Have you ever noticed this to be true?

The best things in life for me are those things are not things at all. People and experiences make the biggest mark: a wonderful relationship, time with family, or a fantastic vacation that stays in my mind for years.

It seems funny to me that we spend so much time on this planet chasing things that we lose focus on what matters most. I mean, whats the point of having that fantastic new home if you sleep in it all alone? Or drive the nicest of cars but are too ill to take it out for a spin?

Last week I was fortunate enough to meet an incredible guy named David. Hes one of the wealthiest people Ive ever met, and one of the richest guys Ive come across.

Whats the difference you ask? Well, Ive known many wealthy people (the type with all the material resources you could imagine), and then Ive met truly rich people who have one thing in common: they have balance.

David has all the monetary success you could ever imagine, yet what made him special in my eye is that he wasnt driven by money; it was more about his relationships. His wife and children mean the most to him inside. He works out every day, watches his diet, and heres the real kicker, he doesnt care what other people think of him. Even though he has all the money anyone could want, need, or desire, he drives a modest car and lives in a modest home, for thats all he says he really needs.

David told me stories of how keeping up with the Joneses made him live up to other peoples expectations, and how he now chooses to simply live up to his own expectations instead. What a great thought, huh? It got it got me to thinking as well, and to ask this question that I share with you now:

How would I live my life differently, if I lived it only for me? I mean, do I have to wait until Im wealthy before I begin to enjoy the simple pleasures that surround me each day?

Imagine the freedom wed have, not attempting to impress anyone other than ourselves. Imagine the free time wed have in our minds, dreaming of what inspires usrather than wasting time attempting to please everyone else.

I suppose the lesson to be learned here is that this freedom can be ours . . . and already exists before us. We simply need to accept its challenge.

The challenge is this: For one month, make a conscious effort to do what pleases you. Be proud of your success (but dont brag), wear the clothes that make you comfortable and happy, eliminate the fear to dance, take that risk youve been holding back, and whatever you do . . . Keep smilin

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