to your office at once. 

Did their eyes light? Nope. That, is really the purpose of life; having a few moments that light up even the most innocent of 
eyes.