All good organisations need a manifesto! Here’s mine!
Life is short. Dreams fade. Reality intrudes. Everyday drudgery saps the very essence from your soul. Your 9 to 5 life is not living, as such – it’s merely existing. You wake up, get ready for work, go to work, work, go home, do some chores, watch TV, then go to sleep – repeat until you’re too old to work. You deserve better! You’re not just a worker, but a human being, with hopes, dreams and more, and you not only need, but also deserve downtime. Nobody lives at full-speed all the time. Nobody’s life is one continuous adrenaline rush. Nobody’s life is as glamorous and exciting as their Instagram pretends. Nobody lives a life of permanent excitement. And even if you could, why would you want to? Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to simply tune out, and relax.
One of the best ways to escape the world is by going off on an adventure on your bike. Cycle to friends’. Cycle somewhere you’ve not cycled before. Cycle somewhere you’ve not been before. Go cycle touring. Stop often, and drink in the wonder all around you. Even rainy days can be beautiful, if you adjust how you look at it. There’s wonder and beauty in the world everywhere, but sometimes you need to make an effort to look for it. Talk to people, especially in places you’re unfamiliar with. Step out of your comfort zone. Help a stranger, expecting nothing in return, and don’t tell anyone about it. Smile often, especially when life seems to be getting to much. Smiles are infectious, and in addition to making you feel better, it will help others feel better, too. Drink lots of water.
Go off-grid at times. Disconnect, and instead of aiming for a compelling Instagram story, just focus on the here and now of wherever you may find yourself. Love is not a currency – it’s not something you give, expecting something in return. Love unconditionally, even if that risks a broken heart. Be brave. Tell people how you feel. Do the things you’ve only been dreaming of. Do it before you’re too old. Life it short. Go live yours.