Make It My Way

Make it my way.. Please?
Sometimes I (pretty sure I could have used we here) just wish life could go my way. Then meaning; everything I want to see come true did.
But then again that would be too complex, I guess...Imagine if anyone could decide anything. Wow. Complete chaos. Nothing would be in order. Or if so is to be the case there really has to be multiple universes.
Perhaps there is? Maybe what I unconsciously want to happen is what happens? Perhaps this is my universe? And everything just goes how the universe wants for me? And my mum has her owns and sister has hers..etc.. In one way thats how it works, on a small small scale. We all live in our own bubbles (simulated by others?).

...Stop, enough hovering...

Since I was a child I've had one mission. To help people. On the scale that is actually achievable for me at the given time. That is why I try to treat everyone I meet physically and virtually with respect, love, kindness and openness. At least I wont be the one putting gasoline on their pile of misery. 
I'm in a situation at the moment where I wish to see another outcome happen but I am afraid I'll be waiting around for ever. It seems like there is no way that I can change this situation. This is a person who is incredibly ill and by now there is no longer any way for me to help out. There is no way I can make his life better. I've done my very best.
And I have now come and must come to this devastating conclusion of just letting the whole thing go by accepting his faith in this life. Sadly just because of the people that he is surrounded by he will forever be ill and perhaps end up with dementia in the age of 40. I have done whatever I could. Of course I could do more but I am fighting against a system so powerful that I will be broken no matter what. I'm fighting towards his illness, family and girlfriend to save him. I will and have already been crushed. I just have to accept that a vegetative state is his home. He is becoming a vegetable and will stay so until dementia eats him all up. To swallow something like that is not easy. Especially since this is someone I care deeply about. If he had resourceful, loving and caring people around him, this would never happen. He might have been well functioning and happy right now if that was the case. But it isn't. He is going down the rabbit hole and so is my faith in humanity. Luckily that last one is about to be restored because I see that it's just a fraction of people who acts inhuman. People living in denial are the destroyers of love. The ones who makes this earth a terrible place to be. But how is this even possible? Their child and brother is suffering like crazy and they do nothing but look the other way and trying to cover up traces? Like locking him away from civilisation, hoping for no one to find out? Wait What?
Accepting and swallowing this is really hard. Because I know that it if wasn't for those people he would probably be all good and well enough today. I need to let go because it is destroying my brain. Eating me up from within. I feel guilty to just let this go, to not care anymore, not even mentally, it doesn't feel good. I want to help. But I have to accept his faith and that there is nothing more I can do. This life was not for him. Perhaps the next one is his. Or perhaps he is even living in another universe at this time. I gotta use my imagination to create a dreamy happy explanation to why this happens. His life will be better next time. Yes?

Swallow the fact and move on. This is your life. And you apparently can not save everyone you want. Lessons learned, somethings you can change and the other ones one need to be wise enough to accept and just leave it all behind.

Lets take a deep breath.. and let it go..

Trying to be romantic and stay positive regardless, so I’m adding the video below just to try to laugh. 

Have You Decided What 2018 Will Mean To You?

There is so much talk about New Years Resolutions every year, and then later in January it turns out that most people failed already after a few weeks on what they planned for. Which would at least make me feel like a big fiasco for the rest of the year. At least not hope for things that's impossible for you to achieve. Simply, be realistic, be honest. Who am I, what can I handle? What does my mind allow me to finish through? How much willpower do I have? What kind of habits? Thinking pattern? Etc. Questions are essentials to figure out a few goals. Planning to work out 5 days a week if you do not work out at all until now, is a complete disaster. For sure that ain't gonna happen, perhaps for a few weeks, or even months, but then.. You'll slip and become a huge mistake to yourself and stay disappointed and the negative thoughts pulling you down will creep in on you. Not only that.. But people mostly talk about what concerns THEM. What they are going to do for themselves this year. I rarely hear anyone say, I'm gonna be more kind to others, smile to more people, I'm gonna hug people more, treat everyone with respect, be helpful and of service to others and such things. Of course we all live in our own bubble, but come on, we all know that this is not reality! Me! Me! Me.. Seriously? I live in Norway though, I believe the Me culture is stronger here than anywhere else, and in the western in general the ego culture is still in charge.

I can't wait to live in a world where people have larger than themselves new years resolutions, and not only for the new year but for life. Life philosophies, life goals, and resolutions that concerns others but themselves. Like, be more loving, help people who asks for help, have more coffee meetings with people asking for advice, give away the stuff I don't need to the poor. Etc..

I have goals for this year within the fields of my career, physical and mental wellbeing, social circle and relationships next to continue and if be even more kind, grateful, thankful, loving, helpful and respectful, curious and open towards others and situations that happens. And by others I do not mean only human beings, I mean, all living beings, nature, earth and the universe. We are all one and can not exist without each other. Well. Living beings, nature, earth and universe can exist without us, but for sure.. If none of these things wouldn't be around.. We wound't either(why are we so cruel when we know we're dependent on what we are destroying?). So you get what I mean? And by situations that happen, I mean that there is a gift in everything. Either negative or positive situations comes with a gift of instructions. Those instructions will guide you towards a better version of yourself mentally or physically or both which again will benefit everyone.

I said this to a random guy at work, or I said that I was going to continue and be even more kind, thankfull etch.. To that he simply said, "well that seems pretty religious to me with a negative loaded voice." Wait what? Being a good person you symbolise with being religious which you also not are and think of negatively? Oh my god, society what have we done to have a person grow up to behold such beliefs?
I responded that I am not a religious person (I dont know if I can call myself one at all? I believe in the universe and a higher intelligence but it's not related to any religion and I do not like the word spiritual either..) but to me its about being a good citizen, being a good person for others and for myself. Which all in all makes my life and others in my presence better. If I can make one person feel better near me that is magic. If I can change someones day or life that makes my heart so warm. I did not say the last sentence but anyways he said he was kind to others just to benefit himself, so that they wouldn't talk bad about him or so when he might be in need of something they would treat him kindly too. Here you go, the me culture again. Seriously. I can not wait until this kind of mental behaviour and consciousness switch.

All that aside, 2018 is gonna be GREAT. I have a really good feeling for 2018!

So, what is your new year resolution?

What About Your Christmas? Was It Merry And All?

Me, grandma and Hedda, my sister.

Merry Christmas y'all! Joyeux Nöel! Feliz Navidad! God Jul! And such..
There are so many ways to greet Christmas. And there are so many ways to deal with this Christly Holiday.

