3 Ways to Enrich Your Life

Get up. Go to work. Go home. Go to bed.

It's easy to let life slip into a soulless routine. But why are we alive? Is it to earn more money? Is it to work longer hours? Is it to have more things? Life is about having a rich, happy existance.

1. Take a Challenging Walk You'll see "Take a Walk" on a lot of lists like this, and for good reason. Fresh air and sunlight both mentally and physiologically (Vitamin D) improve your mood and energy. Remember that at the very least, our ancestors had to walk in order to find food. If you're already walking, try doing something to shake things up. Walk on an especially snowy or icey path to improve your balance. Walk somewhere you've never been to explore a new part of your neck of the woods. Walk while carrying a heavy load (I try to walk to and from the grocery store whenever possible). Walkuphill, walk off beaten paths, walk where you've previously avoided walking*.

2. Savor a Meal from Beginning to End Start with a recipe, maybe something complicated you've been wanting to make but haven't had a good reason to. Try to find farmer's markets or specialty grocery stores to get your ingredients. Start from the most fundamental ingredients as possible, and ponder the quality of each item. Smell the produce (don't be embarrassed!). If you're not working with raw materials, consider the components of what your buying, and if you really want those things in your body. Bring the ingredients home and put on some music while you make your meal. Don't rush it, plan out each step and take your time. Take in the aromas as your food is cut and cooked. When everything is ready, take the time to arrange everything artfully on your plate. Consider how items look in different configurations. Finally, eat at the table--not on the couch--and savor each bite. Don't rush. Share with family and friends.

3. Create Something Every Day I can't tell you what form this will take. It depends on what skills you have, although you don't have to be particularly skilled at what you're doing. You're creating for you. Write a poem or a short story or a journal entry. Draw a simple picture or paint. Build or carve something. Pull out the guitar or sit at the piano and write a short song. Knit a hat. It doesn't have to be difficult or complicated, but the personal rewards are extraordinary.

* Hopefully this isn't necessary to include, but if you live near dangerous areas, use good judgment when picking places for a stroll. Don't make yourself a target for wild animals, natural pitfalls, or criminals.