What the f… I almost blurted out. It can’t be help if I did. I wasn’t prepared for this. It was at the men’s room in a shopping mall the other day that I witnessed a guy who shamelessly took pictures of himself.
One would think that it’s highly inappropriate to take self portrait pictures in public, much less the toilet, but clearly he begs to differ. And as if smirk is not enough, he decided to do pout lips. That’s probably going to Facebook, I thought to myself. I watched helplessly for a few more seconds before realizing it’s too much for me to handle.
That wasn’t the first time I got astounded by shameless acts some managed to pull off. A few months ago, while I was in a club, I saw a guy dancing in an awkward manner approaching groups of girls on the dance floor. While it’s obvious lady luck wasn’t particularly interested in him, and sure he wasn’t scoring, but that was not the point. He did what he came to do.
The happy idiots
One might say that they are dumb, shameless and ignorant, but I have to disagree. If anything, they are courageous to act on their wants and live in the moment instead of dwelling on opinions that do not matter, or consequences that barely have any effect on them. These are the people that gets it. A happy bunch.
We care too much
Yep, you heard me. We do. What would she think of me, would I get rejected, what would my friends say, yada yada yada. There are plenty of questions we can ask ourselves, but most never hit the mark. The real question, and the only question one should ask is, “do you want it, or not?”
The invisible chain
Pride, ego and image are nothing but chains that stop us from getting what we want. A distraction if you may. Do you realize that those who are simple minded are often happier than the smarter ones. These people often act on impulse, on what they feel. While it is often not encouraged, sometimes that is exactly what we need. If we need to analyze every little detail before we can put ourselves into action, then what about our feelings, our wants? How long do we plan to ignore it?
If you were to die today
If I were to die today, I would approach the pretty lady I bumped into in the bookstore and asked for her name. If I were to die today, I would give my ex girlfriend a call and asked her out for dinner. If I were to die today, I would let my father know that even though he never makes an effort to raise me, or get to know me, I don’t really hate him. But since I’m most probably not going to die today (I hope), I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing. And as time passed me by, my list of regrets gets longer. Sound familiar? What’s on your wish list that you plan on piling onto your regret list? Does it not worth the effort to make it happen?
In the world of their own
They see the world as how they want to see it. Most people do it the other way around. Isn’t it about time we start to learn from them? The world should always be how we come to view it. Has that really changed as we grew up? Or did we just let it happen?
Photo Credit: Falhaka
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I’m going to make a bucket list of 50-100 things I really want to do before I die. Once I see that list in front of me, I think it will help me start living the life I want.
Gordie | LifestyleDesign4U.com´s last blog ..Is There Anything That’s Unforgivable? Part 1.
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Have you watched the movie Gordie? I think a list is a great idea. Maybe I should write one myself. Possibly in the near future.
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Hey Karlil, I often think that even if we think they are idiots in that moment, 5 minutes after we forget about them, so as you said it doesn’t make much sense to be afraid of doing what we want.
Oscar – freestyle mind´s last blog ..Climate Change
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Exactly Oscar. I mean I don’t really think they are idiots. That’s just for a catchy title. I think they are brave, if anything. Though execution might be off for some, at the very least they don’t let the opinion of others distract them from getting what they want.
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This is a great message and it reminds me of one of my favorite buddha stories.
A man asks Buddha how to live a fulfilled life without temptation. Buddha turns to the man and tells him he has 24 hours to live. The man being very distressed by this, gathers his family and friends, and does all the things that he had wanted to do. He mourns, he helps, he visits with those he loves, and he’s more honest with them than he has ever been. Later that evening the man decides he has done what he needs to do, and goes to wait for his death. The Buddha walks up to the man and asks to speak for a few minutes. The man figures he’s going to die anyways. and Buddha tells him that he really has no clue when the man will die. He told the man that the only difference between him and the man was that the man had known he would die for one day, and Buddha had known it for years.
You have no guaranteed that this is not your last day. Ego is no reason to be held back.
Justin- AlittleBetter.net´s last blog ..How to Know and Get What You Want
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Karlil Reply:
October 17th, 2009 at 8:57 am
Love the story Justin. Where can I read bout Buddha and his stories btw. Would love to read more.
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Hi Nik, that was me in the toilets taking a picture of myself, go check them out at Facebook
Good post and a good reminder that our last day could be today, so do what you fear and not fear what you do.
Steven Aitchison´s last blog ..50 Ways To Build Your Optimism.
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Karlil Reply:
October 17th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Ugh Cam whoring. Haha. I used to indulged in those back when I got my first camera phone Steven. It was in part, fun I guess. Though that was years ago.
