You know, we are born, go to school, get a job, a spouse, a family, the house, car, etc. Life just happens like that. We carry on throughout life almost in a robotic haze, or so it seems.

We follow rules; we do what is expected of us. We grow old and then the end arrives.

That pretty much wraps up life, right?  Well, yes and no.

We often forget that there is all the stuff in between birth and death. The actual living stuff. Too many of us are so caught up in work, friends and family that we neglect our own happiness and our own adventures. Life is an adventure that is full of twists and turns, ups and downs.

Many of us live vicariously through others because we don’t think we can do what they do or we don’t have the means or the guts or what have you. How much of that is just excuses?

Here is a list of 7 things you need to know about life.

1. Live for you.

This may sound a wee bit selfish but take a minute to think about this. This is your life. It’s up to you to do things that bring you joy. The things that make your heart sing. The things that YOU want to do. It’s OK to do those things. If you’re not happy, what’s the point of all of this?

2. Find joy in them.

The others. The people in your family. As part of a family unit we are often required to do things that we may not like or love so much but our family member does. If it brings them joy, it should bring you joy. Find the joy in their joy. Contrary to #1, it isn’t always about you BUT when you find joy in the happiness of others, that’s a win-win.

3. Happiness is an inside job.

Too many of us are looking for happiness in people, places or things. You may find it in things and places, but that is only temporary. For eternal happiness, you must look deep within. No one can give that to you. Being with a partner may make you happy, but that joy, inevitably comes from in you.

4. Take more risks.

Life isn’t just about school, work, home, family, and soccer practice, to just wake up and do it all over again. Step outside of your comfort zone. You know that thing you’ve always wanted to do? Go do it. Yes it’s risky and exciting and maybe even a wee bit dangerous. Do it anyway. Live with no regrets.

5. People are people.

They come in and out of your life, your whole life. Your high school best friend may not be your best friend in your 50’s or 60’s. Or maybe they will be. Some people you meet will make you angry, some will love you. We are all here to learn from each other, grow, evolve, help and love. Really, we’re all the same.

6. You make up your own guilt.

If you feel guilty about something, that’s you’re doing. Nobody can make you feel guilty (or any other negative emotion for that matter) without your consent. You own your feelings. No one else. Anything you feel is a result of your thoughts.

7. You create your own life.

I’m not a big believer in luck or coincidences. Everything happens for a reason and some as a result of the things we think. You have the power to create what you want in this life. I know that may sound sort of woo-woo, but it’s true.

We aren’t here for a long time nor do we know when our time is up.

Make the most of the time you have here. If something isn’t working the way you want it to, fix it, change it or dump it.

It’s all up to you. Don’t give anyone power over life to do with it as they please.

About the Author: Steven AITCHISON is one of Your Monthly Mentors, UK’s #1 Personal Development blogger. With a Facebook following of over 3.7 million and growing, Steven’s mission is to help millions of people around the world better themselves in any way that they can. Steven’s blog is entitled “Change Your Thoughts – Change Your Life.” He currently resides in South Lanarkshire, Scotland and hosts live shows on Facebook every weekday at 2pm BST. Read More…

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