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I find inspiration in the weirdest places. A display in a card store, an ad on a billboard, the back of a cereal box, books (of course), tattoos, and the list goes on. Images, words, quotes that make me stop and think or lift my spirits.

And sometimes, what I see becomes integrated in my life philosophy.

I didn’t always have a life philosophy and I’m pretty sure that having a chronic illness played a really big role in me developing some overall guiding principles on how I want to live. When your body fights you and you live within a place of illness and pain, it forces you to think about this life and how you want to live it.

Amirite?

Eat Dessert First Mug
by TheSeatedView

There are some good ones out there: lead with kindness, laugh every day, love your neighbour, do your best, live life to the fullest, and that list goes on, too.

But my favourite might just be this one: Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first.

It makes me giggle every time I think of it and it makes me feel close to my dad, because it was one of his favourites, too.

But more than that, it also makes me think. We have a tendency to save our best clothes, our good china, and even our best experiences until later. Until a special day, until we have special company, are going to a special event, are retired, and so on.

Later, always later.

We are taught to eat the proper food and all the vegetables first, saving dessert for afterwards, both during dinner and in the rest of our lives. You must do your work, do your duty, then you can play. And there is nothing wrong with eating vegetables, following through and your commitments, and making sure that you pay your bills before you buy a Ferrari, but…

Life is Uncertain greeting card
by TheSeatedView

Waiting until later with all of it sometimes means you don’t get there at all.

So there has to be a balance. There has to be room for play, for treats, for adventures that add some sparkle to your everyday existence. And sometimes, we need a reminder right in front of us so we don’t get sucked back into all work and no play.

Okay, I’ll fess up. I need that reminder. And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

That’s the inspiration behind this month’s new merch, the September mug and card. Available in The Seated View Shop.

I hope you like it.