Ten Fs for an A+ life!
Im certainly no Buddha, but there are some things I’ve been enlightened to over the last 39 years, things that have been essential in working toward a healthy, joy-filled, peaceful and deeply satisfying existence. There have been a roller coaster of ups and downs along the way and more to come I’m sure, but the lessons and the destination are really disguised in the journey itself. So here ya go! In no particular order!
1. Family
Whether blood or a brotha’ from anotha’ motha’, family keeps us rooted. To help scoop you up when you fall, dust your knees off, and encourage you to keep on keepin’ on. They see you for who you are and love you just as that, even if they don’t understand you. Family helps remind you where you came from, how you got to where you are, and of your motivation to keep moving forward. Your family is your network, and your network is your “net” on this high wire act of Life.
2. Friends 
I’m talking about your “crew” here, your posse, your outfit, your homies, your team. These folks often stand in as family too. Those people you spend time laughing, playing, dreaming, joking, and just plain enjoying life with. These people will find a way to make me smile after a grueling 24 hour shift on the ambulance. They make you laugh even if your car just broke down, your bank is overdrawn, you just got your 3rd speeding ticket, or you’ve been recently “dumped”. They will be right by your side for your wild ideas of fun, like having luggage-rack races down hotel hallways at 3am. These treasures in your life will help you see the sparkle in the world and always come along to enjoy it with you. Friends are the lifeline to shared experiences of Joy.
3. Furries
Oh my. These guys (and gals!) are pure Love, Joy, Buddha nature. They are our pets, be they dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, horses, pigs, goats, snakes (not so furry but still…..) or any other little creature. They soothe our worries, lift us up when we are low, get excited when we are excited and are always happy to see us. They teach us about ourselves, what it means to love another being and commit to them for their lifetime. There have been numerous studies done documenting the positive effects that a nurturing relationship with animals can have on humans. Our little fur babies give us UNCONDITIONAL love and they are Pure Spirit.
4. Fitness
Get fit, get strong, get healthy! No excuses. Find something you enjoy doing and start doing it. Regularly. Find a buddy and do it with them. Hire someone to help you. Find the time to do something that makes you feel powerful and alive! Something that helps you realize your body is a gift. Your body allows you to breathe, see, hear, feel, dance, sing, run, ski, bike, feel love, give love, make love. I’ts an amazing machine! Do not doubt it’s capabilities. Physical activity releases a whole cascade of chemical activity inside you that regulates metabolism, hormones, mood, healing and so much more. A strong and healthy body supports a strong and healthy mind. Get after it!
5. Fuel
What makes you “run”? Food!!!! You, your body, and the planet deserve the best. Eat delicious, healthful foods. Delight in the tradition that has brought people together since the beginning of time! Strive to integrate more S.O.U.L. food into your life: Seasonal, Organic, Unprocessed, and Local. The resources are in place for our access. Good for you, good for the planet, good for the people. Our current food system is KILLING us (just look at the obesity and diabetes epidemic that is a direct result of our current food system) and we have the power to change it by making better choices. Choose wisely and share that deliciousness with friends, family, and furries!
6. Fun
Holy Moly, need I explain?! Get out and celebrate! Life is NOT all about work and responsibilities. Get out and enjoy this planet and everything it has to offer. Life is a reason to celebrate so don’t forget to go and have some fun! Often!
7. Forgiveness
Let go of that which does not serve your higher good. Lighten your load and move forward. It will allow so much more room for postive things in your life. And forgive YOURSELF. We have all done things we wished we had done differently. Learn from them, forgive them, and move forward. Repeat as necessary. Life is too short for resentment or regret.
8. Fire
Find your passion and go after it! Whether it’s solving world hunger, or saving every abandoned dog in your town, building the next mutli-billion dollar start-up, or writing the great american novel. Find out what it is and put your all into it. If you can make a living at it too, even better! Work hard, diligently, and passionately toward whatever lights your fire. A strong work ethic is the backbone to EVERY success. Without dreams and goals, we can lose our passion for life. Find your fire and keep it stoked.
9. Philanthropy
Ok, this is not an F but it’s close and important. Giving of yourself can bring some of the deepest and truest Joy to our lives. To give without expecting anything in return is to share pure Love with the world. Just like our furry friends do, we too can give of ourselves and touch others lives in an amazingly positive way. And PLEASE, take this beyond the traditional “humanitarian” definition to extend to ALL beings. Find a cause, no matter how small, and give what you can to further that cause. The smallest contribution can make the biggest difference!
10. Forever
A partner, spouse, lover, or whatever you may choose to call that person. Leave some room in your life for the two of you to find eachother and when you do, hold on. Certainly for some, they believe marriage or a life partner or even a long-term relationship is “for the birds”, not natural, or just “not for me”. But, there is something so unique in the commitment of being with one person for the long haul. Sure, there are no guarantees in Life or Love, but to go through the ups and downs of life with one person, on the same team, working for the same love, knowing they will be there tomorrow when the dust settles, that is to feel connection on a soul level. There is nothing more amazing than to know they will be there to wrap you in their arms, kiss you gently and tell you “we’ll get through this too, just like we’ve gotten through everything”, to tell you “I love you”. Forever.