My Super-Charged Life

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"Life is either a great adventure or nothing" ~Helen Keller

We can use simple adventures to get out of the ruts we so often find ourselves in.  An adventure is an activity that involves some uncertainty.  Often we manage our lives down to the last detail leaving no room for adventure.  We then find ourselves unchallenged, bored, and feeling trapped.  If this is where you are at, then it is time to break free of the routine, open yourself to exploration, and spice it up a bit.  Finding a little adventure doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated or excessively dangerous.  Here I will offer some ideas that anyone can use to find adventure in their own backyard.

1.  Paddle your way to fun.

Getting out on the water is an excellent way to find a little adventure.  Taking a kayak or canoe out for a few hours to explore a local river, lake, or wildlife preserve is super way to get outdoors.  It will also offer a chance for wildlife viewing.  A kayak or canoe puts you in charge.  You can go wherever you decide.  It gives you the opportunity to discover that beautiful spot that is uniquely yours.  With your paddle in hand, it is hard to turn back.  Who knows what lies just around the next bend?

2.  Ride a rollercoaster.

Get your heart racing and adrenaline flowing!  We visit our local amusement park at least once a year to ride the rollercoasters and other thrill rides.  It will bring out the kid in you again!  It is funny to watch how adults react at amusement parks.  You can literally see them come to life again.  It is as if the rides wake up the adventurous part of them that has been lulled to sleep for so long.

3.  Go camping.

Load up the kids and car it is time to spend a weekend at the state park!  There is something about sleeping under the stars and eating out of an ice chest that will reawaken your primitive side.  Camping is an excellent way to break the doldrums of living in the suburbs.  Find a place in the woods and pitch a tent.  At the very least, it will give you a new appreciation for your home and the daily conveniences you enjoy.

4.  Pedal a trail.

Pull the mountain bike out of the garage, dust it off, air up the tires, and hit the trail!  Pedaling your way through the woods is an adventurous way to spend an afternoon.  It will challenge you mentally and physically.  Start on the easy trails and work your way up to something more technical.  If you don’t own a bike, then check into renting or borrowing one.  Just riding a bike and feeling the breeze on your face will make you feel like a kid again.

5.  Take a hot air balloon ride.

Soaring high over your city in a hot air balloon is an adventure everyone should experience at least once.  Ballooning will give you a different perspective in more ways than one.  You won’t find any long security lines, baggage charges, or fasten seatbelt signs on this flight.  Of course, you will see some fantastic views and experience the thrill of floating quietly through the sky.  The landing is what surprised me.  It was certainly an experience!

6.  Learn to wakeboard.

If you desire something a little more challenging, then give wakeboarding a try.  I’d recommend getting an hour or two of instruction on your first time out.  It will give you a jumpstart to ensure you skim right into fun without delay.  If you water-ski, then you’ll find wakeboarding similar, but with just enough differences to make it  a challenge.  I love the feel of gliding over the water and catching a little air as I pass over the wake!

7.  Get your motor running.

Head out on the highway this weekend on a motorcycle and feel the speed as you crank the throttle back.  There is nothing like the power and freedom you experience hitting the road on a high-octane motorcycle.  If this doesn’t wake up a sense of adventure and excitement in you, then nothing will.  Of course, be sure to wear a helmet and drive defensively.  Motorcycles can be lots of fun, but other drivers don’t always give them the respect they deserve on the road.

8.  Go backpacking in a national park.

Walking off into the woods knowing that you have to survive with what you are carrying on your back is fun and exciting.  There is such a feel of freedom and challenge to it.  National parks are excellent settings for a backpacking trip.  It doesn’t matter if this is your first trip or your hundredth.  Backpacking will ignite your senses and raise you up out of the deepest rut.

9.  Climb your way up a rock face.

Rock climbing will get your heart racing.  It is both a physical and mental challenge.  It requires a great deal of concentration so it is a fantastic way to get your mind off of other things for awhile.  If you are like me and the area where you live lacks a lot of natural settings for rock climbing, then look for an indoor climbing gym.  These gyms will rent you everything you need and also offer instruction to get you started.

