Take a moment to process this quote by Oscar Wilde. Read it again and then think. Think about what it truly means to live and to be alive.
As I get older, and hopefully a little wiser, the notion of living has become more prevalent and to a point, the main driver in my life. For each of us, the idea of what constitutes living is different. For some, it is spending time with family, for others it is fashion, eating out at up market restaurants or following a sporting team. For me, like many others, living is about exploring new places and cultures while pushing myself outside of my comfort zone so I can grow and become a better person.
For many people in this world, there is no choice but to simply exist. The daily struggle for food, clean water and basic survival does not allow the mind to dream. For those who are lucky enough to not be burdened with this reality, the notion of escaping the mundane nature of daily life is something that at one time or another touches us all. For these people, the basis to their happiness must be connected to the realisation that they are lucky enough to have choices in life. The choice to take their life in a direction of their choosing.
Up until this point, I have been lucky enough to see a lot of what the world has to offer. These experiences have ultimately changed me and shaped who I am today, for better or worse. While I am not one to give out advice, my one point to this post is this:
The fact you are reading a blog post probably means that you have some control over the activities you undertake in this life. Make the most of what you have. It might only be the ability to change your approach to everyday life, to look at it from a new angle or to increase doing those little things that make you smile on the inside. Whatever it is, stop planning, stop saying it is too hard, take it off your list of long-term goals and do it in the immediate future. Nothing in life is guaranteed. At the end of all of this, all you will have are your memories and hopefully a smile on your face.
Below are a few photos I have snapped over the years on the road. Enjoy!
Tulum, Mexico: Live simply. No electricity or running water.
Santorini, Greece: Step through doors other than those of your house and your office.
Mexico: Tacos. Eat locally.
Sri-Lanka: Take a train ride to somewhere different.
NYC, USA: Don’t be afraid to look over the edge. Sometimes what lays beneath isn’t all that bad.
Blue Mountains, Australia: Admire the view from a different angle.
Hoi An, Vietnam: Appreciate what others do so you can live the life you have.
LeftWithLouie 
This post really made me think. I am the worst about saying it’s too hard. I have a beautiful and exciting life. Screw this head cold, I should be embracing the life that I have.
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I used to always throw my hands up and say that it was all too ahrd. Only recently have I realised that I can’t blame other people or circumstances for stopping me from doing the things that I enjoy or make me happy. Glad you enjoyed the read 🙂
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Love this post. Sometimes I wonder if I get lost in just existing, when really I have a wonderful life that I want to enjoy! Even if my days are sometimes repetitive feeling, they can still be beautiful because I can choose my own path. I can create my happiness. Thank you! 🙂
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Thank you. I often feel the same way when im sitting at my desk in the 9-5 grind but i have learned that some small adjustments in attitude make a big difference.
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Great post! It really get you thinking. Thanks for following my blog as well! Have a great weekend!
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Thanks very much!! Nice to hear that my writing gets others thinking. U enjoy the weekend also. ::Louie::
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Thanks for this and thanks for reading my blog. Do you know of Mary Oliver? One of her quotes that I really love is “Sometimes I need only to stand wherever I am to be blessed.” This really sums up my life to date. I have had choices and consider myself to be among the lucky few. Judith
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And thanks for following.
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Not a problem! Glad you enjoyed the read. If you realise that there are adventures to be had and happiness to be gained from wherever you are, you are lucky.
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With each place you visit, your life compass will re-align just a little. The more you visit, the more your needle will point in a direction different from others. You will then find out where your unique life is taking you and maybe you will point the way to others. I hope so. Do not stand still for too long. Good luck.
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Wise words and ones that we need to remind ourselves of more often. I recently reminded myself of this so I booked a trip and got a new job. I start in 3 weeks time and that alone has brought a new element of excitement to life!
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