Comments on: The Lifestyle Design Anthem: “My Way”.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:45:43 +0000

Post away my friend. I look forward to reading you take on it.

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 23:25:03 +0000

Gordie, this resembles something I would want to post about. I LOVE this Frank Sinatra song. Amazing work.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:42:53 +0000

Hey Cody,
The funny thing is that I thought exactly the same thing for years. It’s only since Ive been into lifestyle design that my brain is seeing new insight in old things. I think it’s just a whole new way of thinking.

Thanks for the stumble!

By: Cody McKibben

Cody McKibben — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 05:08:36 +0000

I never really gave the lyrics in this song all that much thought. I always thought of it more of a creepy song about confronting the end of your 15 minutes/retirement/death-fade to black kinda stuff. But this is great Gordie, I especially love this bit because it is so important: “Most importantly you’ll live life the way you want to and not according to what society, parents, peers expect you to live. You’ll live your way.”

Stumbled!

By: Gordie

Gordie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:44:28 +0000

I think in some ways you’re right, Amber. I think in reaction to the my job, my boss centered lifestyle, many have gone to the opposite extreme and made it all about “me”. I think there is a balance, and that life can be about me, but it should also be about others.

You’re right in someways that or lives are better off than many others, but this can also become an excuse to not aim for the best. An example, is that my own country New Zealand is seeing a large increase in violent crime. However, a lot of people will then say that we are still much less violent than other countries. To me, that’s lowering standards. If other countries suffer from violent crime, I don’t thin it’s a reason for us to become tolerant of some violent crime.

Anyway, Amber, I really appreciate the thought you have put into your comment. It made me think too. Thank you.

By: Amber

Amber — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:16:58 +0000

While I whole heartedly believe in lifestyle design and making the life you want a reality, we forget all too often how selfish this is. Me, me, me….it’s all I am hearing from every lifestyle designer including myself until most recently. What I have found through my travels is that it’s the down times when you get perspective. It’s when you get exactly the opposite of what you desire that you gain what you really need….perspective and humbling. It’s through loss that we gain the most fulfillment. It’s completely ironic, but so true. When everything is ideal there is no challenge or growth. Even though I may find myself scrubbing bathrooms in exchange for stay at a hostel, that’s much better than worrying about getting shot daily like women in the Congo. Everything is related to perspective and how much you are willing to realize how lucky you already have it. Sure take advantage of your rights and live the life of your dreams, but don’t forget how much others suffer while you walk around on your high horse. Just my two sense…sorry if it’s not the most positive, but these are things I am realizing more and more. You have to give to life in order to reap it’s benefits, not visa versa.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:24:07 +0000

Hey Jonny,
I’m sure the people funny looks were a look of astonishment at your beautiful singing voice.

P.S. I have never smoked crack cocaine.

By: Jonny | thelifething.com

Jonny | thelifething.com — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:21:04 +0000

What do mean smoking crack cocaine again Gordie? Lol.

Great song. I actually sang some of it when going through the lyrics and got some funny looks.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:17:29 +0000

Well put Ryan. Change definitely has to be embraced for us to make it happily through life.

By: Ryan Biddulph

Ryan Biddulph — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:09:51 +0000

Gordie,

I like the connection. Old Blue Eyes grew up a half hour away from me here in NJ, albeit a few years ahead of me. Happy people do it their way. They make the critical decision to experience life on their own terms.

There will be ups and downs. If there weren’t you’d be dead. Literally. Change needs to be embraced, viewed for what it is, and then it’s time to move on.

Every moment of our existence we have a choice to think and do what we want to do. The beauty of free will.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:13:26 +0000

Hi Chris,
I agree with you. I wasn’t preaching selfishness or being an dick and pissing everyone one off and shirking responsibility. I am the first one to admit the world has too much selfishness in it.

Thanks for stopping by Chris.

By: Chris Waugh

Chris Waugh — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:08:04 +0000

“My Way” has always bugged me. To me it reeks of adolescent hands on the hips, stamping feet and pouting, chafing at parental restraints while not yet being self-aware or experienced enough to realise their own lack of maturity.

Having said that, excellent post, many good points.

I would, however, like to echo what Robert Bravery said. Humans are social animals, not individuals, and so while living our way we must still live up to our responsibilities to family and society. It’s a difficult balance to maintain.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:34:54 +0000

Hi Karlil,

The degree has a place and I’ll be writing a post on that in future. Yes, there is much more to life than just material goods.

By: Karlil

Karlil — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:42:52 +0000

Great article Gordie. We share the same philosophy in life, which is just awesome. I used to be the type who thought that happiness can only be found if you’re rich, which is why I went to the trouble of getting a degree. While it is still valid in many ways, there are more in life than just chasing after material goods. Much more.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:30:01 +0000

Hey Jimi,
I think you’re right. It can be pretty tiring trying to live up to people’s expectations.

By: Gordie

Gordie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:29:07 +0000

I agree with you Big Manta,
I find it easier to get up earlier now since I am doing things my way and doing what I want to do.

By: Jimi Jones

Jimi Jones — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:49:40 +0000

Those lyrics say it all, Gordie
Remaining “free from superficial restraints” is huge. Too many people trying to be someone else, which is too much work to begin with, makes you wonder why they put themselves through it.
“My Way” is so appropriate, I’ll leave it at that. Good post!

By: BigManta

BigManta — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:16:34 +0000

That’s such a beautiful song, life’s too short to try and be something you’re not or do something you don’t enjoy. Waking up each morning and getting to do the things you love is one of the keys to a fulfilling life.