10.  Speed across the water.

Boating is always an adventure.  There is nothing like pushing off as the captain of your own vessel.  This is true regardless of whether you are in a ski boat, sailboat, WaveRunner, or pontoon boat.  The feeling of cruising across the water with the wind in your face is invigorating!  You are in control and there tons of places to explore and discover out on the water.

11.  Engage friends in a paintball battle.

What is it about challenging a group of friends to a mock war that is so much fun?  I’m not sure, but paintball will certainly enliven an afternoon.  Why lie around on the couch when you can sneak up on your buddy and pop him with a plastic bubble full of your favorite color?  Paintball will put all your senses on full alert and get you moving.  Find a range near you and become a paintball hero!

Take the initiative and be the fun one!

I hope these ideas will help you create a little adventure in your life very soon.  You need to get out and enjoy all that life has to offer!  It isn’t difficult.  It just takes a little initiative and planning, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it.  If you do it, your friends might even start thinking you are the fun one to hang around!

What do you do for adventure?

Photo by Davichi

On Simplicity Joins The Life Skills Network!

I would like to welcome Sara at On Simplicity to the Life Skills Network!  Sara writes some fantastic articles and is a great addition to our humble little network.  I hope you will take a few minutes to visit Sara’s site and read some of her stuff.  Here are a few of my favorites to whet your appetite:

• Seven Life-Tested Ways to Make Your Simple Life More Glamorous
• The Bank of Nice
• Five Myths About Simplicity Busted
• Storage Secrets for Small Spaces

Catch Up On Our Back To School Series

The Life Skills Network just completed a series of articles on back to school.  I thought I’d highlight them here just in case you missed any of them.

• Back to School - College Housing Contract Basics at The Wisdom Journal
• Back to School Savings Challenge at My Dollar Plan
• How to Be a Frugal College Student at Frugal Dad
• Back to School Season Already?  Keep the Family a Priority at Simple Mom
• Back to School - 17 Good Habits For A Successful Life at My Super-Charged Life

Links For Super-Charged Living

Here’s this week’s awesome articles in each key characteristic of super-charged living:

1. Strives for Excellence    
   28 Astute Takes of Insight on Living a Prolific Life
   How Personal Growth Can Uncover a Toxic Relationship
2. Financially Wise    
   Money Talks - How Do You Talk Back?
   Which Personal Finance Guru Would I Recommend?
3. Committed to a Cause    
   What Message would you Leave before you Die?
   What Parents Owe Their Children
4. Leadership by Example    
   One Kick-Ass Tip for Getting Things Done
   We see what we want to see
5. Entrepreneurial Spirit    
   Basic Business Advice from an Accidental Entrepreneur
   Here is a Macbook, Go Make Your Million
6. Continual Learner 
   How to End a Relationship
   3 Reasons and 7 Ways to Live in Creative Joy
7. Adventurous   
   Have You Found Your Soul Place?

I hope you have a super-charged weekend!  Please leave me a comment and let me know what you think of this week’s links.

Photo by Marcus Vegas

"Sir, I do not share your faith.  But if I did - if I believed what you say you believed - then although England were covered with broken glass from coast to coast, I would crawl the length and breadth of it on hand and knee and think the pain worthwhile, just to save a single soul from this eternal hell of which you speak."
~Charles Peace

It takes incredible commitment to accomplish big things in life.  Whatever your cause, you have to fully commit yourself to it and believe enough in it to risk everything to make it a reality.  We often go about our mission in life on autopilot.  We approach even vitally important matters with half-heartedness especially when it takes years to see it through to completion.  In what do you believe?  How committed are you to your cause?  Will your present level of commitment be enough?

The story of Charles Peace

Charles Peace was a career criminal in England in the 1800s.  He committed numerous burglaries and was ultimately convicted and hanged for murdering a man.  Charles made the statement above to a reverend that visited him prior to his execution.  It was the reverend’s job to give Peace the opportunity to confess his crimes and save his soul prior to his execution.

Apparently, the reverend provided this type of service for the prison regularly.  It might have become somewhat routine to him.  Apparently, this was obvious to Charles Peace.  The reverend’s passion and commitment to his faith obviously did not shine through to Charles.  He was not convincing.

Passion and commitment are essential in any cause.

