5 Freebies You Can't Afford to Miss In Life
Experience them at least once — your life won’t be the same again.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
I was out with my friends, having the time of my life. We were laughing and joking, and the whole world felt under my feet.
I didn’t have a care in the world.
But then, in the blink of an eye, everything changed.
I was in a car accident, and suddenly I was faced with the possibility that I might not make it.
It was a wake-up call for me.
In that moment, I realized that life is precious and fragile.
I learned that we never know when our time will come. So we have to appreciate every moment we have.
Since then, I’ve been trying to live my life to the fullest.
And I’m grateful for every breath I take.
Now, I ensure that I experience as many things as possible to make my time here on heart worthwhile.
So, in no particular order, here are 5 things I suggest everyone must experience at least once before leaving this planet.
Power Nap Is Pure Heaven
I love sleep. I really do. I’m one of those people that can easily sleep for 10+ hours per night and still wake up tired.
But lately, things have changed with my work schedule. I now wake up at 4 am to get a jump on things.
The early morning hustle has its perks, but it takes a toll on my energy levels by the end of the day.
There have been times when I’ve actually fallen asleep at my desk! But that’s not exactly conducive to a productive work environment.
So instead, I’ve taken to the power nap.
For those unfamiliar, a power nap is a short (20–30 minute) sleep that you take during the day to boost your energy levels.
And let me tell you — it works like a charm!
I always feel energized and rejuvenated after a quick power nap. My batteries get recharged, and I’m ready to take on the world again.
If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend giving it a shot.
Just ensure you set the alarm, so you don’t oversleep in the middle of the day!
A Heart-Crushing Situation
In my 20s, I remember thinking that things were just too easy for me.
I was in good health. I had a great job with no real responsibilities. And I had the freedom to travel and enjoy life without much worry.
But things changed when my best friend got sick.
Cancer is a beast.
It’s a slow, insidious disease that gradually robs you of your strength will to live, and hope.
I watched my buddy go from a vibrant, energetic man to a shadow of his former self.
The chemotherapy made him so weak that he could barely get out of bed some days.
The hair loss was devastating for him. He’d always been so proud of his long, luxurious hair.
The cancer treatments took a toll on our whole friend circle. I was emotionally and mentally drained.
But we got through it. And my friend is now in remission.
If you’ve never faced a challenge head-on, I highly recommend it.
It’s not fun, by any stretch of the imagination.
But it will make you appreciate the good times. It will also give you a mental toughness that will make you unshakeable.
Electronic Stimulus isn’t The Energy Current You Need
This one is harder than it sounds, especially if you’re reading this on your phone.
But I challenge you to put away your phone, turn off the TV, and spend an ENTIRE day without electronic stimulation.
No music, no books (unless they’re paper), no video games, no internet.
Just you and your thoughts.
It’s amazing how much time we spend mindlessly scrolling through social media or watching TV.
Electronic devices are great, but it’s important to unplug and recharge every day.
An Outdoor Adventure Can Never Be Replaced
I’m not an adrenaline junkie. I don’t get a rush from bungee jumping or skydiving.
But I do love nature. And there’s nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors.
I hike to the top of a mountain in Canada and get mesmerized by the view.
The world stretched out before me, as far as the eye could see. And I feel so tiny and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
It is a humbling experience.
There’s something about being in nature that makes you feel alive. The fresh air, the physical exertion, the sense of accomplishment — it’s all good for the soul.
So if you can, get outside and explore.
Go on a hike, go camping, go kayaking.
Do anything that gets you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and into the peace and quiet of nature.
The Solitude That Comes With Introspection
In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget what’s important.
We’re so focused on getting things done and checking items off our to-do lists that we often don’t take the time to relax and breathe.
This is where introspection comes in.
The simplest way to do it is to meditate.
Meditation is a practice that allows you to focus and quiet your mind. It can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative thinking.
It’s also been shown to improve concentration, memory, and general mental well-being.
I’ve been meditating regularly for the past few years, and I can definitely say that it’s positively impacted my life.
I feel calmer and more clear-headed. And when things do get stressful, I’m better equipped to handle it.
If you’ve never tried meditation, I encourage you to give it a shot. There are plenty of resources out there to help you get started.
Thank you for taking the time to read "Awesome Human Beings" and for joining me in celebrating the amazing individuals (YOU) who make this world a better place.
I hope that this newsletter has inspired you to reflect on how we can better 1% every day by embracing what we have in life.
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Lots of love and respect,
Darshak Rana