All seems better when we’re able to let go.

Not give up, but simply let go of our expectations in any and all situations, conversations and day to day interactions. This is not to say we should plan to fail either. We certainly can stay neutral and have the best intentions in mind, but taking the world in as it comes without an emotional attachment to everything that goes down would seem to be a much healthier choice.

The problem with coming in the door with an agenda is – usually it never works out the way you expect. Rather than having an agenda, have an intention of what you want and don’t get locked in how that’s going to go down.

Then we can remain open to how and where that might come from. In the meantime, instead of wondering ‘what’s in it for me?’ Maybe we can ask the question, ‘How may I serve?’

I started writing this blog a few years ago for a couple of reasons. One of them was to share any thoughts, experiences or insights I have that might help others in their day-to-day lives. Even if it’s just a morsel. The other reason is to remind myself what I already know and to continue to learn, grow and evolve when I stray from the path. I’ve heard it said more than once, by people who are much more wise than I; “Most of the time it’s not about learning new information, but rather remembering what we already know.”

Much of what it takes to get where we want to go in any facet of our lives is about not losing focus by all the distractions around us. Another words staying focused on what’s important to us. Another way of saying it is to strip it down to the bare essentials. Rather than adding tasks, to-do’s, etc., we should be distilling it down to the one, two or three things that are most important to focus on. It’s taking away, not adding to.

Remember that.

I’ve always loved the idea of viewing our own thoughts as sacred. Here’s why: It would seem that many of us don’t give ourselves enough credit, feel unworthy, see ourselves as incompetent and/or incapable of bringing to fruition what is truly important and meaningful in our lives, no matter the size or grandeur of that dream. I certainly am guilty of this.

In doing so, we find ourselves dependent on what others think, feel and say about us and our ‘talents.’ Who cares what others think? Why do we place so much importance on what another individual’s opinion of us is? Because we want to belong. We don’t want to be an outcast. Many times we’ll compromise our own desires and intentions just to avoid being excommunicated from our safe haven.

This is a fallacy. First of all, everyone has the same doubts within themselves and – as I tell my teenage son – no one cares about what you’re doing. They have their own problems to deal with. So, instead of dismissing that small voice within us, we should be listening with great intent as if it’s a wise loved-one from the past is whispering words of truth in our ear to guide us to where we intend to go.

These are our instincts. These are indeed sacred and should be held as such. The more we listen the louder the whisper. We know where we’re going. And we can certainly use the help of others, but ultimately we know the way.

It seems like everywhere we turn these days, someone is giving us new information.

Whether it be about the foods we should or should not eat, the materials we should expose our body’s to, the state of our planet and of course fake news.

How are we supposed to discern the truth from fiction when most of the information is part of a larger agenda being pushed from behind the curtain? And the majority of it seems to come from the pursuit of money.

I’m suspect of everyone when a ‘fact’ is flippantly spouted out for great effect. It can be confusing and quite depressing. Everyone seems to be an expert.

I certainly don’t want to go through my day in a state of paranoia, but we have to do our own due diligence and not rely on the quick fixes and fast facts in order to life-hack our lives.

Most of the time, the true facts come from objective individuals without an agenda and are willing to put in the long arduous time to collect data without shortcuts. The sensationalism of the front page is not their goal. It’s the truth. This takes time, patience and a lot of hard work.

My kingdom for the truth . . . . .

The older I get the more I’m a ‘Boomer’ in my teenagers eyes. And I’m good with that. Why? Because there a whole lot of things in which I’m ‘Old School.’

I read. I take the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator. I walk on the golf course instead of ride. I use punctuation when I text. I value conversations with people. I enjoy quiet hikes in the mountains along with hand-written notes. And I enjoy long car rides with family and loved-ones.

I’ll be the first to reap the rewards of modern technology and will save me time because of it. But, I also know how important a hand-shake and looking into someone’s eyes can be. If being ‘Old School’ keeps me connected, grounded and present in the moment, then sign me up.