We cannot persuade others and get them behind us in our cause, no matter what it is, if we lack passion and commitment!  We must demonstrate our commitment to everyone around us.  They have to see it in our actions and hear it in our voice.  It isn’t so much the words you say as it is the way you say it.  You don’t have to be an eloquent speaker to persuade people, but you do have to be able to convey your passion to them.  They have to feel it. 

Charles Peace did not feel the reverend’s passion and therefore he was not convinced.  Maybe this is why others aren’t jumping on the bandwagon of your cause.  Maybe they don’t feel your passion.  Have you lost the fever?

We must be willing to go the distance and give it all.

Obstacles will always arise to block us from attaining our goals.  However, if we are truly committed, then we will not be deterred.  Notice that Charles says if he believed, he would crawl the length and breadth of England across broken glass to convince others.  In other words, he wouldn’t hold anything back.  The pain would be worth it.  He would go the distance and do whatever it took to meet the demands of his cause.

Are you giving it your all?  A good cause will demand sacrifice.  There will always be a struggle to accomplish anything worthwhile.  Pain is a part of the game.  What are you willing to give?

Time to reevaluate our level of commitment.

I imagine the reverend reflected heavily on Charles Peace’s statement to him.  In fact, I think it probably haunted him.  Was he truly committed and passionate about his faith?  This was a question he had to wrestle with.  The reverend had dedicated his life to his cause, but had the flame burned out?

It often takes something like the reverend’s encounter with Charles Peace to rock us out of our sleepwalk.  Where are you at in your level of commitment to your cause? 

Would you crawl across broken glass?

Photo by Duke LeNoir

This is one article in a series on Back to School from The Life Skills Network.

Students go to school to get an education for a better life.  However, many of the habits needed to truly be successful are learned outside the classroom.  Developing good habits that will help students of all ages succeed can never start too early.  These routines will help students in school and for the rest of their lives.  It will give them the tools they need to live life to the fullest!

Good habits every student needs for success!

This list of good habits will serve you well whether you are a parent with children or a college student getting ready to go back to school.  Learning these habits now will help all students start out way ahead in life.

1.  Get on a good schedule.

We need structure and routine in our lives.  Our bodies expect it.  They perform best when we operate on a regular schedule.  We especially need to eat and sleep about the same time each day.  If you are the parent of a young child, it is your job to teach this habit early.  This routine stays with a person their whole life and helps them to develop good work habits.  Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it!

2.  Eat a healthy diet.

Our brains need the right food to perform at their peak.  Don’t go to school on an empty stomach.  Students need to train themselves early to eat a balanced and healthy diet.  We tend to carry the habits we learn when we are young forward with us for most of our lives.  Learning to eat right now can avoid many health issues down the road. 

3.  Learn to exercise.

We need physical activity to stay healthy.  The benefits of regular exercise are well documented.  We need to find exercise routines that are fun and match our individual tastes.  Developing a good exercise routine is a habit that will increase both the quantity and quality of your life. 

4.  Practice gratitude.

It is so easy to get in the bad habit of envying what others have.  The grass often seems greener on the other side of the fence.  It is vitally important to learn gratitude.  Practice thinking about the things you have to be thankful about.  I do this with my daughter each evening when I put her to bed.  I ask her to recall the good things that happened that day.  We then take a few minutes and give thanks for those things.  This helps us both to train ourselves to be grateful.

5.  Develop good study habits.

Studying effectively is a skill.  People that live life to the fullest are lifelong learners.  They never stop trying new things.  One needs to study and gather new knowledge in an effective and efficient manner.  Learning how to study and acquire the knowledge to succeed doesn’t just occur naturally.  It needs to be taught.  Take a study skills course or ask others for tips on improving your study habits.

6.  Never give up!

I remember being told in school that, "Winners never quit and quitters never win."  I think this is a Vince Lombardi quote and it is certainly true.  It takes perseverance in life to enjoy any kind of success.  I also remember hearing, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."  These sayings come back to me time and again when I feel like giving up.  Perseverance is a habit.  It is one that can be developed just like any other.

7.  Manage money wisely.

Why don’t they teach a good personal finance class in school?  Students need to learn to earn, save, budget, track, and wisely spend money to be successful in life.  Good money habits can never start too early.  There are a lot of good resources out there to help.  I recommend taking a look at what Dave Ramsey has to offer for various ages.  Of course, you can also find a lot of fantastic money tips reading blogs!

