Do you want to play?
I sure do. But I can't. With all of the changes occurring in downtown Media, the one that has left a bitter taste in my mouth is our lack of options when it comes to the bars. Personally, I prefer hole-in-the-wall bars with jukeboxes and games. Old State Tavern, my first watering hole, was sold and will no longer be a place to shoot some pool or darts. Right across from my home is the Plumstead. Just sold, gonna be a fancy pizza and pub place. What do we have left? Joclyns, great for its deck, but once the cold air arrives, doesn't have much to offer. And there's John's, which is great for cheap drinks and local pervs, plus breakfast all day and night, but there's nothing to do, no games to play, nada. The only place to play pool in Media is at the VFW. Members only. Exclusive hole-in-the-wall club, which I am determined to get into.
I am just not that into talking while drinking. I like to play competitive games like pool, darts, bocce, shuffleboard, etc. So it has to be known that the reason for all of our "awesome" bars in Media not providing pool tables or games is because it draws in the riff-raff, the kind of clientele who doesn't spend much money, doesn't tip, and scares away the clientele that does. I get it. But it also excludes many people who, like myself, LOVE to spend my money all night on games AND drinks! And I have expensive taste in drinks. And I am a good tipper. But I'm beat. Media is great, you can walk everywhere, there are a plethora of great places to eat, unique mom and pop shops that support local artisans, and people are nice. BUT I WANNA PLAY!
https://youtu.be/1iAYhQsQhSY
https://youtu.be/_62hfITLlU0
What's the secret to a happy life? Well, that's not an easy answer. But I've learned to first work on yourself. Become the best you that you can be. Ask yourself what people would say about you at your funeral. Don't like it? Then CHANGE! This is an ongoing process that if done correctly, you will continue to do for the rest of your life. Embrace change. Conquer your fears, the deep ones that are rooted way down as well as the ones on the surface.
Life is what you make it. If you aren't happy then change. It really is that simple. But anything in life that is worth it will be a lot of work, it will be challenging. Don't bring people down constantly with all of your problems, go see a therapist. Your relationships will become so much more rewarding.
Next, take a good look at those people who you surround yourself with. Do they have characteristics and traits that you admire? You should be surrounding yourself with people who you would like to emulate. People who, just like you, want to be happy, and who are also constantly trying to improve themselves, inside and out. That doesn't mean that you have to burn bridges or completely cut out people who are debbie-downers or family members who drive you batty. Just don't continue to spend the majority of your precious time with them. Distance yourself.
Get outside!!! Nature is awesome and will help you hit the "reset button" when you are stressed out, overwhelmed, or angry. For me, it's being by water. A lake, a river, a bay, an ocean- doesn't matter, just watching the water helps me to calm my mind and be much more clear-headed.
KISS! Keep it simple stupid. Don't kill yourself (literally) trying to relive your twenties and take ridiculous risks with crazy drugs. Keep it simple. If you don't have a problem or substance abuse issue, then stick to the basics- alcohol, cigs, ganj, just in moderation. Don't overdo it. Come on, we are adults and have been for some time now. You know what you can handle and what you can't. I prefer, in my 30s, to be in control (I'm a control freak, it's something I will always have to work on) and to remember my nights!
Also, STAY THE HELL AWAY from opiates- and stay away from people who are addicted to them. They are killing more people who I have known and loved than anything else. More than car accidents, more than cancer. It's out of control. Say NO to pain killers. Try natural pain relief methods. Look into eastern medicine. Or reflexology. If you know someone who is an addict to heroin or any opiate (oxys or seboxyne) the best thing you can do to help them is let the professionals help them. Rehab. That's what it's there for. Addicts are liars, thieves, and manipulators. They will say or do anything to have their way. There's no "getting through to them" no matter what or who says it. If there was one thing I could hit the delete button on in this world and it would disappear completely forever, it would be opiates. End of discussion.
Do nice things for others without expecting anything in return. Trust me. It feels good. And spend as much time as you possibly can with your parents, grandparents, kids, nieces, nephews, siblings. Life is short, our time of departure is unknown.
Be honest. With yourself, and with others. And patience, it goes a really long way and always pays off. Think before you speak. Once you say it, you cannot take it back. This applies to text messages and emails and posts too.
Don't pull the "I'm not good with death/funerals" card. If someone you knew and loved died, go to their services! You will not get a second chance. They will be smiling down from heaven for your presence. This goes hand in hand with living your life with no regrets. Everything you do and say, you should be behind 100% every time. Don't keep secrets, they cause cancer. Secrets cause stress, stress causes bad things to happen inside your body, trust me. Every night when you lay your head down to sleep, you should have a completely clear conscience. Pay attention to your dreams, they are your subconscious guiding you. And, if you believe in these things, it is the easiest way for your spirit guides, or guardian angels to communicate with you.
Don't hate. I am not a religious person, I would consider myself spiritual. But I've read enough books, taken enough classes to know that religion equals love. When "religious" people are preaching hate, you can be assured that they are extremists, aka crazies. So just love, all things. Do your part to protect our environment. Don't litter, recycle things, don't waste.
Use wet wipes. If you got poop on your arm, would you use a dry paper towel to get it off or do you think maybe you should wet the towel first? Think about it. Your underwear will thank me. And, it may be a good idea to toss those undies with streaks. It's gross. Your next mate agrees with me.
Last but not least, take care of your body. Eat right and not too much. Don't drink more calories than you eat. Exercise. As much as possible in any way possible. I hate gyms. But I love to go hiking, kickbox, and have sex. Not boring sex. The kind that leaves you breathless and sweaty. That's my kind of exercise. But everyone's different, find your perfect kind. And if you have multiple partners use protection. Don't bring kids into this world if you aren't adept to raising them. And STDs are a big turn-off and probably expensive, so avoid them.
