It means you get out of bed every morning no matter how much it hurts or how broken your heart is.

It means you touch nature. Walk in the rain. Dance in the rain. Feel the rain dancing upon your cheeks! Sniff the air after a downpour. Gaze up upon the night sky and look out for stars wherever you are.

It means you see beauty in the world. Be more than just a tourist in the world of images, just watching images passing by. Take time to admire the beauty of both nature and architecture.

It means you go to the museum or that art gallery that you’ve always wanted to see but “never had time for”. It means you go bungy jumping, skydiving, or whatever it is you’ve always feared doing. You just do it, because life is too short for hesitations.

It means you accept yourself for what you are, and at the same time be able to balance the need between self-acceptance and growth.

It means you forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for all the things that you did, all the things that you didn’t do, and all the things that you should have done. You can’t get stuck on the regrets of what should have happened.

It means you taste life. Have some chocolate even if it does make you fat. And ice cream with chocolate syrup on top. And marshmallows!

It means you laugh out heartily at least once a day. And be able to laugh at yourself.

It means you do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire.

It means making time because time is precious. Spend time only on the things and people that matter. Be wise and strong enough to be able to tell which are the ones that don’t matter. Don’t waste time fooling around, playing the field, or on insincere people because time spent is the one thing that can never be regained.

It means you love. And you love unconditionally and deeply. You take risks even if you’ve been hurt before, because you can’t get stuck on all the ghosts of the past. It means to be passionate and devoted and dedicated and committed. It means you allow someone to take care of your heart, and not be afraid of paying the price for being this passionate.


It means you go out of your way to help a stranger in need. Be kind to everyone and anyone and all animals too! It means you stop counting the dollars and cents.

It means you pick up a foreign language! Or a new musical instrument. You listen to the music of life. You embrace different cultures. The only colour of people that you see is the colour of their character.

It means you are strong enough to not be “poisoned” into being or doing what society says. If the culture doesn’t work, don’t buy it. Create your own.

This post is written at a time when I’m feeling lost and trying to find peace in my life and heart. I strongly recommend the book Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, which has inspired certain lines in this post. Feel free to add on to the list!