How we, them Oftedahls, do it is just the same procedure as every year (to frase "Grevinnen og Hovemesteren", which is a famous video clip everyone loves to watch the 23rd..............................). Which I find a bit sad and funny at the same time cause I can't separate not even one Christmas from the other besides the ones when I was younger and we celebrated at a nice winter hotel the whole week with my fathers family. And I also remember the times when we celebrated at grandmas place in Florø but thats like 16 years ago I think.. Anyhow, its a nice way of doing it.. Although I really dislike that all my Christmas memories end up in one small basket of porridge in my mind.
I'm super grateful that I got my whole family in good shape and health and that we all can celebrate together.
(It's also forever gonna be a puzzle to me why we Norwegians still celebrate christian traditions, when none of us Norwegians really are truly religious. Just to add in a random thoughts)
Anyhow, we celebrate being together and eating LOADS of food just like majority of people in Norway. This year we were opening presents for 3 long hours. Which is sad an not ok after my opinion. Frustrating to look at. Instead of long and deep and meaningful conversations I'm left drained with energy only 1 hour in.
Why can't we just celebrate each other, the love we all carry for one another? Instead of wasting time on things that doesn't matter in the moment? We leave the party and still do not know one bit more about the other people than we already knew.

 Well at least, all of the family is together under one roof and we all are perfectly healthy. Really, I've got not reason to complain. I just wish we could be a bit more.. Humble, sustainable and loving towards the whole wide world instead.

My dream Christmas would either be to travel with the whole family, donate all the money usually spent on gifts to research in stead, on longevity research, or to gather at a large venue and invite immigrants and poor people and other people and have this huge celebration of love. Where EVERYONE is welcome. One day. This is something I'd like to start doing. Cause all the gifting and stress and expectations all people have makes me SICK. Its LOVE that we are supposed to celebrate. I cant wait until this is what is the norm in our society. 

One gift each would be more than enough. And what would be better was if that we traded stuff that we already had, stuff that I got tired of might please my sister. 
There are so many ways to celebrate Christmas that would make me way less embarrassed.

I guess its soon time for me to arrange christmas where I set the rules. 
Where the zone is completely stressfree, one gift for all, and deep meaningful conversations will rule the whole evening. Not some random bullshit like we always do, and end up leaving the party and holiday without even know ONE more tiny bit of each other. I've left Stavanger now, and I still have NO clue on how my mother, father, siblings, grandparents and my aunt and her familys year went, what was meaningful to them, what did they enjoy the most, what did they learn, did they regret anything, what was the most wonderful they experienced, and the worst... etc... and I'd lso like to hear what they wish for and plan for in 2018.

What does a merry Christmas mean to you ? Do you have lots of expectations? What is a dream Christmas for you? And does reality ever live up to your expectations?

Merry Merry Merry Christmas. Enjoy spending time with the people you love and try embrace every minute with gratitude. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Why why why do I have this photo. This will for ever be engraved in my mind I guess as a flaw I'd rather be without.

This week, on Tuesday to be exact, what appears to be most peoples worst nightmare happened to become real. It became my reality. The most annoying thing is that I didn't even see it coming. Totally unexpected. It didn't cross my mind once as a possibility. Which is why it probably did happen.

Beware; if you're ready to feel embarrassed and anxious on my behalf you can continue reading, if you're not in the mood for those kinds of feelings simply leave my site or scroll further down to the next post.

I really just write this piece because writing it all out works therapeutic to me, and I also belive that some people might find it helpful to know that the worst of the worst can happen to anyone. And knowing that someone that usually is super comfortable around all kinds of people flunked so completely might be relieving to think of when it's your turn on stage. 

Well, let's get into it.

A month ago my boss asked me to perform a two minute pitch at an event where all the co-working spaces in Oslo was supposed to gather to tell each other what we're all doing so that we can get to know one another. It was arranged by Oslo Business Region at Ingensteds. (Btw for the past month I've been working at a super nice co-working space in the midst of Oslo Centrum which recently opened. Its called Spaces and it's a global concept with 60 locations all over the world. I love it. I love the people and I love the place)
Fine I sad, and was thinking that it was a month until that event and that for sure I would manage to toughen up until then (interestingly enough I read at Tim Urbans blog wait but why the number one fear people have is public speaking, and then death comes second. ) What she didn't know was that this would be the first time I would ever be on stage talking in front of 250 people. And I wasn't sure how to deal with it. And most importantly; could I deal with it? I've been speaking for smaller crowds which I kind of enjoy (while speaking about something I am really passionate about) but this was by far my first big experience. And I'd never ever pitched Spaces before. How the fuck could I do this? I put it all away in my head, postponing that this was even going to happen, until a few days before the happening.
Even when I wrote my script I actually didn't feel nervous or anything and was pretty sure I was gonna do all fine. Sadly enough I didn't worry at all.

I love talking in front of people, or rightly put; I've always been dreaming of being a public speaker, because I know that once I break the fear barrier I'm gonna love it. I would even love to sing in front of people, If someone just taught me to sing properly.. of course..

Anyhow...What the fuck was I supposed to say? I've been working at Spaces for 1,5 months and only part time, so in total not even for a month. My boss and one other girl pitches
the space every day with potential new clients.. Now why ME? Of course I was flattered bc of her belief in me and I couldn't be more grateful.. But I really think I should be getting some help here. But sure, I didn't dare asking for that either.. Cause I was sure I was going to nail it anyhow even though being pretty unsure about how to communicate the whole concept from beginning with. It's a huge international company with strict policies on everything, so I did not want to screw it up.. perhaps that also put a real pressure on me...

Well you might already be bored off by reading at this point so maybe I should jump to the 40 minutes before I was about to enter the stage.
Before arriving I felt pretty content. I knew the script by heart. Even though the day before I had to rewrite it all because my boss had lots to say on what to say.. (I for sure wish she had given me these notes earlier, but oh well). And that 6pm the day before I open my email and figured out that I was to do everything in english as well? WHAT THE FUCK? And indeed the whole script didn't feel natural to me to say.. That might be one of the reason it all got messed up as well...
So when I entered venue I realised it was a large room filled with loads of people I saw this enormous stage. With huge lights pointed on it.. WTF? Oh man.. not prepared for this.. Not mentally prepared for this environment at all.

When the whole pitching process began and one by one entered the stage I slightly started trembling and it escalated.. Quickly.. I felt my palms getting all sweaty... Damn it.. They were all such great speakers all the people talking before me. Their english were excellent and they looked so calm and happy... What the heck is wrong with me?