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I see your point Nik, but as always, balance is the key. When we sacrifice dignity and consideration so we can do whatever we want, then we have lost touch with balance. Being offensive, rude, and stupid is just a ignorant persons attempt to draw attention to themselves. Those who are oblivious to their effect on the world around them may think they are happy, but they are totally lacking in awareness. For some, ignorance may be bliss, but there are certainly better ways to pursue happiness then acting like a brain dead imbecile.
Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s last blog ..37 Ways to Improve Your Life Right Now!
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I see your point Jon. I certainly agree that balance is the key here. What really impress me is their guts to actually do what they feel like doing. Though if they can just improve on the execution, they would fare better.
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Whenever I see people doing things I’d never do (as long as they’re not destructive) I’m always impressed by their courage (or lack of inhibition) and I start thinking about off-the-wall things I’d like to be able to do. I’d say that’s inspiration, don’t you agree?
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Agreed Belinda. In part I’m envious of them. I really can’t help but wonder how they do it. In reality, I do believe I know how they did what they did, but I guess I rather try not to understand because once I do, I have no more excuse to not be courageous and just do what I always wanted to. They are really a source of my inspiration and I can’t help but want to be a little more like them.
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Hey Karlil.
Here is a solid message about doing what is desired without worrying about seeming socially awkward or anything of that sort.
On a related note, about that portion regarding “if you were to die today”, I was thinking today about how often it is that we see someone who doesn’t really go for something until something real bad happens. Then, I started thinking that some people will not take action until something bad happens to make them realize what they have. It’s like the motivation of overcoming the hardship is the only motivation that many see, which then places them in the victim mentality, because they have to then wait for the hardship to arrive.
The motivation to rise higher from a point of stability is much more rare.
Thanks for this message.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..Outdoor Mountain Hiking Trail Adventure – Setting Goal Points
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
You hit the mark with this comment Armen. I believe many act this way. I would be lying if I said I’m not one of them. It is sad, but so true.
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Karlil,
listing what you really would do if you die today is a great way. And then going to do something from that list would be even more powerful. Don’t wait until you might get sick and realize that the time might have come. Do these things now and you feel so much power. I started that list now.
Patrick @ unwrapyourmind.com´s last blog ..This Article Is Dead – Awaken It from Death
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
List is certainly a good way to motivate oneself to work on completing what his heart truly desire Patrick. Many times, if you work on writing a list, you would be shock by the amount of things you would not have come across as potential, before writing it. And once the list is done, it becomes clearer what we truly want to get done. How’s your list going btw?
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This was an interesting article Nik. On the one hand I agree that we often hold back on what we want to do for no other reason than what people would think. BIG mistake. On the other hand just doing what you want out in public is inconsiderate of other people. I think if we act in a classy manner we often feel good about ourselves. It’s kind of like being extraordinary in our behavior. There is a difference between being a free spirit and being an ass. I’m really enjoying your articles!
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..Helping Others While Helping Yourself
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I can’t agree more Stephen. I guess the key is really to find the right balance. That’s probably the hardest part, don’t you think?
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hey Karlil.
such a power post. pride ego muck bleh. yuck. ..so true and well put.
really dig the way your site is coming along. looking sexy as fvck and raw undiluted honest content. glorious.
keep well and in touch mate
alex – unleash reality
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Thanks for the comment Alex. I’m really glad you find the article a joy to read. Keep in touch
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Hi Patrick,
Great post reminding us to live in the moment and to really make the most of our life.
You make the valid point that we should not get concerned about what others think, but live life on our terms – as long as you are living by your own higher values and not impacting others in an adverse way.
I am going back to my list of 100 things to do in my lifetime and will be updating it. Earlier this year I achieved one of them by taking part in the London Marathon:-)
Now for the other 99 things on my list…
Arvind Devalia´s last blog ..The One and Only Secret for Getting a Jumbo Memory!
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Arvind Devalia Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Karlil, in my last comment , please read Karlil for Patrick!!!
Maybe you can amend my comment at your end and delete this one
Arvind Devalia´s last blog ..The One and Only Secret for Getting a Jumbo Memory!
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Wow Arvind. You did marathon? Man I always wanted to try those. Though I doubt I would be able to finish it. How was it btw?
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Great post! This is so true. Are the “idiots” just simpler, and less complicated, less rife with “ego, image, and pride?” Maybe that kind of simpler isn’t always a bad thing, like we first judge it to be, especially if it means there are less “chains” holding us back from living and experiencing life fully.
Miche´s last blog ..There Is No Such Thing As Stuck
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Karlil Reply:
October 18th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I believe so Miche. I really do. I am envious if anything. Before putting myself into action, I would always analyze things. How would it turn out. What would others thing, etc. Sometimes I’m really sick of it. But I can’t help myself. I think in part it is normal, but I rather be different and do what my heart desire at times.
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