Last week I was asked by a customer to think about and come up with three rules to live to by, my own three rules to life. Not expecting the question, I awkwardly laughed and politely responded that I would take time to think about it and get back to her. I had never allowed my mind to be this introspective before, analyzing my memories, trying to define who I am and my values and then create three rules to match my values and persona. Now after a week of contemplation, I have come up we these rules that I aspire to live by everyday.

Rule Number 1: Laugh

Laugh everyday. It forces a smile on your face, then enhances the smile and releases endorphins. It is recognized in every language, culture and can bring complete strangers together. The reason being it is impossible to frown when you laugh. (If you just tried, I told you so :)). Laughs spark friendships, relationships and is nervously there for you in any awkward moment or scary situation. A laugh has the ability to clear ones mind of any pain and fill a body with joy, even if it is for only a couple seconds. And if you find this task difficult, make others laugh. Though my failed attempts out number my successful ones, that sympathetic laugh still put a smile on a face.

Laughter is the world's best medicine

Rule Number 2: Take Charge of Your Own Happiness

This rule took a long time for me to learn and I think I am still in the process of fully exhibiting it. Be selfish when it comes to your happiness. Act the way you want to act, do what you want do, and be who you want to be in order achieve personal happiness. A family member, a friend, an acquaintance, if they have depth and are worthy of your love, will accept and support you. Most importantly, never allow a single person to take away the twinkle in your eye or your appreciation for life. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life, live it the way you want to.

Nothing Is Worth It If You Are Not Happy.

Rule Number 3: Never Stop Learning

Learning should be eternal. The word itself indicates an adventure; hearing something you’ve never heard before, going somewhere you’ve never gone, or doing something you’ve never done; one learns from all life’s experiences. Even if it as insignificant as learning that the most stolen food item in the world is cheese, or as grand as learning how to perform open heart surgery, these processes come from experience; experiences that make the world a better place and create personal growth.

It is when one stops learning that we should worry.

To the lady I served the other day, thank you. Creating these three rules has open up my mind, allowed me to be introspective, and learn more about myself. Do yourself a favor and think for a second. If you had to create three rules to live by, what would your rule be?