The audience was mainly filled with people I know from the startup community, people whom I have a well known reputation with and am very well liked and respected. So why so anxious? This should be an easy crowd? Or was it because this was my friends and potential colleagues that I became this tense? Perhaps it would have been easier if there were really nothing to lose. And.. Why should I lose something anyways?

So... 

"Next up... Yrja from SPACES!"
Shoot... Me... I managed to climb on stage and started opening my mouth, a few words came out.. But then. I realised that the lights were far to bright and I couldn't see anyone in the crowd.. and... In an instant.. My head turned black. I blanked out. I. Blanked. Out. On. Stage. Wtf? All out of nowhere my body didn't respond and my mental wellbeing got completely out of place. Seriously, I couldn't get a word out. And then I realised fuck I only have like 1 minute left on this stage, there is not even a spare second to be used to calm myself down.

Feverishly I scouted for familiar faces in the crowd, anyone there to calm me down??? No one. Not one single person could I see. It was way too dark.  And I had no notes and no slides. Nothing that could pull me back to the present moment and make me deliver. I was doomed.
All I wanted was to pass out... But that I couldn't do either. That would just look way too weird and even below my comfort zone.. I'd rather run of as quickly as possible after saying at least something.

Then, desperately I managed to find some words to squeeze out "I'm a bit nervous..." And then.. I stood there for a bit longer before someone said "wooohooo" And then everyone started clapping. And I mean, I REAL roundup applause. The audience couldn't scream and clap enough. They all wished me well and I guess they were all filled with the same anxiousness as me... Poor people :P
Well, all PR is good PR? Isn't it so? At least I made an impression I guess as humans remember better when feelings are attached, and especially negative ones :P

Literally this was the most awkward moment in a long time.  So, so annoying... Blanking out was far out of my imagination so I was not prepared. Shame on me. It was basically my fault. If I had just not pre-visualised all possible outcomes in such a situation I would be at least as cleaver as to bring a few notes to get me back on track. Too foolish really.

«When you said you were nervous it didn't make sense to me cause you seemed like you had full control up there and enjoyed it» people said to me afterwords... what went wrong? Oh well, lets not dwell with it no more but I'm pretty sure this happened to me because of the teachings coming with it and because of my ignorance and dumbness of not being focused enough and taking the task seriously.

You know what, the weirdest thing of it all was that I actually saw a movie the night before where someone ended up blanking out on stage but luckily the main person in the movie was a time traveler so he could go back in time and fix it.. It might have affected my sub consciousness. Then again, I think it was a good thing it happened to me and not another person. I'm not dealing with things so seriously and my feelings related to it will disappear in not to long. 

But if I could stimulate my neurones to a point where I could erase this memory from my head and everyone elses head I would do It right away. Wouldn't I? The best would be if I could simply just erase it from all the people watching's head. Or go back in time and do it all over again. Because than I could get the teachings that came out of it even though living with the flashes of visuals and feelings from the accidents will continue to run into me pretty strongly and often for the next weeks and months perhaps and even for years it will stay there. Yikes, I messed up my inner life. Well, I think I can deal with it. I'll just pretend no one were actually watching me fail.
And after all, I'd rather see this happening than having anyone in my family or close friends get ill.

So, whats the whole gift about this event? As usual when weird things happen, the instruction that comes out of it. So what are they?

• Always bring slides, OR notes, especially always notes in your hand if you've got nothing else.
• You rock no matter what
• If you loose, it breath and take your time and just say SOMETHING.

I'm glad it happened to me as Im not a person who seldom get bothered by things happening, what people think of me etc... Even though some random visuals flash through my head every now and then I'm sure that if I was an insecure person it would be soooo much worse. So I spared y'all out there. Took one for the team...........

And damn what a story! Finally I have a relatable funny story to tell in company with others. Can't wait to shout it out on me and a friends new podcast that will be launching in January. #excited

All though I kinda lost the public speaking game this time. To me, it might have (just to pacify myself to the fullest) A win the hard difficult way?

What a way to put an ending to 2017!?

Cheers to fresh beginnings in 2018.

And good luck to you next time you will be speaking!

Lets to this! 2018, bring me more of public speaking gigs, please!

STEEMINGIT!

So happy that I got introduced to the platform... Ohlala. Loooove connecting with people sooo much!

Yes, I'm STEEMINGIT up! This is almost embarrassing but it took me until yesterday to discover this blockchain based content platform where all content creators get rewarded in STEEM coins. This is SO freakin excitiiiing. You guys know how eager I am for this technology, or perhaps I didn't express that too much already. What really gives me joy about the platform is that lots of people actually started reading my posts. Not too many but my first one 135 people have seen and already and I've gotten almost 40 followers... I'm so touched. The community seems so warm, welcoming and loving. Not only that but it gives me a feeling that many of the people present there are intelligent. Nothing pleases me more than meeting likeminded people from all over the world which I can learn from and connect with. If you, like me haven't heard of it, it's worth checking out! At least if you enjoy follow me thats a platform where I'll be dedicating lots of my time . It's in BETA, meaning I'm on as one of the early adopters woho, perhaps thats also why the community seems so connected and genuine..
I'll upload posts I've posted here but some new content/versions will follow and of course I'll continue to post on my beloved website :D
You can read my introduction on the website here 

What do you think of this platform?
Where do you think the journey of blockchain will take us?
What do you think we'll be using it for? 
What kind of cryptocurrencies do you believe will take off? (I've invested in etherum and already my investment has increased several times :) Apparently Bitcoin is called the gold of internet and etherum silver.. :)...)

Find me here @yrja

Wanna Laugh & Get Some Smart Imputs? Rick & Morty Put Some Real Outbursts on The Menu.

Mirror mirror on the wall, will you ever show us any meaning at all?
Perhaps this is a frase which you've stumbled upon every now and then or maybe you ponder about it pretty often? I guess it has touched most of our brains at some point. Hasn't it?

Anyhow, we should all know by now that the meaning of our own life we have to create ourselves. There is no special purpose (that we know of this far) or sense of meaning unless we wire our brains to invent it. And to do that you got to accept the meaninglessness there is to it all.

You need to sculpt and cultivate the why of you. I'm sorry to say there is no one that will serve this to you on a silver spoon. So either you'll find it or you'll not. It all depends on your perspective on the world and on your own thoughts. 

Anyways.. Why indulge in depressing existential thoughts which brings you nothing but misery when life is full of stuff to enjoy? Redirecting our minds and start leaving the struggle of looking for a bigger picture behind. Instead, go explore and find important stuff in the things around you.

