Love is a funny thing. It doesn’t ask for much, but it requires everything. If you give nothing, then it gives nothing in return. It won’t yell or demand, it will be silent. It will sit patiently waiting and hoping that you will someday understand. It will wait while you work, while you play, while you question, while you run, and while you hide…even from it.

You may be confused about why it’s missing from your life. You may be asking why it isn’t there for you, giving you all that you need. You may search for it doggedly, or intermittently. You may give up on it, time and time again. Then you return. You may play games with love, and it will play games with you. It will always win. You may become bitter because it won’t appear at the snap of your fingers, or because love didn’t last. You may require that love prove itself over and over again. Love is not a right available on demand, it’s a privilege and a gift to be accepted, and protected with great care.

If you put it last on your list of priorities, then it will put you last as well. You may think you don’t need it. You may draw boundaries around what you will not give up, and what things you will not change. You may make a list of the things that love must not intrude upon. You may believe that you have plenty of time to make room for love. You may be willing to only accept love that is the ideal. You may believe that it will be there whenever you are ready. You may keep a part of yourself hidden from love, so as not to get hurt. Whatever you choose to give to love, it will give to you in return.

But when you are ready to give to love, it will give more to you than you can ever give to it. It will make you wonder why you ever doubted it. It will ask you to give more. It will ask you to believe. It will ask you for complete trust. It will ask you to change, to stretch, and to grow. It will end. It will hurt. It will begin anew. It will make you feel safe. It will make you feel strong. It will make you feel vulnerable. It won’t be perfect, but it will make you perfect. It will ask you to open your arms, and it will fill them up.

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ser·en·dip·i·ty  (srn-dp-t)

n. pl. ser·en·dip·i·ties

1. The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.

2. An instance of making such a discovery.

Many things we search for simply can’t be found. We search for love. We search for happiness. We search for success. We travel on endless holidays, we run from party to party and from event to event, we over work, we scramble to yoga and to meditation classes, we serial date, and we buy, buy, buy; all in the quest to find the things we believe we must have. We search because we simply can’t believe that the things we want will find us, or that they’ve been inside of us all along. We’re certain that we must DO, BECOME and TRY HARDER, when all we really need to do is live our life with purpose and authenticity, and learn to enjoy all that comes our way. Serendipity has a way of sending the best to us, if only we recognize it when it arrives.

Serendipity is all around us. Sometimes it’s obvious, and other times it’s subtle. For instance, have you had a great career opportunity come to you out of the blue, even if it wasn’t what you had listed as the next rung on your planned ladder? How many stories have you heard about soul mates meeting, when they had both written off love? What about the apartment you found completely by accident? Or the moment of pure joy watching a sunset solo? How about the lifelong friend you made just because you commented on the dress she was wearing? Have you ever stopped to calculate the odds of so many of life’s serendipitous moments? It’s staggering how many wonderful things happen to us completely by accident.

To be clear, I remain true to my beliefs of maximum effort and living with passion. I believe human beings need to contribute and achieve, whatever that means to the individual, in order to be fulfilled. I think you must work hard at your craft to be good at it, you must be the best version of yourself personally to attract and nurture the type of relationship you want, and you must be true to your values and beliefs to be happy. The difference I’ve found is when we begin to twist and change ourselves to become who we’re “supposed to be” to attract the right man/woman/job, rather than being the best version of ourselves and attracting our natural matches. One style skews your life off center, while the other allows you to be authentic, genuine and content. One style has you trying too hard, and being frustrated if the ONE planned outcome doesn’t materialize, and the other allows you to enjoy the adventure and be open to all the glorious possibilities.

Serendipity isn’t easy though. It requires patience and an open mind. It’s also something else that can’t be found, or caught. The more you chase it, the more it flees your grasp. It’s the act of being yourself, and letting go of the rest. It’s the leap of faith that says I know everything I need will come my way, and it’s the courage to let go of the illusion of control.

As for me, I’ve finally come to understand that the best things in life often find me, and that many times the things that find me are so much better than what I had planned. In searching for serendipity, I’ve learned how to go about my life every day in a way I love. How to take care of myself spiritually, physically and emotionally, and to celebrate each day. I didn’t stop trying, working, dreaming or doing. I just put them back in their rightful place; alongside simply being, and waiting for serendipity to join me on the journey.

