20 – Stars Can Make Us Better

I like looking up at the stars in a clear night sky. I don’t do it because I’m an astrology enthusiast. Nor am I practicing to impress girls. I believe that stars offer valuable lessons in how to be better people, and that starlight carries important cosmic messages from the deep past.

19 – Quitting Doesn’t Mean You Suck

I’ve just started a new job. I’m pretty excited. It’s a fairly labour-intensive position that requires a sharp mind at all times. I like both. It’s a win-win situation. 

18 – Listen, It’s Good

I mention in the 'What's a House Newf?' profile section that I write about things that add value to my life that may add some value to yours. Music is one of those things. I love it. I’m a big fan of many genres and artists. As I’ve taken to telling people who ask, I’ll listen to anything from ABBA to AC / DC. With a few exceptions, of course. 
 

17 – Where’s The Essay?

I spent a good chunk of this day toiling away at a new piece. It's finished now, and published. Just not here this time.

16 – The Best Advice I’ve Been Given

I shared some advice I got from my dad in a previous essay. This one continues in a similar vein. I got the urge to make this list this morning. So I did.

15 – Powerful Reminders When You Least Expect Them

I like books and movies about how people, things and events are interconnected. The Celestine Prophecy is one of my favourite books. I enjoyed the movies Signs and Jeff, Who Lives at Home for similar reasons. They suggest nothing happens by chance and that keeping an eye out for subtle yet resonant messages can help us better navigate the murky waters of life. 

14 – Doing Lots With Little Time

I recently wrote about why admitting our mortality can drive us to make the most of our lives. I’ve been finding it useful to apply the same approach on a day-to-day basis. Do I look in the mirror and remind myself that I’ll die every morning? Unnecessary now that I’ve got my new motivational saying.

13 – Good Things Come In Threes

I recently started keeping tabs on every purchase I make. No, I don’t #smallenfreuden. Morgan Freeman’s voice doesn’t get me excited about a credit card company showing me all my small purchases on one bill at 18% interest. I just jot down what I bought and how much I paid for it instead.

12 – Live Your Life To Death

Motivational sayings are everywhere. On magnets and mugs. Posted on your friends’ Facebook pages. Posted on your Facebook page. Tattoos. Bathroom stalls. Yes, bathroom stalls. In my book the phrase ‘Be unstoppable’ counts no matter where it’s scrawled. 
 

11 – Swimming On A Hot Day Always Trumps The Plan

Tuesday was a hot day in Halifax. The thermometer tapped out at 32 degrees (38 with the heat index). It was a great day to be outdoors or a great day to be indoors, depending on your take.