Life can be pretty amazing once we throw out the rule book.

Once we stop doing things because we’re supposed to, and instead, in the moment, we decide with our heart and soul what’s truly right for us and our journey.

Here are five ways to help us throw out the rule book and live an amazing life.

1. Be weird.

No, really. Let that freak flag fly.

I spent the better part of my teenage and young adult years unsuccessfully trying to blend in with everyone else. Whether it was with music, clothing or pastimes, I assumed my value came from blending into the crowd.

Boy, did I have it wrong.

It’s amazing how much easier it becomes to throw away the rule book after you hit thirty.  I couldn’t be happier that I did. I am my weird, freaky self: an artist, yogi and “hippy burning incense loving fancy drink making barbeque eating lover of life.”

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The best part?

Those close to me feel the same. I have the close friends I do now because I embrace my weirdness, and they love me for exactly who I am.

2. F*ck Fear.

Seriously.

Fear is in our heads to remind us of all the times things didn’t work. It reminds us of the times we were hurt, felt rejected and were subjected to the disapproving stares of people who don’t really matter.

Honestly, there is no other way to live life without rules, than to say “Fuck Fear.”

Just fuck it.

Apply for that new job. Call that friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Say you’re sorry and move on.

And that particular lover you can’t stop thinking about? Tell him you love him.

Fear is the limit that holds us back from our greatness. Just fuck it, and try anyway.

We never know how amazing life can be until we actually give it a try.

3. Listen to your heart.

People are complicated and the right thing may not always make sense.

Sometimes good isn’t good enough, and sometimes even good can be wrong. Our heads are destined to mess us up.

There may not be a logical reason for why you should take that new job, end a relationship or feel drawn to someone. In those moments when your head can’t figure it out,  you need to give up control to your heart.

Let your heart lead you and you’ll never be led astray.

4. Live for the moment.

In this fast paced society where we can order take out, find a date and book a vacation all within five minutes (without ever getting dressed or leaving our beds), it’s hard to slow down and live in the present moment.

So many of us get up, go to jobs and live our daily activities because it is expected of us. Sometimes we forget about living in the moment, about finding joy in the every day.

Living in the moment doesn’t mean dropping off the grid and living in a cabin in the woods, (although no judgment if you do), but it’s more about a way of life.

Starting the day by imagining your car is a spaceship as you drop your kids of at school; meeting friends for dinner or drinks in the evening; making up fun themed parties; planning picnics in the middle of the living room; roasting marshmallows in the fireplace; relaxing in a candlelit lavender scented bath.

A life well lived is a life where the small moments become memorable.

You don’t need a private jet or endless funds to make this happen, just a little imagination and a desire to make every moment count.

5. Make Love.

Make a lot of it. Every day.

This is by far my favorite.

Move through your day as if each and every movement is a precursor to sex, to your lover touching you.

Make yourself feel beautiful whether that means dreads, or a polished bob; a pencil skirt, or tye dye.

Whatever makes you feel beautiful, own it.

Feel the movement in your body as you walk; the way your eyes sparkle when you’re talking about something you’re passionate about; the way your bare throat is exposed as you throw your head back and laugh.

Make love to every moment of your day. Embrace your sexuality and the infinite pleasure that it brings. Live for bringing pleasure to your lover, and don’t be afraid to bring pleasure to yourself.

One of the greatest gifts of being a soul in this body is that we have the ability to feel the touch of ice sliding down our skin, a feather being danced upon our back and the way every hair stands up along our necks when our lovers whisper their intentions into our ears.

Life is meant for love, so live it up, and get down. Every damn day.

It’s amazing the things we find time for once we stop doing what we are supposed to do.

So, why not call out of work today, surprise your lover and go on an adventure.

Make every moment count.

After all, it’s the journey, not the destination that matters most.

 

Relephant:

7 Shortcuts to Radiant Happiness.

 
 

Author: Kate Rose

Apprentice Editor: Brandie Smith/Editor: Renee Picard

Photo: Marcy Kellar/Flickr