Off the Screen; Outside the xbox; Follow the Bliss

If a young person were to ask me tomorrow for advice about what to do with their life (it won’t happen, I know, but I can imagine, can’t I?), I would answer with the following:

“Do many things.”

“Relish many experiences.”

“Know that failure is part of success.”

I would tell them not to invest their identity too heavily in what they did for a vocation or a living.  “Do your best at whatever you do,” I would say, “but know that that’s not what defines you as a person.”

“Life is a dance, and change is constant.”

“Beware of the lure of our consumer culture,” I would add, “with its narrow definition of achievement and success, as it snares so many at the expense of creativity and personal fulfillment.”

Along those same lines, I would say, “Adapting to change and realizing your dreams are best served by living simply and without unnecessary or unwanted encumbrance.” (I would then ask them if they know what “encumbrance” means).

“Technology is a tool, my friend.  Phones, computers, Facebook, Tweets, and apps cannot replace face-to-face dialogue and laughter with friends and family, being in nature, and experiences of all five senses.”

“Build sand castles at the beach.  Make ice cream from scratch.  Play vinyl records on a turntable.  Find an old rotary phone and ask your grandmother to demonstrate.  Handwrite an actual letter to someone now and then.  Lie down on the grass.  Have a water balloon fight.  Play a board game of Scrabble or Monopoly.”

I would tell them to suspend firm belief in anything and to foster a sense of wonder, openness, and curiosity.  “This will keep your ego healthfully in check,” I would venture, “and allow the possibility for greater happiness and joy.”

“Know that you do not have to live your life the way others are living theirs.”

I would tell them to beware of “should’s” and comparisons.  “Both bring us down.”

“Don’t ignore the deeper questions that arise in you.  The good stuff comes when you set out to find your own answers.” 

“You are the captain of your ship.  Take care of it, and mind its course.”

I would remind them that love is possible and happens in all kinds of ways.

“Don’t be afraid to change your mind.”

And here’s a kicker.  “Know that you are here to live your life, not the life that you think others want you to live.”

“Follow the bliss.”

Hmmm…I like my advice.  I’ll take some of that, please.