The underline of the awesome TV series Rick and Morty, which goes far into the portal of philosophy, is all about this. Almost every episode questions existence.
And apparently the message that gets through is that the only meaning there is is the one you'll have to make up yourself together with the people you love. There is no other secret than that.

Rick is the most genius scientist of the whole universe and even he struggles to figure out a reason to stay alive at times which is why he find himself burping alcohol at any time of the day. , But the TV series shows us pretty clear that Rick actually finds meaning in loving, being of service and caring for his family.
This shines through in one touching episodes where he has to risk his life to save Rick. 
That's what I enjoy the most with this show, it spreads awareness of life and deliver meaningful , valuable content which creates thoughts and activate the viewers brain in a subtle, entertaining and funny way.
Definitely worth some of your precious time. Perhaps it'll even teach you something or spark som enlightenment neurons in your mind!

My why I know, cause after observance of my own wellbeing and way of life this make the most sense (of course sometimes I have to pretend that I know it to trick my conscious self to be convinced of that's a fact. Yes indeed life can, or our head can deliver some real shit storms at times but as long as one do not pay too much attention to it, it's fine) it's loving, being of service and caring for others. Deep within I have a wish and I'm on a mission to make the world a better place, even though it's just on a tiny tony scale if that is all I can manage.


Quote from the video (weeell said)

"The only thing more terrifying than not existing or not knowing why you exist is existing and having no one to share it with."

What is your why?
Why do you wake up in the morning?
Where do you find meaning?
What really makes you smile and get a warm sensation?

Well, perhaps not think about it too much either, embrace life and enjoy it.
And really, do NOT take life too seriously. That's my one and only advice.
Really, don't.

And oh, while you're here you really need to check out this mind blowing peace of art, the trailer for Rick & Morty season 3. No words. Or one word actually: TRIPPY.COM

Ok one more video if you're super into it like I am at the moment you probably wanna watch this one as well:
 

If you are new to the show, you'll find it on Netflix! 
Enjoy!

Stargate Media - My New Colleagues

Alright, it's official. I've started doing some freelance work for Stargate Media. A super cool VR production company which also has an awesome AI 360 cam coming up which they are making all by themselves (even though they're betting on their hardware product their software will become pretty valuable if you ask me. Well, actually certain of that). With a team of just three (plus a few freelancers) they surprise me every time I talk to them with all those impressive clients they've been doing work for. Seriously, Rihanna?! Jay-z? It's too wild to even wrap my head around. They've even done a production in Frank Sinatras previous home. And Stargate, the music duo from Norway are also in the owner side of. Say no more.
Renate Fossum and Bjørn Morten Nerland have been in the 360/VR game for more than 7 years making them super competent. Innovative and daring for sure but they did it! They still exist, even though scaling their business has been a problem. I've realised that the marketing part they're not really good at, they'd like to hide, typical artist. Don't want to brand themselves too much. But hey there.. Lets start doing that! They do way too many great things to not be out there showing their awesome stuff. I'm excited to dig into this company learning more about this kind of production and the Virtual Reality world. The future is heading into Mixed Reality, pretty innovative daring people those peeps. Going for this as early as 2010.
Some companies and some people are not onto this SoMe game yet. But its very important to step this us. I'm so proud to be by their side!

And yes, I know that VR is fairly a new concept for loads of people, most has heard the term but do not really know what its all about or how it works. If you are one of those starting to look at it right now, have a look at these sites to learn more:

VRscout
VRROOM
UploadVR
Reddit Vive
Reddit Oculus

You can check out Stargate Media's Youtube channel here.
 

When In Madrid

My family have these annually summer gatherings in various destinations. This time our stop was Madrid. My brother, Mum, Dad and I were present. My sister stayed home working.
I'm not too happy for Spain but surprisingly Madrid turned out to be very much enjoyed. I'm extremely interested in food and after traveling a lot to Italy I was expecting the same kind of food habits in Spain; old fashion, traditional, meat, fish, cheese and gluten everywhere. But this was not the case, apparently the "Madridians",  are extremely up to date. Even way more than Norway and 100 % more forward-leaning than Italy. Wherever I turned my head I saw signs with vegan, vegetarian, raw, gluten and milk free food options. Wtf? Ice cream I could eat everywhere. All my life when traveling with my family I’ve been struggling to find things I could eat besides vegetables, legumes, nuts and fruits. It has always been both a problem and disappointment. But apparently not anymore, now there is even more healthy options than that unhealthy shitty food. The world is moving forwards in a backwardish nutritious way. Back to our roots, eating vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits etc. Killing animals will become rarer and rarer I believe as more people become conscious, it will definitely become a huge trend; veganism, vegetarianism and organic foods. I can’t say it enough; the future is PROMISING. 

So, where did I go to eat in Madrid? Sadly I visited for just 2 days but the places listed below where my absolute favourites and I ended up eating at the same places both of the days. They were all highly sophisticated places with top quality food, haven’t tasted such homemade delicious dishes ever since visiting San Francisco and LA. I actually felt I was taken right back there.
 

So, the hotel we stayed at, Only You (sounds kinda tacky but it was the complete opposite), was the coolest and most forward-leaning hotel I've ever been at, it had such a quality, style and personality and most service minded people. It has a huge bonus; a breathtaking rooftop restaurant with a view over Madrid. 

You can read more about the hotel here:
Only You Hotel Atocha

Dinner At The Restaurant On The First Floor
Home made quality food, you can’t find such food in Norway unless you eat raw foods.
They didn’t have too many vegan options but if you ask they will happily adjust and make delicious dishes for you, not add in that crappy soy or wheat kind of stuff.
I asked for a vegan nachos and they made this magical nachos with guacamole on top and black bean sauce with mushrooms and aubergine, and the crisps were really good tasting too, chili flavour. All was hot. Top notch, everyone loved it. 

My mother ordered this wonderful and extremely tasty salad, I have no idea which leaves it was but there was also flowers in there. Omg, so good. The atmosphere was calm and the service excellent. 

Only You Roof Top Dinner
Didn’t have too much here but tasted once more a really good salad my mother ordered and my father ordered som squid croquettes and another grilled vegetable salad. And once more. Top quality home made food, mind-blowing. Atmosphere GREAT. View over Madrid, temperature great and service excellent.

