I’m re-reading How to Live (transmitted via Derek Siver’s sweet, sweet voice) and it’s sticking to me. I’m at a bit of a crossroad in life.

I’m dumping my thoughts on each chapter as I listen. The hope is that I’ll gain some clarity on how to live.

1. Be Independent

Independence is a quality that most of my friends complement about me. Truth is, I just grew up quite stubborn. My golden rule: get what I want, at all costs. In elementary school, I carefully scaled skinny closets and crouched under dusty couches to uncover hidden Haribo gummy bears. My parents were not too happy with my gymnastics.

Right now, enough doors are open for me. I feel like I’m peering into an infinite mirrors at the circus. I taught myself programming, and now I can create sometimes useful software. Personal finance gives me the free will to buy middle-seat airplane tickets (with included friends on my left and right!!). Being born ~20 years before ChatGPT granted me the literal power of God inside a smartphone. That I have the privilege to choose is something I’m truely grateful for.

Recently, I’ve learned that I love spending time with friends. It’s funny. I’ve spent so long on the climb towards independence. But fostering those relationships, it just takes time and attention. Those intangibles we’re all born with.