Over the last week, I have had a few conversations that has further pushed the realization of how much time I actually waste.  The more time I waste, the harder life becomes.

I've done pretty well with sticking to my New Years Resolutions, much better than past years.  I still, though, know I am not putting forth 100% effort in what I want to do.  I am not nearly as successful as I could be, and I truly intend to work on that much more.

But what is one thing that I can do...one thing that most people can do...on making life easy?   Absolutely stop talking about what is wrong with the world and how much life sucks!

I was talking with a buddy of mine a few days ago, and he was talking about how people are so surprised about how easy going he is - especially after two deployments to the Middle East.  People have a hard time understanding how he doesn't stress out over things.  He realizes that life is neither complicated nor difficult.  The more you think about it, the more you will see truth in that statement.  Is it really hard to go to work and pay the bills?  Nah, it's really not...but that depends on what bills you deem necessary.  Do you need that unlimited plan?  Do you need that big apartment?  Do you need that new car?  Do you need to eat or drink out every week?  Do you need to have cable TV?  Do you need to stress out over Bradgelina breaking up?

The necessity to get away from reality is understandable, though!

American society stresses us so much on physical beauty, yet a huge chunk of us are obese!  Many are not happy with their physical stature, and few do anything about it.  Losing a whole two inches on the waist can really make you feel much better about yourself (source:  me)!  The hardest thing to remember about getting in shape, though, is remembering that it is a marathon, not a sprint.

Complaining.  We all do it.  It's part of our society, but that doesn't mean it has to be a part of you.  I, for one, will not shut up about how much the army sucks.  Although talking about it and spreading awareness on the weakness of the army is a good thing, how far will that solve the issue?  I have begun trying to contact my congresspeople about it.  I'm even heading to D.C. on my days off at the end of February in hopes to be able to have some face to face meetings with them or their aides.

Another thing that we almost all do is talk like we know everything about politics.  We all know the right answers and most won't seem to budge, regardless of facts presented to us, yet as much as we whine and gripe, we don't do a whole lot to fix much.  For me, it is really hard to talk politics with people because most people don't seem to agree with me, heh.  I grew up a typical Democrat, turned into a typical Republican, and now follow the likes of Ron Paul and Judge Nepaolitano.  I now am trying to join some more groups with those who share like beliefs, but it can be a little difficult in my job to fulfill volunteering and such.

The four things I think that could loosen everyone up:

1.  Go to work to work, and don't complain about it (if you complain a lot, perhaps its time for another job).
2.  Stop stressing the small stuff (seriously, stop it).
3.  Pay the bills, a.s.a.p. (so you don't complain about them).
4.  Be physically fit (to feel great about yourself).

Every time you catch yourself talking or thinking about something not pertinent, I urge you to stop and act upon it.  I can almost guarantee you will feel better that you actually accomplished something!