Keys to Living at LEV3L

1. Put passion and energy into everything you do. LEV3L is not about output, like the volume of your voice or the number of your accomplishments. It is about input—the energy and passion that you commit to the people in your life, to the issues that are important to you and to the goals that you set.

2. Give of yourself. Money and kind words are important and valuable, but your time and your love are priceless. These are gifts that only you can give.

3. Be different. Participate and contribute in your own distinct way. Give to the world your unique talents, style and ideas. Don’t be held back by convention or custom. For example, don’t let social norms like “men don’t wear toenail polish” or “people shouldn’t act silly or dance in public places” stop you from being your awesome self. Colour the world with the beauty of your individuality and imagination.

4. Make people smile and laugh. Smiles and laughter are the most beautiful and powerfully positive sights and sounds in our world. They are real-life miracles; they magically wash away sadness, conflict and stress. All it takes to make someone smile is to smile at them first—a simple, painless and powerful way to make someone’s day brighter. Develop your sense of humour, and use it often, even in tense situations. Sing a silly song, make a funny voice or send a funny e-mail. You will live better and longer, and so will everyone else around you.

5. Laugh at yourself. This skill requires self-confidence, humility and courage. It is a powerfully selfless act. When you allow people to join you in laughing at yourself, other people who may get laughed at all too often will finally feel some relief. Indirectly, you help others to dwell less on their own inadequacies and to feel more comfortable with themselves and with you.

6. Be vocal and generous with praise and appreciation. “Great job”, “you’re incredible”, “it’s so great having you around” and “I love you” are powerful phrases that make people feel good about themselves and about their relationship with you. Use these expressions sincerely and often. If criticism is warranted, be constructive, cautious and quiet: seek improvement, not blame.

7. Understand people. Know that every person you pass on the street has goals, hopes and dreams just as you do; everyone you meet has experienced pain, loss and hardship just as you have; every human being has needs, wants and emotions. Although each person’s experience is unique, it is of equal value to your own.

Be aware of the reasons people do what they do—very few people do bad things without cause. The abuser may have been abused, the criminal may have a deep mistrust of justice and the liar may have profound insecurities. The key to healing the world is in showing compassion and true understanding to those who do not fit in and finding room to include them in our common humanity.
         
8. Build yourself up instead of tearing others down. Search not for the weaknesses of others, but rather seek and develop your strengths and know what special things you can contribute. Remember: competition is not always necessary. Realize that we are all playing on the same team and that we all share a common humanity.

9. See the beauty in everything. It isn’t hard if you try, it isn’t always what you expected and it is always worth the effort.

10. Act. Follow through on your thoughts and planning—changing the world requires concrete action. Lead by example, live your message.

11. Live life. Know that two of the most important things in life are love and fun—don’t work all your life to enjoy a few fleeting moments of happiness. Love and fun should always permeate everything you do. Seek them out. Without them, life has little true meaning. With them, you are unstoppable.

*Keys to Living at LEV3L Created by Ed Gillis, with the inspiration of many special and wonderful people.