Only You Roof Top Breakfast
Wtf they had everything and really well prepared and good looking, they had almond milk, soy, and oats milk and they had porridge with oat milk and rice pudding. They had chopped all kinds of fruits and it all looked soooo classy everything home made of course. Definitely you should STAY at Only You Hotel. No better hotel. And you wont find better food breakfasts for sure.

Randomly we came across this Gluten Free and Vegan Friendly place  while checking out the other Only You Boutique Hotel in Madrid in Chueca area. One word, YUM. Heaven for me!

Celicioso - Gluten Free and vegan friendly Bakery, Café & Restaurant  
Absolutely everything was gluten free and they had loots of vegan and sugar free options too, muffins, cakes etc vegan burgers, Acaii bowls, Smoothies. Quality homemade is the word.
It is actually also a part of the Only You Hotels, no surprise really.
I ate two muffins, one chocolate and one muffins. Wish I could eat there every day. Getting sugar free, vegan and gluten free baked stuff is raaaaare. They also had a few different raw cakes. My mother ate a banana chocolate raw cake which was indeed a real treat.
(You can also find Celicioso in Ibiza and Marbella as well and they even had Paris Hilton Visiting them ha ha, its at their Instagram profile, way too funny)

Food Market in Chueca Area
Only locals!
There was an ice cream stand downstairs serving raw vegan and natural ice creams. I ate a mojito tasting ice cream one day and the next day pineapple coconut milk. Both were amazing.
I also ate amazing fruits, sushi and potatoes here. 

These are the places you MUST check out if you go and do do do stay at one of the Only You Hotels!

I Just Made A Youtube Channel!

To me it appears that If you don't have a Youtube and you don't have a podcast these days it's like you are non existent. Yes I know it's weird because most people don't have any of that but especially if you love communicating a certain message like I do you actually have to be there in all those channels in order to get your message out there.

Have a look and please tell me what you think ?! I'd love to hear from you :D

Click here to get there :)) And please subscribe and share :D

Friendly Turnaround

In 2016 my friend path took a left turn down on a waaay better road.
A spark kickstarted the whole thing (well.. it was the end of a heavy relationship), and it just escalated from there and today I find myself in an amazing friend circle which I couldn't be more grateful for, and best of all they keep coming, more and more wonderful people seem to enter. And these are people I can call close friends after just a few meetups. We simply speak the same language. I never thought it was possible for me to discover such relationships other places than in California but damn, there are some great people out walking in Oslo too, people who really want to make an impact in the world, people who want to make the world a better place. Those people, thats the kind of people I'm fortunate enough to call my friends. 

So, if you haven't found those kinds of people that lifts you up as a person, meaning give you a personal upgrade and push you to keep aiming for you dreams and be a better person for yourself and this world, hope must not leave the building cause they are out there. The only downside is of course that they wont just one day come knock at your door, you really really need to go out and seek them. Those are the people who have found themselves, grounded and started walking towards their mission in life. They have a reason to be alive which is to make the world a better place.

I know I've mentioned this in another post recently, but this is really really important for getting a quality life, a life full of purpose, a life worth living, not dull and negative but beautiful and loving. There is no need to be lonely cause love is out there but it's not just served on a silver plate.

Some of my favorite human beings <3

Thoughts on a Sunday Afternoon

Ok, so, I've been hit by a virus again (I even had to stay in bed the whole of 17th of May, Norway's national day...That was ok though, as I don't like too much celebrating that day with all that madness that involves). This pathogen attacked me and haven't left,  three days in a row in bed, bathing in my own sweat with my lungs and throat soar as crazy. Hope this was the very last round of it.
But I've now established the habits of eating as much ginger as possible. I've learned that ginger is a nutrient you definitely shouldn't avoid having in your diet as it is super anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal it helps to fight colds, flu, nausea, irritable bowl syndrom and even cancer. It boosts the immunsystem tremendously. Basically its the bomb of health. Really, all the things we need to fight different diseases and prevent them are all here in our environment, we are just to slow and ignorant to actually figure everything out. But perhaps in not such distant times.. we will..
So, I haven't been able to write much on the week in review today but will publish the full one tomorrow. 

But as an evening enjoyment I share with you a new episode of a show I really like. Year Million on National Geographic. I thought I wouldn't be able to watch it for a long time since I don't have the TV channel. But thanks to amazing internet I found this link to stream it, woho.

It talks about all the things that I see coming in the future, so I find it really entertaining, mainly because it might open up some peoples eyes. These thoughts has to be broadcasted to the masses. Watch it :D

Here is the link

Random thoughts I have, that I just want to get out and now seemed as an ok time.

• I really would like to go to space but I'd rather not go to space in my humanly body. When I can become a machinelike molecule and travel or teleport anywhere without being scared of getting hurt in space time, then we are talking. Really really really. Please keep me alive for at least 100 years more because then.. then we can become immortal.
   
• What happens when the AI think they know whats best for us? ... The negative outcome of an AI takeover is that they will might end up pay back time (what goes around comes around) and just treat us the way we today treat the cows, chickens and all this other animals we just think of as delicious foods not living beings. They might end up killing us cause they want to do research or use something we have in our bodies which is beneficial for them. So there is a lot of think that might happen but I guess mainly we will just end up as ants to them, first become as pets and then become totally ignored, like bugs to us. Or maybe the only one who will be spared from such a grotesque event is all the vegans in the world ha ha ha. The ones who actually do not treat others as harsh and submissive. 
   
• What defines humanity?
   
• Who owns our thoughts?
   
• And as I closure of today, I'll let you think about this one. How absurdly cool isn't it that some researchers thought of that maybe some particles on a frogs back could be used in the medicine for the flu?
  Its so insane ha ha. Well, apparently all the remedies are out there somewhere...

On Why I Enjoy Spending Public Holidays Alone

Today is the 17th of May, Norway's constitution day. It's a super celebration, it's the one most celebrated day in Norway. It's extremely important for our community as a country. Everyone dress the same, eat the same, drink the same and do the same. People are ecstatic and look forward to it weeks before. Getting drunk is also on the menu.

Wikipedia
"Norway's Constitution Day is May 17 and commemorates the signing of Norways's constitution at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814. It's usually referred to as syttende mai (May 17) or Nasjonaldagen (The National Day) in Norwegian."

