The Art Of 'Living'

Whatever happened to the whole concept of “living it up”? Life in the metros just seems to be getting more and more fast-paced. It’s a rat race. If you don’t keep up, you lose. There’s someone younger, better and “cheaper” out there...making you a replaceable commodity. Working 10-12 hours is considered normal. Leaving the office before 8pm is frowned upon. We all get so sucked into the chaos and havoc thinking “I want to make something of myself”. We are defined by the decisions/choices we make and our behaviour towards the people around us. When did work start to define who we are? We are so much more than the work we do and our life is definitely more valuable than what we earn. Somewhere along the line...we’ve forgotten that. We’ve forgotten that money and power doesn’t make up for lost time. When was the last time you went for a play or concert? How often do you workout? Did you sign up for the Salsa classes you were so excited about? What happened to that backpacking trip around Europe that you've been planning for over a year?

There are very few people who have mastered the art of ‘living’. The Italians and Spanish are definitely at the top of the leader board for this award. They absolutely love their wine and food. They make it seem like everything they eat and drink is like consuming a piece of heaven. As soon as it's summer time, you'll see them cycling around...enjoying the warmth of the sunshine against their skin. Whether it’s summer or winter...the cafes are always bustling. There’s music, laughter, loud chatter, openness and warmth everywhere. You remember that kid in school who always had it all? You loved and admired that person because he/she was so amazing but also felt a little pang of envy because you wanted your life to be a little more like theirs. Just a little glimpse of Italian life brings back that feeling. When was the last time you sat out in the sun and lazily read a book? I did that a few weeks ago. It was the most incredible feeling and even though the book wasn't that brilliant, it was actually a more enjoyable reading experience compared to some of the other great books I read recently.

There's so much to do, so much to see and so many people to meet. It's all about how important these things are to you. Make time to do the things that you love and more importantly, make time to enjoy them instead of pressing the fast forward button. Looking back at the past and thinking "if only" isn't exactly a warm fuzzy feeling. Been there, done that. It sucks big time.

Break the cycle. First change the way you think and then learn to say “NO”. It might seem difficult initially but after your first “NO”, you really will start enjoying the perks that come along with it. Make it clear to yourself and others that work is just part of your day and it does not own your day. The change starts within. Step out for lunch once in a while. It gets boring to eat in the cafeteria every day of the week. Tell yourself that you’re going to leave work by 7 pm at least twice a week...maybe then you can finally make it in time for that 7:30pm Zumba class! Exercise does wonders for the body and mind. It’s a great stress buster. Personally, kickboxing is my favourite activity when I’m having a bad day. It’s a great way to get rid of all the pent up frustration/anger by ‘pretend punching’ the a-hole who ruined your day. Had an infuriatingly long day at work? Take a break from reality. Go watch a movie straight after work or do drinks with some friends. It’s definitely more fun than going home and wallowing in self pity. Eat out with your family or friends at least once a week. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a fine dining restaurant or a little cafe…do it because it’s a great way to spend quality time with your family/friends without having to worry about what to cook or order in that night. You can never have enough bonding time with the people you care about. Make the most of this while you can because this is what you’ll miss the most when it’s gone.

Laugh, Love and Live. You owe it to yourself.