The case for experiencing life

Usually the tone on this blog is pretty light. Mostly it's about trying out new things, learning and having fun. The horrible events in Norway, the debt crisis in the USA and Southern Europe and the passing of Amy Winehouse all made me think. There's the obvious, namely that I'll be dead some day and I don't know when that is. This whole project exists in part because if I'd die today I would have regrets and as was famously quoted (don't know by whom) they would mainly be about the things I didn't do. But then there are other reasons for what I'd like to call the case for experiencing life and not just being present:1. There were never more opportunities to travel, exchange information, learn, teach, experience, get to know people and experiment in the entire history of humanity. Ignoring these opportunities is like ignoring the greatness of the world we live in, the legacy of our parents and grand-parents and our own self. 

2. We are better people when we're happy. We're better co-workers, spouses, parents and friends. Some say the true measure of greatness is how you react when you're down and out. Maybe that's true but if it were I could give up trying to be a good person right now. Rather I'd like to believe that it also counts if you try to make yourself have good or at least neutral days.

3. Concrete goals give you a focus. Getting carried away in daily life is easy. Setting yourself goals and achieving them does not only feel good but is an investment in your future. How?

4. Good experiences and happy memories make it easier to bounce back if something happens. 

5. You are likely to learn something new. Even the supposedly idiotic things I've done have taught me that even a good prank needs some careful preparation. Then there's the really useful things like learning a language or a new computer program or visiting a country and learning about a new culture.

6. Doing nice, funny and interesting things reduces stress and improves your health. 

7. Unexpected things happen: you go out to do something totally pointless and suddenly have an idea about a t-shirt design. You see something that solves a problem at work. You learn about a ritual which would be a healthy addition to your life. 

8. Doing what you want will teach you about who you are and what you want to do with your life. Instead of just reacting to what's happening and what other people want you can actually shape it. 

9. Having done and experienced a lot of things gives you the strength to confidently walk towards your real mission or purpose. Whether you believe you set it for yourself or it was given to you doesn't matter.

To conclude: yes tragic events are a wake-up-call we should pay attention to. If there's anything we can do for the victims we should. If we feel that there are things we should change for the better we should. But we should never forfeit the power to shape our lives to terrorists, drugs or greedy politicians by ignoring the opportunity to experience life.