8.  Respect the environment.

It seems to be hip to be "green", but being a good steward of our environment is really not that new.  Wise parents have been teaching these principles to their children for ages.  We only have this one world and we depend on it for our survival.  Every person needs to do their part to protect what we have.  Develop habits now that will help you to be a good environmental citizen for a lifetime!

9.  Strive for excellence!

Why do a job if you aren’t going to do it right?  We need to develop the habit of giving every task our best effort.  Excellence should be the standard we strive for in all we do.  We can’t start letting ourselves or our children do the least possible to get by.  If we do, then they are going to receive less than the best results from their work.  Teaching excellence now will ensure habits for success will carry forward.

10.  Live the Golden Rule.

"Do unto others…" is a guideline we should all follow.  Think of the conflict and tragedy that could have been avoided if people simply applied the Golden Rule in all their relationships.  If we make this a habit, then we will find a lot more success in life.  Respecting people of all races and beliefs is a hallmark of living life to the fullest.

11.  Practice good hygiene.

You really can dress for success!  Habits like brushing your teeth twice a day and washing your hands regularly not only contribute to health, but also lead to routines that give one a sharper appearance.  First impressions are powerful and are mostly derived from the way a person looks.  Like it or not this is true.  Start today to ensure you do what it takes to leave a lasting good impression.

12.  Always tell the truth!

The truth often comes out whether we want it to or not.  Lying generally just complicates the situation and makes us look bad.  Look at the scandals many of our politicians fall into because they fail to admit the truth.  It is much better to just develop the habit of telling the truth even when it is difficult.  This will save you a lot of heartache and misery in life.

13.  Ask for what you want.

Develop the habit of asking for what you want.  How else are you going to get it?  It is really that simple.  Often, when I ask, I am amazed at how quickly I get exactly what I wanted.  Just give this one a try.  If you are a parent, teach your children to ask others for what they want.  This is truly a behavior you want to come naturally.  It will build confidence and self-esteem that will serve your kids forever!

14.  Be a regular reader.

Being a good reader is a skill that often separates the good students from those that struggle.  Becoming a good reader takes practice.  The more you read and are read to, the better you get.  Reading has numerous benefits.  It builds one’s vocabulary, expands the imagination, and rekindles creativity.  Make reading a routine!

15.  Be punctual.

Arriving on time is important to one’s success.  People always notice when you are late.  It is an indicator of whether you mean what you say and can be trusted.  Do not introduce doubt about this into people’s minds by showing up later than expected.  Create the habit of being punctual now and you won’t have to worry.

16.  Respect authority.

Failure to respect those in authority positions can lead to all kinds of problems in life.  It doesn’t matter whether it is your boss, a police officer, or a university dean.  People in authority have a job to do and often worked hard to get into the position they are in.  They deserve to be treated with proper manners and reverence.  Learning to say, "Yes ma’am" and "Yes sir" will get you noticed in a positive way.

17.  Tend to your spiritual needs.

We cannot ignore our spiritual needs and truly live a full and rewarding life.  We must recognize that there is a higher power and pursue our faith regularly.  We may not exercise our beliefs in exactly the same way, but I encourage you to find what works for you and explore it to it’s depths.  A solid spiritual life will serve you well.

Good habits developed now will last a lifetime!

These are good habits you want to set in concrete now.  The quicker you make these habits that you live by, the better life you will experience.  If you are a parent, then print this list and work on it with your children.  Back to school is an excellent time to focus on new habits that will last a lifetime!

What good habit did I miss?

Check out more articles in the Back to School series:

• Back to School - College Housing Contract Basics at The Wisdom Journal
• Back to School Savings Challenge at My Dollar Plan
• How to Be a Frugal College Student at Frugal Dad
• Back to School Season Already?  Keep the Family a Priority at Simple Mom

Photo by Avolore

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.  ~Russel Baker

It has been extremely hot in much of the United States over the last few weeks.  We have seen temperatures up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit where I live.  This type of extreme weather can be very dangerous especially to the young and elderly.  It is important to take steps to stay cool.  Here are a bunch of ideas that I gathered up from across the Internet.  Please be sure to share these and help a neighbor in need!