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I know Valentine’s Day isn’t for everyone, but I think it’s a lovely holiday. It’s the perfect time to recommit to making your relationship a priority, and to learning what makes your partner feel loved and adored. If you’re single, it’s still the chance to unashamedly fantasize about the kind of relationship you’d like to have in your life, and to learn how to become the person that attracts your soulmate. (i.e. making the room, and the time, to share your life; learning to be vulnerable, and to trust enough to let someone all the way in)

One thing about this lovely day has always puzzled me though. Who said that Valentine’s Day was the man’s responsibility? Or that each partner shouldn’t be responsible for planning a part of the day/weekend, so that each person feels treated? Since I’d seen very little written on what a man finds romantic, I asked my friend Mike Bloomberg “The Romance CEO” (www.TheRomanceCEO.com) to help with a few ideas on how those lucky enough to be involved this Valentine’s Day can make the man in their life feel cherished and important.

Here are a few ideas to get you started, and I hope it will begin a discussion on what you can do to keep the romance alive for him year round. After all, the perfect relationship is one in which each partner feels cared for. It’s also just as much fun to plan something wonderful for the one you love, as to have something planned for you. So here’s to building a charmed life by making every day feel like Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day: Romantic Enough for a Woman, but Made for a Man

Do you dread this time of year?  Do you find yourself downplaying Valentine’s Day?  Are you always making excuses for the lack of planning or creativity on your significant other’s behalf?  OK, not all men are incompetent and completely clueless when it comes to being romantic, but some of us definitely belong in this category and deservedly so.

My grandmother used to say, “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”.  This year, Valentine’s Day may fall into that category.  Or, perhaps, last year your man outdid himself and this year you want to return the favor.  If you are of the female gender and are in charge of being Cupid this year, here are few tips that the both of you will really enjoy.  It’s time to say “goodbye” to the typical reservations, chocolates and candles.  The following ideas should have your guy bragging about your “Cupidness” Monday morning at the water cooler, or to his buddies on the golf course or at the gym.

1.  Rock Climbing: Talk about killing two birds with one stone.  Whether you choose outdoor or indoor, this date will get you two going with a great workout.  If you opt for indoor, you can be assured that this is the perfect “sporty” date for the beginner to the experienced.  Want to make it more competitive?  Race to the top and whoever loses…gives the first massage.

2. Winery/Brewery: Many towns now have wineries, breweries or microbreweries.  This is a date that both men and women will enjoy.  If you do have a brewery or winery near, make sure you go on the tour to learn the process.  Learning something new is always fun to include in a date.  Afterwards, a wine or beer tasting is equally fun to end on.

3. Bed & Breakfast (Man style):  Often, when you use the word “bed and breakfast,” the picture of French Country or doilies might pop into your head.  A night away is not only fun for Valentine’s Day, but, all throughout the year.  To not exclude the more masculine tastes, some “B&B’s” are built like log cabins.  Another option is to stay at a ranch.  Some ranches have rustic housing and activities that will be a blast for you two.  One in my area offers up “Cowboy for a Day” excursion that includes learning to ride, rope and wrangle cattle.

4. Cook Dinner: Two of my least favorite days to eat out are Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.  Many times, the restaurants are far too busy and understaffed.  The food is not always the best, and prices can be inflated since it’s a special day.  Take the opportunity this Valentine’s Day to try out that new recipe.  Or, perhaps, try out your kitchen for the first time.  Even better, cook as a couple.  The internet is saturated with very easy meals to the most complex.  My suggestion: Do a search for “easy romantic meals.”  See where that leads you.

5. Manicure/Pedicure: I know what you my be thinking. “A mani/pedi for a guy’s Valentine’s Day???”  Trust me on this one.  And, this may be one you don’t tell him where you are going first.  But, this is so fun to do as a couple.  It’s also very relaxing and the perfect “mood setter” for the rest of the evening.  Speaking of “mood setter,” have you ever wondered why a foot massage is often referred to as “better than sex” or “orgasmic?”  Apparently, the part of the brain that is connected to the feet lies right next to the part of the brain that is connected to the reproductive organs.  I’m just sayin’…

Of course, it’s not always the girl’s job to plan everything.  Especially, a romantic day like Valentine’s Day.  Perhaps, the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself” applies here.   By creating this amazing Valentine’s Day, you might be setting the tone for future ones to come.  And, by including yourself in the festivities, you are guaranteeing a great Valentine’s.  Not matter who plans it.  Enjoy!