But, guess where I'm at?
Home. Alone. Not only because I caught a cold and have lost my voice completely but as weird as I am, being in my own company during Holidays is one of my favourite things to do.
To me, it feels like the whole world stops, and I feel more alive than ever. I feel I'm in the center of the universe. Them clouds drift away in my head and it clears up. I feel empowered, I feel strength, I feel calmness, I feel love. Not that I don't do that on a regular basis but it levels up on days like that. When other people dive into chaos and over stimuli, I dig into focus and clarity. When others party their minds out, I colour my mind up with workshops of my own. Me time. 
I have no family in Oslo, no kids no boyfriend. Mother, father, siblings and grandparents are all in Stavanger. Which many of my best friends are as well. Even though this might sound as an excuse I'm not trying to let it be one. You see, even though I were in the same city on Holidays, I'm not sure if I'd spend it with them, and if I would it would simply be to please them. And I would not enjoy the day, at all.
Holidays are to me yes indeed Holy, sacred. It's time to celebrate in peace. Be as present as I can be. Especially New Years is highly important to me to spend alone. This is when I recharge completely, calm my mind, plan on where I'm going to go the upcoming year, connect with my inner core and put out intentions to the universe on what I'd like to happen next..

But I must be honest, I do not feel exactly super well and grateful for being alone today because the day suddenly came to be about getting well. That annoying cold ruined my plans. I was supposed to write, meditate and just have fun. But, not a chance. I slept until 2pm made food and now it is almost 4pm. The day is almost over and I didn't get to do a thing.

Well, as tragic as it is, I guess I'll end up just watch a boring movie.

Happy Birthday Norway!

When I was forced to walk the parade as a youngster.

Minimalist To The Core

Could you live in a container? What is luxury to you? What is success to you? Why on earth do you need and want all those products, all that stuff? What is it that you really need to be happy?

I met amazing Kari Schibevaag in Lofoten last week. Kari is a hard core kiter - world champion on both snow and water. A total rockstar! But the reason behind my visit was actually because of her living situation. She lives in a container on a beach in Lofoten far away from any big city. What makes her do that? Could I do that?
Well, after meeting Kari, who is super excited about the fact that she lives on the country side I'm not even slightly more convinced on me living far away from city life but it was super interesting to hear her brag about all the things possible to do in such a small village. She said she didn't have enough time to do all the stuff she wanted to do there. I guess thats only because of the character which she is, she has loads of ideas, she's very spontaneous, energetic, active, driven and has loads of ideas. So, of course there is no problem for her to find stuff to do. She loves to surf for hours at a time and when you live on the beach, night and day is open to your demand.

But what I really like about Kari is that she is a true minimalist, she doesn't own anything but her car and her container. All the rest she has found or been gifted, How amazing is that?
That's basically how I live too, in a way. I live super simple, and love it. The only things I own besides clothing, books and sleeping stuff is a working desk. (not counting the super important society stuff; computer and phone) I even think I have way too much. I'd like to live just in a container or mini smart house. You see, I hate owning things, I really really dislike it. Disgust it indeed. The more I own the more suffocated I feel. Totally claustrophobic. The less stuff I own the more freedom flows through my veins. That's the ideal living situation for me. Owning nothing, living smart and small and use all my money and spare time(and work) on experiences.
World Economic Forum predicts that in 2030 we wont own anything. This due to how technology will permeate the way we live and how the sharing and circular economy might pave the way for our new habits. Kari is an inspiration. But we need more pioneers to be our guides to tell us it is ok to live different.
Watch the video below to see if living simple could be something for you?

Here is a netflix film on minimalism if you'd like to give it a further check out

And a few books on minimalism by no other than "the minimalists".

Katapult Future Fest Turned Oslo Magical

#thatburningmanfeeling

I rarely regret things, I can't remember last time I carried that feeling. But since Thursday 11:30 pm it's been there. Big time. And it's SUPER annoying. Because I certainly can not get the moment back.. For all of you regretters out there.. I don't wish for you to keep regretting. I know that a lot off people easily regret things. Perhaps because of fear of missing out on the good stuff. But WOW, not worth it. Ability to live in the present disappears completely.
So here is the thing, Thursday and Friday I attended the Katapult Future Festival. And boy it was great! Haven felt so good in ages. A tiny tony Burning Man entered my body and sensation hit my soul(just a fraction of it, but yet it was there) nearly two years since last time.  So something was up, and this was in OSLO. Not SF, not California, not Burning Man. Everyone wore burning manish crazy clothing that the founder of Couch Surfing was sowing in a corner. And in the evening there was a huge party in the amazingly big sauna, everyone including the speakers where dancing for hours sweating like pigs in bikinis and towels and I was dancing like I haven't done for months or years.. Since burning man and Daybreaker.. I had SUCH a good time. People from all over the world was there, mainly from SF and US though, but exactly the kind of people I like. The people who wants to change the world and make it to a better place .I left the party/katapult evening party WAY to early. Normally I don't care too much about the typical Norwegian partying (and seldom go out too party)  but on Thursday I had such a good time I didn't want to leave. I felt I was in San Francisco all over again.

Well. So to the point of my regret. I left the party early and I even regretted it the moment I sat my foot out of the door. Fuck. Why on earth did I even leave when? I left because I had to go to work 7 am the next day and I was sure there would be as much partying the next day. But. Turned out, people partied so hard that no one was up for a party later in the evening. Completely different atmosphere. How silly was IIIII!! I knew I was going to miss out so whyyy, it's a year to next time and I certainly wont be going to burning man in the meanwhile, No plans to go to SF either... Well.. I hope I can figure out a good way to enter that state of mind and connect with great people and just play around again in not too long. Who's up for that!??

Next year, Katapult Future Fest for Sure!!

If you are one of the people who often feel regret. Go for a choice and don't look back. Stop doubting just choose one and then it's all over and move on. Try to hypnotize yourself to that it wasn't any other choice. Done is done and believe in your choice. If you keep regretting you wont be living in the moment, and living in the past is the worst when you have the option to live in the present. Done is done. It was the right thing. Move on. If you spend your whole life regretting things, then of course something might be wrong. Maybe you are not chasing that dream of yours? Then start doing it. Do not let fear get in the way :)

Here are some photos from the day and videos to get your in the mood.

