Live Uncomfortably

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My dad’s best friend just got diagnosed with cancer. With his particular form of cancer, even if the chemo works, most people don’t survive past the five year mark. Needless to say, this has got me thinking a lot.

When you’re on the road for an extended period of time you can’t help but think about the people who matter the most to you. I am extremely grateful to have a tight group of 7 friends that I have known since middle school. For some reason, we can’t get away from each other.

Using my friends as examples I’ve compiled a list of things I’ve learned from each of them. I think this is a pretty good list of ways to live a fulfilling and happy life. If you can embody these characteristics, you’ll go a long way.

I’m sure you’ll recognize some of these qualities among your closest friends.

1. Jacob - Take life slow.

Jacob is never in a rush. It’s all about the experience right in that moment.

2. Mike - Don’t judge, just experience.

Mike is one of the easiest people to talk to. Mike never places his values above others.

3. Ross - There is art and creativity in everything.

Ross can form sentences and create imagery like no one I know. He can take an ugly piece of metal and turn it into an incredible piece of jewelry.

4. Tait - Take an active interest in other people’s lives.

Tait notices the little things that make a person unique. It’s because of this that he’s most often the funniest person in the room. No one can make fun of people better than Tait. And it’s all because he takes an active interest.

5. Aaron - Just DO.

Aaron finds what matters to him and he makes it happen. He doesn’t constantly question the alternatives. He puts blinders on and just DOES.

6. Jeff - Never, ever, under any circumstance be completely serious about anything.

Jeff is the MacGyver of fun. Lock Jeff in an empty room, give him a blank piece of paper, and he’ll figure out a way to make it fun.

7. Eric - Do you own thing.

Eric has a confidence that some people find off-putting when they first meet him. You either love him or you hate him. In our friend’s case, it’s both. Whatever your thoughts on Eric are, you ALWAYS respect him. He lives under his own code and he can easily and logically defend that code.