Nothing less in 2010

During 2009 I’ve been talking with people about what I call “life’s check boxes” – you know, those life events that you complete like a checklist but aren’t sure what propels you to do so other than you’re conditioned from birth that those items constitute the “American Dream”?

Lately I’ve reflected on the decisions that led me to the path where I am today. When I would check an item off the list (finish college, for example which I did in 2005) I’d inevitably be off to the races to the next life event on the list. The problem is that the list was never mine – it was society’s own list of expectations, and I fell for it. It was all too easy to go from one checkbox to the next without thinking because the road to conformity is paved for you to blindly follow. Besides, striking out on your own set of adventures is more work (albeit a hell of a lot more fun).

It all leaves me questioning the “American Dream”.

Colin Beavan author of the No Impact Man book (and blog) says, “For most of my years I’ve just lived my little old life the way people around me write it, but now I’m definitely turning a lot of it upside down. I’m defining life for myself. And you know what? It’s kind of a blast.”

Consider this my notice. I’m opting out. I’m making my own list.

The subversive nature of questioning the status quo and establishment and its expectations has been enlivening and liberating for me. To walk up to my biggest fears, knock them down and tell them that they ain’t shit, only to realize those fears were smoke and mirrors sculpted by societal pressures with no real meaning in my life to begin with – it makes me understand that control truly is an illusion and that I am far more powerful than I ever realized.

So powerful that I want to…

get a tattoo – jump out of an airplane – sing a Rage Against the Machine song at karaoke night – kiss in the pouring rain – do a one arm pushup – live in a yurt – do Tai Chi on a foggy morning – dance in public places – protest against something that isn’t right with the world…

My new personal maxim is “nothing less.” That is, nothing less than the best for myself, my friends, my relationships, and my life.

I’m 28.
My life expectancy is 96 years.
The way I see it, I’m just getting started.
Adventure abounds.
Bring it.

Cheers to a kickass 2010 and beyond.

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