Exposure

Day 13

Today is lucky 13. It’s the day I win the biggest lottery jackpot in history. My grandmother would have turned 105 today. $1.5 billion. Synchronicity. And today is the day this post goes viral.

When I wrote my meet the founder page, it reminded me of an article that was written as a pseudo valedictorian address. I was a few years older than the grads that the author was addressing, but I was moved by her message. I read it again today and got choked up at certain points because her words still ring true. I still agree with most of the advice Mary Schmich gave to the graduates of 1997 in her famous Sunscreen speech.

Now, I’m thinking about the lottery drawing tonight, and all that goes with winning. I’ve got Mark Cuban’s advice on my mind, and the lyrics of Alicia Keys’ Empire State of Mind are ringing in my head because it’s my ring tone. As these thoughts run through my head, I’m thinking maybe I should give some advice of my own.

Keys’ song was her answer song to Jay-Z’s original version. Hmm, maybe I’ll give my advice as a response to Schmich’s call to action. Have I become the “world-weary pundit eager to pontificate on life to young people” that Schmich postulates? No, that’s not really where I am.

I’m a rejuvenated youthful spirit eager to help inspire people of all ages discover their passion & come alive.

This is my “answer song” to Mary Schmich’s Sunscreen:

Expose yourself.

Your eternal, formless spirit came here to experience the physical expression of it’s divine magnificence. Don’t be afraid to try new things no matter how old you are or how comfortable you are with your life – it’s how you’ll discover your passion, it’s how you’ll find your song, it’s how you’ll come alive.

Don’t grow up. Ever. Keep the kid within you alive. Remember what made you happiest when you were young and do that for a living. If you pursue what you love, you will never “work” a day in your life, and abundance will attach itself to you.

Take risks. When you let yourself surrender to your inner voice, there’s nothing that can get in your way.

Know that the universe always has your back.

Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Or be afraid, and then go out and dance to your own song anyway. You are the only one who could ever, or will ever play that role. Make it the best performance you can.

Don’t take advice from anyone.

I know, I’m giving you advice. If this is the only advice you ever heed, I will have served my purpose in writing this. No one knows your experience the way you do. Even if you try to express it, only you can grasp the depth and breadth of everything you think, feel and experience. Learn to hear your own voice. And listen to it. It will never steer you wrong.

Accept abundance. It is your birthright.

No matter how old you are, when you look in the mirror, see the reflection of your 20-year-old-hot-self looking back at you. Always.

Laugh hard. Laugh often. It attracts joy.

Aspire to be happy without cause. It’s the most worthwhile goal you can pursue. If you achieve it, you will have achieved everything you could ever want.

Love is the highest vibration your soul can experience. You have an unfathomable capacity to love and be loved. This is your most valuable asset.

Love. Everyone and everything. Make it your highest priority.

Be kind to animals. Take home a rescue; pets teach you unconditional love.

Eat vegan.

Smile. A lot.

Eat whatever you want. And enjoy it like it’s your last meal. It’s the way you feel about the food you eat that will determine how it affects your body, not what you eat.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel the world every night in your imagination.

Have faith that your thoughts will become things. If you do, they will.

Know that there are no absolute truths – just age-old ideas that have been passed down through generations, keeping them alive. Dare to think different. Your truths will be too.

Be grateful.

Be grateful every day, for everything you have, and everything you wish to receive. Gratitude will change your life in a way that you can’t imagine.

Believe in miracles.

Watch your thoughts. They are the most powerful tool you have. They lead you into your future. If you listen, you’ll know where you’re headed in advance. If you don’t like the direction, change your thoughts. The road will wind accordingly.

But trust me on the exposure.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!