1.  Go to Wal-Mart or the mall.

There are plenty of free public places to go that have air conditioning.  If it gets too hot, visit one for awhile to cool down.  Of course, please avoid buying things you do not need!

2.  Soak a towel in cool water.

Drape a bath towel soaked in cool water over your neck and shoulders.  This will help to cool you down fast.

3.  Have an ice-cold drink.

Water is probably the best thing to drink on a hot summer day, but sweet tea, lemonade, Gatorade, and cherry limeades are some of my personal favorites.

4.  Find a nice shade tree and nap.

Getting out of the direct sunlight, but remaining outside where you can feel a breeze may be a good alternative.  Indoor areas without air conditioning can get stuffy.

5.  Use an electric fan.

Fans are inexpensive to buy and operate.  The air circulation they create will certainly make a house feel cooler.  One idea I read suggested setting 2-liter bottles of ice in front of the fan for added relief.

6.  Go to the public swimming pool.

I know this requires being seen in public in a bathing suit, but it might be worth it!  Public pools are inexpensive and offer a fun way to keep kids of all ages cool.

7.  Get in the bathtub.

If you just can’t bear going out in public in a swimsuit, then fill up your bathtub with cool water and dive in!  You will get cool and clean.

8.  Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol is a diuretic which will serve to dehydrate you.  Your body needs plenty of water on hot days to produce sweat.  Perspiration is your body’s natural cooling mechanism.

9.  Go to a matinee movie.

It is always dark and cool in movie theaters.  Many theaters offer discount prices in the afternoons so, this is a great way to cool down in the hottest part of the day.

10.  Eat a popsicle or other frozen treat.

A frozen treat can make a blazing hot afternoon almost bearable.  They are also a great way to get the kids to stop playing and cool down for a few minutes.

11.  Set up a lawn sprinkler.

Kids seem to love playing in lawn sprinklers.  Of course, be sure to check your local watering restrictions before proceeding.  Many communities have to limit outdoor watering during the summer months to conserve water.

12.  Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Avoid dark, tight clothing that absorbs and retains heat.  You are better off going with natural fabrics like cotton that are baggy and light in color.

13.  Install a window AC unit in one room.

You might consider installing a small window unit to cool one room of your house.  Of course, be careful because this will most definitely increase your electric bill.

14.  Be still and rest.

You are naturally hotter when you are up and moving around.  In the hottest part of the day, you might want to find a cool place and stay put.

15.  Try a handheld mister.

These are great devices to take with you while you are on-the-go for a quick cool down.  They can be refilled at water fountains for an added cold blast!

16.  Use a cooling bandana.

There are several special types of cooling bandanas that can help keep you cool.  Some contain polymer that holds water and others you can freeze.

17. Go to a free museum.

You can get cool and learn something at the same time.  Museums are great places to kill a hot afternoon.

18.  Keep the lights off.

Light bulbs generate a lot of heat.  This tip will not only help keep you cool, but will also save on your electricity bill.

19.  Eat lighter meals.

The less food your body has to metabolize the lower your core body temperature.  Eat light meals to stay cool and lose weight!

20.  Keep the shades closed when the air conditioner is on.

The less heat radiating in through your windows, the cooler it will feel inside.  Keep your shades closed to maximize the effectiveness of your air conditioner.

21.  Tie up long hair.

Keeping your hair up off your neck will help you feel cooler.  I don’t have this problem, but some of you might!

22.  Use a swamp cooler instead of air conditioning.

I used to see these around more when I was young.  They are still a viable option.  Swamp coolers can cool a room by 20 to 25 degrees which is a big difference.

23.  Use outdoor grill instead of oven.

The oven will heat up your home.  Try grilling outdoors instead.  This makes me hungry just thinking about it!

24.  Go to the basement.

The lowest level in a home is generally going to be the coolest.  An underground basement can be up to 10 degrees cooler.

25.  Switch to average billing so you can run the air conditioner.

Many electric companies offer an average billing plan.  This will allow you to pay about the same each month despite having to run the air conditioner more in the summer.

Don’t worry Fall is just around the corner!

These tips are sure to help you make it until cooler weather arrives.  I love summer, but the extreme heat can be dangerous.  Be sure to avoid heat exhaustion by taking it easy and using these ideas to stay cool.

How do you stay cool in the summer heat?

Photo by jenn_jenn