The Simple Life

My goal in life is simple. To be a good man. To be a man that I would respect. Not the king of Sweden, or quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts, but an honorable family man that enjoys life and cares for others even when there is no reason to. However, it is very easy to fall from the path of good and listen to the world’s definition of happiness. The world says to look out for yourself, that you come first. But I disagree. The world would be a cold place if we followed that advice. One of the main lessons I’ve learned in life is that people come first. It’s not just a hotel motto; it’s a way to look at life. As Alicia Keys so eloquently put it, “everything means nothing, if I ain’t got you.” The earth is special because it is the only planet that contains life. It’s not the biggest, or the brightest. It holds no marathon records for being the fastest to rotate around the sun (as far as I know). It’s special because of the people that inhabit it. When you were young, you always heard it was better to give than receive. Early in life, it’s hard to imagine that it’s true. I thought I’d always rather play with my toys than give them away. But with age comes maturity and the ability to understand the old adage’s wisdom. As you age, you can experience the wonders of the world many times over until their luster fades. However, a smile is a timeless marvel easy to obtain. So remember as you go throughout your life that true heroes aren’t praised for the riches they’ve amassed or the amazing feats they’ve accomplished, but rather for the lives they’ve touched and they smiles they’ve encouraged.:)