A Jester Society

The other day, I made a joke, after-which a friend of mine said, "Wow, Nate, you are human!" I chuckled at the time, but being the person I am, I had to think deeper about this comment. Those of you who know me know that I can be a pretty quiet person. Although I do keep to myself a lot (I spend much of my time in though about deep questions about our lives, the universe, etc.) I do have a sense of humor as well (I love listening to the comedy channels on Sirius and comedy movies. I'm a big fan of Demetrius Martin, Monty Python, & Jim Gaffigan).

So, when this comment was said, it got me thinking; are we defined as human only when we act like everyone else? We live in a society where if you can't entertain the person you're talking to, they become uninterested. So, by acting different than the society standards, you become "alien". Obviously this was a joke and I know that he wasn't actually suggestion I was an extraterrestrial or anything, but the foundation of the comment rings true in our society. I think this line that is drawn in society is limiting to some. We shouldn't feel isolated and alone for wanting to examine life in a different way. The greatest philosophers, scientists, writers, etc. all have something in common, they break out of the norm in search of something more, something beyond the limits that society sets.

Why is this so important?
Our lives are the most important things we posses on this earth. It is very important to know where we are and to constantly think about where we are going. We need to focus on what increases our lives. A constant sense of humor is often like watching TV; it's entertaining, but doesn't usually add much to your life. I'm not saying a sense of humor is bad, however, when you have to enter every conversation with a stock of jokes and punch lines just to keep it interesting, there's something wrong. Think deeper, talk about the things that draw your curiosity and add worth to your life. Not only will you be benefiting yourself, but also those around you who are stuck in the boundaries of society as well. Hop over the line and continue the journey! I'll see you on the other side.

The Art of Owning Nothing

Financial freedom, it’s something many of us dream of, but never live to see. It is a dream that involved having zero debt, not owing anybody anything and fully owning your possessions. So why is it so hard to get on top of this heap of debt? One reason could be that we’re heading in the wrong direction. We desire more possessions, when really we should be taking some away. We want to live simple lives, yet commercials and ads are telling us we need more. Am I saying that you can’t have stuff? Not necessarily. I think that some stuff is good, but when it consumes your life more than enrich it, I think it has to go.

Take a moment and think about the things that consume your life . . . . Think about the friends and coworkers that you converse with. Think about the substances you put in your body. Are these things enriching your life? My guess is there are some things that aren’t. I believe that some of these things may be draining your life.

I encourage you; fill your life with things that push your forward. Drugs, alcohol and other harmful substances can cut your life short, as well as stress. TV and useless Internet browsing can leave your life stagnant, going nowhere. Did you know that the same internet you use to watch stupid people doing stupid things also contains things that will enhance your knowledge and understanding and add more to your life? One great source is through documentaries. You can go to sites like www.hulu.com or www.freedocumentaries.net and learn more about the world you live in.

So why is this so important? Why can’t we just sit on our couches and veg for the next years of our lives? We only live once, and if we are only living for the satisfaction of ourselves than we are not truly living. By living for ourselves, we simply exist.

There is an art to owning nothing. It gives a peace that surpasses understanding. You begin to find joy in relationships rather than money-consuming things. You begin to spend money wisely when you do spend it. It is when you begin to see beyond yourself that you can truly be financially free. Unlock your journey and push your life further than you ever thought possible.