I Have A Code

My favorite serial killer, Dexter, introduced me to the idea of living by a code.  A simple set of rules.  Dexter's code may prevent a life sentence in federal prison, but he got me to thinking.  No, not how to avoid getting caught, but how to build a solid mental structure that works in real life.  The new year is here and I think we all instinctively want to reflect on the past year, this is my reflection taken even a bit further. I am no expert on life, I am only 26 and I've never really had a hard go of it.  But I have had some bad experiences, made some difficult decisions, made a life changing move, and this is part of the code I now follow.

De-clutter your life. In all aspects and into the deepest crevaces of your life. This is one of my favorite things to do. I am the opposite of a hoarder. I am constantly re-evaluating my surroundings, especially my closet, and purging anything that doesn't need to be there. Its uplifting really...to empty out a drawer, or a corner in your room. Everytime I do it, I feel like a weight has been lifted. And if your stuff is in good condition, donate it! An even bigger reward. Trust me, this will change your life.

Turn up the tunes.  Music is a motivator.  Play some of your favorite tunes and get shit done.  Whether its cleaning out your closet or running up that obnoxiously steep hill.  Not just any music will do, it has to be feel good music with a beat.  If you know me, you might laugh to know that my motivational playlist includes Jay-Z, Eminem, and Dr. Dre.  They've helped me through many workouts and fits of organizing emergencies.

Exercise is the best way to work out my issues.  I've done some of my best thinking while on a run.  The most difficult life desicions I've made thus far were decided on the pavement.  I'm not saying I work out all the time...I don't...I should.  But, when I'm stressed or when I just need things to start looking up, I run.  Not running from the problems, I'm running at them, head-on.

Pamper yourself.  This is truely important.  Take time out for you, every day.  Whether its a long bath with candles, mudmasks, and Enya, what? I love Enya, or converting your room to a nail salon for a mani-pedi.  This time is important, it makes you feel good.  Only have 10 minutes?  Find a quiet, preferably sunny place in the house, take deep breaths and blank out your mind,  some call it meditating, I call it "preventing a mood shit-storm".

Don't sweat the small stuff.  Okay, I haven't figured this one out yet.  To say I am a worry-wort is an understatement, this rule is a honestly a challenge for me.  Stress takes a serious toll on our bodies.  It effects almost every part.  In times of stress our bodies release an army of hormones which attack anything that gets in their way.  Most importantly, they effect the heart.  I know from experience.  I have had several doctors appointments to try and figure out where these heart issues were coming from.  When she told me it was most likely stress, and all of the negative effects it has, what do I do...I stress about it!  I'm working on it though.  Calm down, deep breaths, and implement rules 1 and 2.

Good luck conquering those New Year's Resolutions!  Maybe Dexter will inspire you to think with a 'killer' mentality and help you develop your own code.  Happy 2012!