Michael Bloomberg, a marriage proposal, dating and romance consultant, is better known as “The Romance CEO” (www.TheRomanceCEO.com) and author of the Romance Rocks! monthly newsletter.  Bloomberg has been seen on The Learning Channel, might have been photographed with a Supermodel and definitely writes a weekly column, Date Night, for the Fort Worth Business Press.  @TheRomanceCEO is where you can follow him on Twitter.

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Living a charmed life means many things to many people. Whether it’s having love in your life, a career that challenges you, outside interests that bring hours of delight, or having a cause that you’re passionate about; a charmed life is one that should bring you exactly what gives you joy.

One of the things that we tend to overlook in pursuing our own charmed life is what role wellness plays in making our dreams a reality. We only truly understand how important wellness is when we are faced with temporary or permanent loss of well being. It can be physical, emotional, or spiritual distress that reminds us what a necessity it is to take care of ourselves, and what a blessing it is to have good health.

Often we see taking care of ourselves as a selfish luxury. In reality, it’s the first thing one must do to ensure you can both fully enjoy your life, and be able to take care of those that are important to you. The best way it’s ever been explained to me was in the analogy of the flight attendant’s safety presentation at the beginning of each flight. We’re always told to put our own oxygen mask in place, before helping small children or anyone else needing assistance. It too seems selfish at first, but when you stop to think it through, you really can’t help anyone else unless you’re breathing yourself. The same is true in wellness. It’s up to you to take care of yourself, so that you’re able to enjoy all the wonderful adventures ahead.

The mantra that works for many in the area of wellness is moderation. We should find a healthy way of eating, but still enjoy dessert. We should drink in moderation, but have the occasional second martini; and we should stay physically, mentally and spiritually fit, but not become slaves to even good habits. The important thing in Lifestyle Desgin/Wellness is to find the formula that works for you, and to stick with it. It doesn’t matter if you’ll never run a marathon, weigh what you did in school, or be a perfect vegan. All that does matter is that you find the right balance in enjoying today, and maintaining your wellness for tomorrow, so that all your dreams for your charmed life can come true!

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This isn’t the post I was planning to write today. This is the post I need to write today.

Over the past few weeks, particularly over the last two days, I’ve been having that same feeling of helplessness. The feeling that there is so much to be done to right things in the world, and that I can’t do enough to make any significant difference. This feeling once overwhelmed me, made me believe that what I could do was useless, and that I might as well give up and do nothing.

I happened upon a story many years ago that changed things for me, and although some say it’s overused and tired, it still inspires me. That very short story is “The Starfish Story”. It reminds me that it isn’t one of us acting alone that can make a difference, it’s each of us doing what we can that will.

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ADOPT THE PACE OF NATURE…HER SECRET IS PATIENCE. ~RALPH WALDO EMERSON

My third lesson in creating a charmed life came recently when I was having yet another attack of worry. Worry that I didn’t yet have a plan, didn’t have it all figured out, didn’t have concrete goals. I wasn’t doing something…ANYTHING. Then I suddenly realized that I WAS doing something. I was doing something quite important that I’d been putting off for years. I was learning patience.

It’s been a very long time coming for me. I don’t do patience. I do activity. Activity just for the sake of activity, I now realize.  I thought motion was always good. Motion meant I was on my way somewhere. Didn’t it? In this case it didn’t. It meant that I was so afraid of not going somewhere, that I was willing to go down unproductive roads. I was willing to spend valuable time on activities that weren’t valuable. I missed wonderful opportunities because I was involved in things that weren’t important. What a waste of time! I could have been having fun, and enjoying doing nothing for the very first time in my life, waiting for the answers that weren’t in my control to make happen. Instead, I wasted my days and nights being impatient and frantic. I’m a do-aholic, and I’m learning that it kills creativity. Ideas and creativity don’t come from holding on so tightly. They come when you’re mind is lively and free. Your mind can’t do both. It can’t worry, and be free at the same time. You must choose, and so I have.

I’ve decided to choose patience. To enjoy today for what it is. To take the answers that come, work hard and plan, if that is what today brings me. By the same token, if today brings me no answers, if it brings me only more questions, I’ll take that too. The new questions may play a role in answering the original questions, they may be things I hadn’t thought of and they may help to clarify the situation when the time is right. So I won’t worry. I’ll speak to mentors and friends, I’ll give myself time to think, and I’ll learn to enjoy the days with no answers as much as I enjoy the days when everything seems to fall into place. I’ll learn to enjoy all the days that make up the grand adventure called life.