Solitude Bliss

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There is one thing I could never live without. Privacy. I need it so desperately so often. Time for myself to reflect, reconnect, recharge and ground a little extra. Do the things I really enjoy doing.
Read, write, draw, plan for future events. I get lots of inspiration when in this state, and happiness hugs me. Some people like meditating sitting still and close their eyers for ten minutes but this is my meditation. It's wonderful. This feeling, there is no better. Even if I'm in a relationship this is something I value the most and need to carve out time for. A time for me to digest what's going on, be completely present, be alive and enjoy myself fully. The only sad thing is that time flies by when I'm in this state. Or it feels slow in the minute because of my presence but then boom I look at my watch and time is almost up. 
Today is such a day. It's Sunday, it's completely quiet in my building and I'm so relaxed. I wish I had a week of this to come. Hehe, nah.. Not that much, I actually look very much forward to go to work this week. (I'm going to Lofoten!!!!)
If I don't get my precious time in solitude I stop functioning on every other level in life. It's not only wanted it's crucial. I guess that's how it is to be an extraverted introvert. 
So today I'm gonna enjoy some reading, making some banana pancakes and write my weekly blogpost. Have a great day :))

Choose Your Friends Wisely

From an early age I've been very cautious about who I've chosen to be my friends. And I must say I've been fortunate to be able to do so because of my skill in making friends. I've made friends easily at both an early age and as a grownup. I know this might be hard if you are not super extroverted.. How it works for me: I can see a public speaker which is super inspiring to me while he/she gives a talk and afterwards I approach them and ask if they'd like to meet up for coffee, most times they say yes, I'm actually not sure if I've ever met someone who's said no. Most people are open for new friendships... And this are how som of my friendships starts.

Anyhow, my point being, there is this saying that you end up becoming the 5 people you spend the most time with. And thats a big deal if you ask me. I'd rather not be a depressing woman only talking shit about other peoples back and not growing as a person, so in order to not fall into that category I need to take action.

I've let friends come and go into my life, because I've always been interested to grow as a person. I've always felt that if a person stop inspiring me or don't do it at all from the very first time, or isn't teaching me something, either during our conversations or just through their actions or behaviour, and if I do not feel unconditional love there is nothing for me to get out of it. If a person for instance has a big ego there is really not much to get out of it.

When high school was over I cut loose them unhealthy and boring relationships and went out searching for inspirational peeps to surround myself with, and I've found many on my way but it's actually not until 2016 I've found people who stood out to me as amazing human beings here in Norway. Every time I think about them I become happy, every moment with them is like a birthday present, and they inspire all of the actions I do in life. They cheer for me and I cheer for them. We have such interesting and educational conversations when together. Conversations that matter. It's friendship taken to a whole new level. With them I develop. With them I grow. They want to change the world and they do it. They wake up every day to make the world a better place for others in their work and as a hobby. To me there is no bigger inspiration than that. Thats the people I value, Thats the people I want to be my friends. In order to be the best version of me I need to surround myself with people who push me forwards. People who want me to grow. I make sure that all of my friends comes from a place of love and are in a mission in life to serve others.

Note to self: Get rid of toxic relationships, run away. If your closest friend drain you or just talks bad about others run away. It doesn't help you grow or become the best of you. Perhaps it's your boyfriend, perhaps it's your best friend, perhaps its your mum or sister, og just another friend you hang around sometimes. STOP! You and your time is precious. Remember that. It's precious. 

Eggsquisite Easter :))

Wish I could say so while adding a picture of my beautiful raw vegan chocolate egg . Well, I can't. This Easter has been a rather sad one, dominated by a heavy virus refusing to leave. I wish antibiotics could kill these types of organisms but turns out it can't. I simply have to wait for it to leave. The problem, it never does. It's been nagging around turning the fever on and off since 10th of March. Can you believe it? More than a month! Luckily according to blood tests it is leaving though, but slowly. My doctor says its been this crazy virus going around town this year putting many people down for weeks even months. I'm certain I got it from the hospital I worked at for a bit, you see I haven't been ill like this since I was down with lumonia at the age of 13-14. It's not fun. What do I have to do for you dear immune cells to help you fight this virus? And virus, what do I have to do to make you leave? You're not invited anymore. Or.. you are invited as long as you don't ruin my health. I'm starting this new job on Tuesday so I do have to get better. do you hear me? Please help.. I think I'll just lay in my bed, sleep and eat vegetables for the rest of the Easter Holiday. Watching photos from family and friends having fun at the mountains certainly doesn't help. But there is nothing I can do.  

Hope you guys are having a better Easter Celebration than me! 

Wish you all a happy one! 

When You Have A House But No One's Home

Have you ever had that feeling of your brain being empty? That your head is just an endless fog? That thinking almost isn’t any option? That you try to think but, its nothing there, no words, no logic, no thoughts, no visuals, just pure nothingness?
Let me tell you, its not a comfortable self boosting feeling. It rather starts touching the button of self doubt and self worth. Yes we all go through various fases in our head, but I think having a well-functionfing brain is crucial for well being, a brain which works like its drugged down and also with dementia might be one of the worst states and what am I without my thoughts? Identity; gone, feeling of self; gone. Self-destructed, yes. You have a house but no one is home. 
Going to work in this state is rather difficult, am I of value? Do I even have anything to add to the table? 

I guess we all go through weird times in our lives where we not feel as ourselves. It's certainly not fun but I guess its an interesting experience to have, necessary perhaps. And I know a worse state of mind is a self-destructing one with negative patterns, high speed mental craziness. A mind that tortures you for every action you do! When you can not relax, and you feel so stressed that you can even feel your cells being stressed too. That is worse. When your mind become a prison. A prison you can not escape.

Grace. Gratitude.

What helps in these kinds of states is to push yourself to do stuff even though you don't want to. Read, write, solve math problems, talk to people, something just to force you to think hard.
It might be difficult to begin with, but believe me, it will help you moving forwards.

Are We Too Dumb To Smile?

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At least David Shrigley is having a blast.

How do you feel when someone smile at you or when you hear someone laughing? 

Good? Yes? 

Do you ever get this instant sensation of happiness? Yes?  I do.

Think about it, how often do you smile? How many times a day do you smile to a stranger or to the people you surround yourself with at work? How about your friends? Family? And most important, to yourself, either in the mirror or when you take a selfie? 
Can you even recall when the last time was and what made it happen?

Simply seeing someone smiling a delight arise within me, not only for a few seconds but for minutes. Seeing people smile or laugh from afar or even just by watching someone on a screen elevates my level of joy and fills my face with a grin immediately. It’s the best thing I know. Smiling feels like a shot of love entering my blood vessels going straight to my brain. If I get a smile from a stranger I can think about that smile until I fall asleep that night.

Science confirms the reason of our awe when smiling with a study showing that 1 smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2000 bars of chocolate. The same study found that smiling is as stimulating as receiving up to 16 000 pounds in cash. 25K a smile. Well, that’s insane. 

And it get me thinking, when this is the effect smiling has upon us, how come I do not see smiles more frequently throughout a day? 

