This entry began by chance.  Spontaneous fortune.  One of those moments where you go back through time and revisit your goals and aspirations written down from countless years ago. 

I started writing journal entries and ideas, collected notes and emails years ago thanks to the encouragement of a few close friends.  Thanks to that subtle nudge to write down the thousands of thoughts and ideas in my life (mostly sports and music), I was able to fully comprehend and build what is AKASPORT.  Starting with a simple mission surrounded by an abundance of programs and events that is moving forward into more than an idea for Keeping Kids Active but into a successful business organization thanks to incredible people.  I am now hooked for life thanks to my notes.  It truly is never too late to start journal writing and building your dream.

So last week with the presidential election and all the unrest and uncertainty that came with it (not to mention Fear for thousands more), I sought out where I was at 8 years ago prior to President Obama’s victory.  And through this particular journal, I found a saved and folded a print out from an email titled 40 tips for a better life 12 months ago.  It was one of those ‘pass it on and good fortune will come’ kind of emails. 

For today’s AKASPORT Blog entry, I thought it was worth sharing.  Let’s move forward from last week’s results and stay positive focusing on self-betterment and love for all.  What is on this list is a simple, timeless recipe for a better life.

Hopefully you’ve made it this far…if so, thanks for reading!

40 tips for a better life 12 months ago(timeless...from 2008)

1. 10-30 minute walk every day.  And while you walk, smile.  It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.  (Dated with a :))
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to ___ today.’
5. Live with the 3 E’s – Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
6. Play more games and read more books than you did 2007.
7. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, tai chi and prayer.  They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9. Dream more while you are awake.
10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
11. Drink green tea and plenty of water.  Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
14. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control.  Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.  Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.  (*Revisit Breakfast and Lunch research)
17. Smile and laugh more.   It will keep the energy vampires away.
18. Life isn’t fair…but it’s still good.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20. Don’t take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
21. You don’t have to win every argument.  Agree to (!) disagree.
22. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
23. Don’t compare your life to others’.  You have NO idea what their journey is all about.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words:  ‘In five years, will this matter?’
26. Forgive everyone for everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. God heals almost everything.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick.  Your friends will.  Stay in touch!
31. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
32. Envy is a waste of time.  You already have all you need.
33. The best is yet to come.
34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
35. Do the right thing!
36. Call your family often.  (Or email them!!!)
37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:  I am thankful for _____.  Today I accomplished _______
38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
39. Enjoy the ride.  Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass.  You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
40. Please forward this to everyone you care about.  (Classic 2008)

Let me know if you remember this one. 
Let me know what you would add to this and for talking points, considering this piece is timeless, what details did you catch that could be updated? 
Or which ones hit closest to home and are your favorites?

Or if you know where this came from and who wrote it, please let me know.  Spread it round!

Thanks for taking the time.  What lies before us and what lies behind us are small matters compared to what lies within us.  Here’s wishing you all the best, TODAY and EVERY DAY, EACH DAY, TAKE ONE AT A TIME TOWARDS A BETTER TOMORROW.  All the best,  CS