Naughty or Nice

When did we stop worrying about whether we've been naughty or nice ? Was it when we got our first paycheck for our first job and could buy the gifts our parents wouldn't get us ? Or was it simply when we stopped writing to Santa Claus ?

When did we stop fearing we wouldn't get what we asked for because we weren't as nice as we could or should have been ? When did our New Year's resolutions change from "I will be nicer to my sister / brother / parents" to "I will go to the gym / lose weight" ?

Do we simply assume we are nice enough now ? Or do we not understand the true importance of being kind to one another ? Perhaps children who continue to believe they must be nice, even when they stop believing in Santa, become adults who believe in karma...

So I guess that whether you ask yourself if you were naughty or nice, or not... karma knows. And karma will ensure life gives you the gifts that you deserve !

Happy

Happiness is inside all of us.

We just need to find it once and then find our way back whenever possible. The more we travel to that hidden spot, the easier it becomes to go back there. It can be reached at any time, no matter the circumstances. I know, sometimes it may seem hard or even impossible to find it.... due to negative events surrounding us, but it's always accessible. This explains why sometimes it all goes wrong but we're still feeling content with life. Content is happiness trying to come up to the surface.

It's a comfortable place, alone with ourselves. Because happiness doesn't depend on the people around us. It's a mix of abandon, pure pleasure and perhaps meditation. Letting go off all the things that don't matter but seem to contribute to some undeserved unhappiness. Happiness is not only a state, it is a shift in our energy, which is palpable by everything and everyone around us. It's a positive, serene feeling that we should all aim for. 

Knowing that, we can stop looking around and wasting our time trying to find it. A new car, a new adventure, a new lover, a new job might give us the impression to make us happier. But all too soon we realize it doesn't make a long lasting difference. Stop searching and look inside. Happiness is waiting and has been all along. So dive in... 

And then share it. Because Happiness is only real when shared - Alexander Supertramp / Jon Krakauer 

Inspire

Chefchaouen, Morocco

"Be the change you wish to see in the world" Ghandi

I probably came across this quote dozens of times in my life. But only recently did I seem to truly understand the meaning of it. Thinking about making a change in the world is overwhelming. One person cannot "save the world" on its own. But people, together, can make a difference.

However, there is often no point in trying to convince others of your points of view. The best way to influence and inspire people around you is to show them the positive results of one's change (s). No need for endless explanations or arguments. Make a decision, be the change you believe in and let the rest take care of itself. People around may start to be interested and enquire about your values, your opinions, your lifestyle. They will be more open minded than if they were "forced" to listen to you. And it's OK if a lot of people don't understand or don't agree.

In the end, you will have been true to yourself and have inspired many.

Simplicity

Once we realise how much need we create for ourselves, simplicity becomes a pretty attractive way of life. From the clutter in my closet to the food on my plate, I am slowly working towards simplicity. 

With a full wardrobe, it doesn't make sense to think we have nothing to wear.

It doesn't make sense to complain about dusting old souvenirs and decorations we don't really appreciate or even enjoy having.

It also doesn't make sense to feel that there isn't enough time in a day, simply because we force ourselves and convince ourselves that there is so much that needs to be done. There is plenty of time for the real important stuff. 

Why bring ourselves (and others) down by over thinking, over analysing. It doesn't need to be all so complicated and it's nice to give our thoughts a rest.

Another positive change I noticed was with a simpler diet. Fewer but better ingredients. Smaller portions. It actually started to give me more energy.

It turns out that less truly is more. And with less, we can enjoy much better quality. It seems to bring a peace of mind as we have less to worry about... 

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Needy

What do we need ?

I walked out of the store with stuff I didn't truly need. Half wondering how such things came to be so cheap. But not really wanting to know. Or already knowing and not wanting to face the guilt.

Walking up to my car, I noticed an old man, in his old car. He appeared to be scrutinizing the jeep. Envying ? Or perhaps wondering where he had gone wrong in his life to not be able to afford such a thing. Or maybe thinking of what he had done wrong in his life to not deserve such a vehicle. The thought hurt me. He looked sad. I felt sad. For if I was right, the old man did not realize that he didn't need a jeep. He probably lived a long and beautiful life. I profoundly hoped he had loved and been loved... and would soon realize that he never needed and never would need a fancy car.

Berlin, Germany 2013

I felt as if something had shifted inside and I really had to go home.

But I couldn't. I needed toothpaste. Didn't I ?

Either way, I still drove to the pharmacy. I was still thinking of the old man and what looked like envy in his eyes. Whilst waiting in line with, yet again, more items I probably didn't truly need, I overheard the woman in front of me asking about the lottery. And in this state, I paid for my goods. With a credit card I wish I didn't need. The kind cashier said I was eligible for a $10 reward. So I accepted to be rewarded for spending too much money and went home.

Home, I suddenly felt I had to get out of my made-in-China clothes. So I did. And I poured myself the drink my mind said I needed. 

And I tried to come up with a plan to get out of this obsessive, consumption cycle.