Research shows that kids laugh and smile 300 times or more a day. But statistics shows that the average adult only smile 20 times. Now I understand why the most of us feel happier when around kids. Even I who loves smiling may find myself smiling only between 5-40 times a day. Thats hilarious. Embarrassing. Really.

How come we don't smile more often when we are aware of the fact that it has a huge effect on us and the people around us?

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Hell yeah.

It’s so simple, so easy. You can either fake it or real it. Fake or real. It doesn't matter which one you pick. The real one might look better outwards, but still, you get the same results according to research. 

Lets dig into some more detailed benefits before we start reflecting on why we aren’t doing it

• Smiling makes you healthier. What happens when you smile is that the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin are being released. This relaxes your body and reduces stress, it lowers your heart rate and blood pressure and it affects your sleep to the better. The endorphins act as a natural pain reliever and the serotonin which is released serves as an anti-depressant/mood lifter. Many of today's pharmaceutical anti-depressants also influence the levels of serotonin in your brain. 
   
• It improves your immune system. It has been reported that when you’re smiling, the body releases more white blood cells than it usually does. And the prime purpose of white blood cells are to protect the body against both infectious diseases and foreign invaders. So, smiling more often actually makes your body more immune to diseases and hence makes you healthier.
   
• It also make you look good in other peoples eyes. A recent study at Penns university found that when you smile you don’t only appear to be more likable and courteous but you actually appear to be more competent. 
   
• Smiling also helps to generate more positive emotions within. The best thing is that when you smile, your brain is aware of the activity and keeps track of it. The more you smile, the more effective you are at breaking the brains tendency to think negatively. And for us when we look better and sleep better we feel better.
   
• Smiling is contagious. Not only are you balsaming your body and soul but you also nurture others with the glory of your joy. It’s an amazing gift to give someone, you brighten up someone's day immensely. There is no better way to serve someone. 

So there you go, want a more happy and relaxed mind and body? Simply, just smile.

Here comes the golden thought, what the h.. is wrong with us since we only smile 20 times a day?

Do we just wake up one day and decide to stop smiling and laughing? 

I don’t think so.

Are we consciously trying not to smile or laugh?

I don’t think that’s the case either.

Perhaps we got so soar in our mouth muscles of smiling from our early adulthood that we basically can’t do it no more?

Nahh.

Are we afraid of looking silly when we smile? Are we afraid of smiling somewhere it's not appropriate to smile?

Don’t think that is how it is for most of us either. But, I think we are onto something...

It’s a subconscious habit that definitely has something to do with our culture, our society, our norms. Not smiling has become the standard way, a part of our body language, basically since to be able to smile more than 20 times we have to force ourselves consciously to remember to smile.

A real tragicomedy.

It cuts so deep in the structure of our society. School and adulthood educate us on how to be a zombie and we agree. We accept siting in our tight, unfresh classroom, being talked too, not encouraged to ask questions or to use creativity. We are just told to sit down, listen and do as we are told. We all wave and say good bye curiosity and flow state, our new mantra.

How come we ended up lost in thoughts and imprisoned by our emotions?

When I was 19 I figured out that I had to turn this bad habit around and force myself to smile more often everyday. But still, up to this day, I forget about it and have to remind myself over and over again. It’s only when I’m in an environment with others who do smile that I don’t have to consciously think about it. Than it becomes all natural suddenly I’m a part of this contagious choir of broad smiles.

So you can choose not to let your subconsciousness control you by becoming aware of that this is the force driving you. So, rebell and react differently. Take back control. It's not easy, but its definitely possible. What I do to get my grin going is to listen to podcasts that I know will make me smile and laugh out loud. I always try to smile to myself in the mirror and I always laugh a bit longer when I actually catch myself laughing.

Here is a list for you on how to remember to smile more often (yes we are so dumb that we need someone to make a list for us on how to remember how to smile..)

• Write SMILE with big letters on your mirror, reminding you to smile to yourself whenever you look in the mirror
   
• Have a person smiling big time on your computer screen or as wallpaper on your phone
   
• Start smiling to everyone; strangers, colleagues, friends, family, and yourself. and everyone will start smiling at you and a healthy circle starts developing.
   
• Laugh at peoples jokes no matter if they are bad or noe, just use any opportunity you got to either laugh or smile, and consciously keep laughing or smiling for as long as you can, push the limits
   
• Listen to podcasts, sound clips or video clips that you know will make you smile everyday. Play it over and over again, throughout the day
   
• Seek joyful places, hang around kids, kindergarten, preschool etc, and other places where you’ll find people smiling and laughing
   
• Play more, fail more, run around like a kid
   
• Laugh inside, and smile outside when seeing miserable, grumpy, ungrateful people

What you definitely should start with is to start observing yourself, your physical behavior and mental pattern. As I'm pointing out earlier and will continue to point out on all my following posts is that you can manipulate yourself. You can manipulate yourself to the better and to the worse. Your ego loves to level your happiness down, but you can keep raising the level of joy acting consciously. Take a 3rd perspective look on yourself. As a surveillance camera analyzing whats going on, this way you can catch yourself and change your behavior quite easily and efficiently. Start implementing smiling and laughing this way.  

I've also got one challenge for you, I dare you (myself included) to smile to at least 3 strangers everyday starting now. I’d love to hear how it goes, I’d love to hear if you noticed any change, if it made you feel better or gain any new friends or strengthen your relationships with people at work etc.

I’m rarely being smiled at when walking on the street, if so solely by elder people. even when I smile at people, they dont smile back. Crazy, right..  But now, I'll be waiting for yours.

Help set the new standard, be the example the world needs.

Good luck!

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Want to read more?

TED talk by Ron Gutman, The hidden power of smiling

TED Talk by Do Nhat Nam, The power behind a smile

10 Reasons to smile more often

When Was The Last Time You Put Yourself In Someone Else's Shoes?

We all know how good it feels to be acknowledged for our emotions and inner thoughts. Being cared for when we are down, sharing the joy when something magical happens. Simply being understood and able to share experiences is of such value. We are all longing to be seen and recognized as human beings, at any moment of the day. We want to know that we are not alone and that we are of worth. We are social animals and we need to at least believe we are part of a larger group to have a life of purpose and meaning.

Empathy is key in order for the world to be a better place for us all.  Perhaps you should ask someone how they feel today, and fully listen with your whole record of comprehension? I'm sure someone would highly appreciate that.

I wish at least this video below would be mandatory for us all to watch.