HAIL

Honesty, Authenticity, Integrity, Love

Idealist brainstorming

If I were to run a company – mostly likely a pharmaceutical research company (because I will be a pharmacist) – I would want the company to reflect my lifestyle: simple, healthful, cause-worthy.

The workplace: spacious, simple, and well-lit. There would be large windows and gardens to expose employees to nature (and its fresh air) as much as possible. Well-ventilated. An open cafe for the exchange of exciting synergistic ideas. Large window-walled rooms for quiet thoughts, planning, and contemplation.

30-hour work-week (6-hour work days) equals full time. It’s all about maximizing employee efficiency. I read somewhere that a few countries in Europe are experimenting with this because studies have shown that the 40-hour work week is, frankly, not that efficient. (I know this from experience as well…). With a 30-hour week, employees have more time to focus on their mental and physical wellbeing via reduced stress/less burnout, spending more time with loved ones, exercising, etc. There would also be workshops for healthy habits, discounted gym memberships, and various classes – all to reinforce holistic healthiness. When people feel good, they feel healthy, they take less sick days, everyone is more productive, the company saves money in the long-run. In addition, with more free time there is more opportunity for volunteerism. The company would partner with a multitude of non-profits – mentoring foster children, assisting at homeless shelters, building homes, serving at food shelters, animal shelters, etc. – and strongly promote an altruistic culture. There would just be a diverse array of opportunities to give back to the community.

The company’s values would reflect the development of self to make a more impacting difference in the world. This would allow employees to be creative, confident, and productive, and subsequently have high work satisfaction, while feeling like they can make a difference in their community. Then these employees will positively influence those around them, and so on and so on.

I just want to show people that it’s a wonderful thing to live simple, healthy, and meaningful lives. There’s greatness in developing oneself while simultaneously removing oneself from one’s center to live for life’s greatest purpose – serving others. It starts with clarity, removing from life the gluttonous, materialistic, self-destructive behaviors (cutting the fat from the steak, if you will) and then nurturing that raw and pure human strive for love, happiness, and well-being. This takes integrity, discipline, sincerity and serenity among many other factors (that I still need to figure out). When we’re truly happy with ourselves, we can be our best to make others happy as well. That’s all life needs to feel fulfilled.

Anyways, I figured that if I’m the boss, I’d have more influence on people.

A more realistic approach would be to work my way up to CEO, or at least be a chair member, in some existing company and see what I can do from there. It’s fun to dream.

Netflix

Five un-guilty pleasurable hours of “The Office” with the one and only. That’s all.

Mindfulness

I’ve got a great, beautiful girlfriend. She’s taught me a lot. I’m grateful. We’re comfortable together yet we push each other to be better selves. So, when I’m with her that’s all I need. No need for worry, contemplation, planning – nothing like that. Just in the present moment. That’s it. She falls asleep in the nook of my arms and I notice a few things: the slow and steady cadence of her breathing; soft, peaceful facial features – gentle lips, eyes closed, relaxed complexion; the occasional twitches that let me know she’s in deep sleep. Then there’s the lamplight dimly illuminating the room – just with enough light to replicate a sun setting at 7:45pm on a late July night; faint ticking from the laundry room fan timer; the sounds of cars speeding by in the distance; the heater blowing air. I notice my own breathing. I occasionally try to match my rhythm with hers. I guess it’s some act of empathy. I’m relaxed. Seeing her so unknowingly at peace with herself erases all the wrongs in the world if only for a fleeting moment. There’s no need for worry, contemplation, or planning. We’re in the present moment and that’s all that matters.