To be continued…

Photo~Sheep grazing near Hadrian’s Wall

Michael Bloomberg, The Romance CEO

I’m very happy to share a wonderful guest post by Mike Bloomberg, The Romance CEO. In asking Mike to contribute an article for Live The Charmed Life, I asked that he write something from the man’s perspective on relationships. After sharing many great ideas, and agreeing that we should collaborate again in the future, we decided on a reprint of one of his most popular articles. What follows is something that everyone can benefit from. If you’re a man, here are some helpful tips on getting up the courage to ask the girl of your dreams out for the first time. If you’re a woman, I think you will gain a whole new respect for what men go through in often being expected to make the first move. Either way, it only reinforces how truly alike we are. Many thanks to Mike, and ENJOY!

Ask and Ye Shall Receive: 4 simple tips to asking her out

You are standing in line at the pharmacy. You turn around just to kill time as the person in front of you is counting out the six-month prescription they just picked up to make sure all the pills are there, and there she is.  Blue eyes, dimples, nice smile and what do you do…turn around and face the front.  Your mind starts racing.  Should I turn back around?  Should I just introduce myself?  What should I say?

Another scenario might be this.  You see her at the gym at the same time every day.  She is always on the treadmill when you are on the bike.  It started off as a smile, evolved into small talk and, now, there is some flirting going on.  Even when you are not at the gym, she is on your mind.  Your friends have heard all about her.  Your barber has even heard about her.  But, still, no action on your part to ask her out.

Guys, we have all been there.  Each of us have a different reaction to just the thought of having to do it.  For some, it is like breathing.  For the rest of us, we would rather have our bodies waxed by Aunt Gertie than to have to do this.  I am talking about asking someone out for the first time.  Here are a few tips to make this decision a little easier:

Confidence, confidence, confidence! If you are not self-assured and seem as if your skin was custom fit for you, then do not even bother talking to her, much less, asking her out.  There is nothing less attractive to a woman than a man who is not confident.  I am not talking about being “cocky” when you approach her.  She will not be impressed with that.  Here’s a little tip…visualization.  Don’t worry, you do not have to go to yoga class and meditate for 6 hours.  Picture yourself as 100 feet tall when you talk to her.  Even now, just close your eyes and picture it.  There is something about being above everyone else that invokes confidence.  When talking to her, even if you are scared to death, act as is if you were born to do this.  Fake it ‘til you make it!

Every breath you take. Do not forget to breathe.  Like a well-conditioned athlete, when asking someone out, it is always important to take a deep breath and to continue to breathe throughout the conversation.  You do not want to seem nervous or start sweating when talking to her.

What do you have to lose? In the last few years, I have started socializing with a new group of friends.  We go to dinner, go bowling, and do happy hours.  One of the guys is gay.  While at a Super Bowl party, he decided it was time to tell me he had a crush on me…in front of about 10 people.  Needless to say, I was speechless.  However, I was not offended.  In an odd way, I was jealous.  So many times, I have wanted to tell this girl or that girl that I really liked them.  If a gay guy could tell a straight guy in front of a lot of people, then why couldn’t I just ask someone out when it was just the two of us?  I have been around this guy a few more times and we are still friends.  Moral of the story…just go for it.  At the least, the outcome is going to be the exact same as it is now, except that you went for it.

She may be sitting home like you. There is an adorable girl who works at my gym.  O.K, she is hot.  She often complained about the horrors of dating in college.  Guys rarely ask girls out.  Often, dates consist of meeting up with each other at the bar.  Recently, she talked about this new guy she has been seeing.  She said it was someone she had met socially through mutual friends.  While he was funny, she was not initially physically attracted to him.  I asked why she chose to go out with him and her response was this, “He asked.”  Those two words put everything into perspective.  HE ASKED…plain and simple.

A wise man once said that 98% of what we worry about never happens.  Never have truer words been uttered.  We often think of what the outcome could be and rarely are we correct.  How many times have you said, “that went way better than I thought it was going to?”  Apply that to your dating life.  Even if she is not interested, not available or the timing is just not good, if your approach is that of a gentleman, most women feel honored to be pursued.  Wayne Gretzky, hockey great, said it best, “you will miss 100% of the shots you never take.”  Go ahead…shoot!  You might even score.

Michael Bloomberg, a marriage proposal, dating and romance consultant, is better known as “The Romance CEO” (www.TheRomanceCEO.com) and author of the Romance Rocks!monthly newsletter.  Bloomberg has been seen on The Learning Channel, might have been photographed with a Supermodel and definitely writes a weekly column, Date Night, for the Fort Worth Business Press.  @TheRomanceCEO is where you can follow him on Twitter.

I love women. I really do. This isn’t something I say lightly. It’s as much to do with the hundreds of amazing women I’ve met in my lifetime, as the ones whose accomplishments I’ll watch in raptured awe from afar. I recently wrote a love letter to my girlfriends, to thank them for all they’ve brought to my life. It was meant to be a love letter to all women really, and to celebrate all that women do to enrich the world. Whether they’re strong, soft, tough, tiny, athletic, successful, shy, bodacious or a bit of everything combined; girls are a great invention.

However, there’s another equally wonderful invention that makes the world the fantastic place it is. That invention is men. Though they be tall, short, metrosexual, outdoorsy, sport loving, art loving, businessmen, firemen, students, construction workers, teachers, chefs, traditional, cynical, non-conformist, health nuts, couch potatoes, intense, laid back, or anything in between; there is nothing to compare to men. They have so much to teach us about life, if we’ll only take the time to watch and learn.

I think I understand why we may not want to take the time, though. There seems to be an overwhelming amount of distrust between the sexes at times, and a fair amount of man bashing by women who are far too fabulous for such activities, in my opinion. Are there men that deserve a bit of tough talk at times? Yes, and there are women that deserve their share as well. The important thing to remember is that no individual person is perfect all of the time, or is responsible for all of the sins of their gender. They don’t deserve to be mistrusted or mistreated for anything that happened to us at the hands of someone else. The part to focus on is what we can learn from one another, how we can use each other’s strengths to reinforce our weaknesses, and how we can attempt to understand something that may simply be different, rather than wrong.

What follows is a list of a few items that have been called out as differences between the sexes. I’ve taken a closer look to see if there isn’t something we can learn from them.

WARNING: BRAZEN GENERALITIES/MANY EXCEPTIONS EXIST

1. They don’t ask for directions~Men aren’t afraid to go it alone, or to make mistakes. They’re also willing to take either the glory or the gore that goes along with that decision. There’s something to be said for believing in yourself enough to say that whatever happens you know you’ll be fine and you’ll figure it out. Besides, how many new worlds would have been found if a man hadn’t been willing to point his ship to sea and just sail?

2. They say what they mean~How wonderful would it be to say yes or no, I like it or I don’t, without any agenda or games? When he said he didn’t notice your new haircut, he simply didn’t notice your new haircut. It has absolutely nothing to do with whether he liked it or not, or whether he loves or cares about you. No hidden meaning, and innocent honesty, means much more energy for things that matter.

3. They’re “fixers”~Rather than analyzing and reanalyzing, men are better at accepting what has happened, where they currently find themselves, and then looking for solutions. They seem to live by the motto “Fix it, and move on.”, rather than staying stuck in the “what ifs”.

4. They don’t show emotion~Do I really believe men are completely fearless, and without emotion? No. What I do believe is that they’ve been better trained to appear fearless and stoic. I also believe this has as much of an impact on them, as it does on those around them. In other words, they’re affirming/facing what they need to, and not allowing irrational emotions to control them. They’re convincing themselves they’re not afraid, as much as they’re convincing anyone else.

5. They’re simple in their needs~They know what they need, and want, and they do not apologize for it. This may be the most controversial point on the list, but isn’t it interesting that when you really break it down, most of the things that men do are aimed at getting things like food, fulfillment, sex and sleep? If only we were able to break down our needs to such simple categories, and unapologetically go get them, or ask for them.

I see so many wonderful things in men, and I admire them. I especially admire their ability to integrate those things that were once considered too feminine, and that may not come naturally to them. Things like being more active in raising children, showing emotion, supporting their partner’s career, and in many other areas once considered off limits to them. In short, this is a post in praise of men, because life is much to short not to appreciate and celebrate the differences, as well as, the things that make us exactly the same.

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I’d like to introduce you to the next Charmed Destination in the series, and one of my favourite spots in the world, Watergate Bay, The Hotel & Extreme Academy in Watergate Bay, Cornwall, UK. It’s located between Newquay and Padstow on the Cornish Coast, and it’s the ideal spot for a beach holiday.

The Hotel feels very much like staying at a friend’s beach house, and the entire resort is very laid back. Decorated in barefoot chic, with beachy fabrics and colours, they make singles, couples and families feel at ease. Leave the suits and ties behind, and be ready for some serious R & R at this gem. They offer seasonal specials that make it a very affordable special getaway, too.

The resort itself is very easy to travel to via car, plane or train. Fly, or take the train into Newquay, England. Once there, taxis and a great bus service take care of the rest. Although you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to a remote beach resort, you’ll have no trouble getting around or finding things to do.

You have a choice of three restaurants on site, and they’re all wonderful. Jamie Oliver’s amazing Fifteen is a must. The restaurant has imaginative and mouthwatering menus, and an incredible wine list to match. A table by the windows, with endless ocean views is unbelievably romantic. A pre-dinner cocktail in the great room of the hotel, or a Pimm’s out on the adjoining patio, is a great way to begin the evening. The Phoenix is also within walking distance, and has the perfect patio for enjoying a glass of wine and watching a stunning sunset. If you prefer, you can take the bus, or your car, to many other local traditional pubs, or into Newquay where choices abound.

The Extreme Academy offers surfing, kitesurfing, waveskiing, and more, including instruction. The Academy sponsors several professional surfers, and hosts surfing competition, as well as a once a year polo on the beach event. There are world class surfing beaches all along the coast, and several large surfing schools, as well. If you’re a golfer, you’ll be spoilt for choice. One of my favourites is Carlyon Bay. It’s one of the top ten courses in the UK, and has the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. So whether you’re a sunbather, a surfer, or a golfer, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy the outdoors in beautiful Cornwall.

There’s no need to ever leave the lovely resort, and you may not want to, but I highly recommend a few side trips. The first is to lovely St Ives. An idyllic former fishing village, now known as an artists colony, you’ll fall in love with the views, the galleries and the cafes. There’s also a branch of the famous Tate Museum in St Ives. To make the trip complete, be sure to indulge in a famous cream tea, with a scone, Cornish clotted cream and jam. Luckily, St Ives is a walking village, so you’ll have time to burn the extra calories. The other town to visit is Padstow, to the north. It’s another walking town with quaint shops, galleries, pubs and wonderful restaurants. I know you’ll enjoy the lovely villages, as well as just driving through the gorgeous English countryside.

As you can see, a trip to this Charmed Destination is a little bit traditional English countryside, a little bit trendy beach holiday, a little bit of an artistic and gastronomic adventure and a whole lot of wonderful choices.

I hope you’ve enjoyed a brief tour of beautiful Cornwall, and that you have the pleasure of visiting soon. When you do, please let me know about the hidden treasures you find along the way!

I know the current trend is to spend a sabbatical meditating and finding your life’s path, and these are very worthy pursuits. I also believe you can get stuck in exploring your inner world, and at some point it’s time to just start living.

We’ve all had our share of crushing personal and professional defeats, and it’s healthy to examine what happened. These are the times that valuable lessons are learned, truths are uncovered and peace can be made with baggage we might not have even known we had. I’ve also found in my own life, that trying so hard to find my answers only made them more elusive. Once I began letting go, enjoying the ride, and having fun again, things began to take shape.

I’m beginning to believe that perhaps the answer is putting a time frame on how long we let ourselves soak in soul searching, and then we move on and let what we’ve learned incorporate itself into our lives. That maybe, at the end of the day, that we’ve become self examination junkies, and what we really need is to learn how to have fun again.

So, here are my places to begin finding the fun:

1. Drink with good friends. There is no better way to learn how to stay in the moment, than with great friends, great conversation, and great laughs.

A book of verses underneath the bough, a jug of wine, a loaf of bread and thou.  ~Edward Fitzgerald

2. Golf in the beautiful outdoors. You’ll have a much better understanding of the greatness around you. We are only part of the universe, not the center of it. I’ve also learned that there are lots of ups and downs on the golf course, as in life, but everything turns out just fine.

Golf without bunkers and hazards would be tame and monotonous. So would life. ~B. C. Forbes

3. Kiss as if you really mean it. A sincere kiss means more to those you love than you’ll ever realise, and a perfect romantic kiss is the stuff dreams are made of.

Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. ~Albert Einstein