Shut up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life: A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life, Second Edition, Revised & Updated

CHAPTER NINETEEN

HOT TOPICS

CHILL

You know, relax. I'm not very good at relaxing. I'm certainly better at it than I used to be, but still not as good at it as I should be. I don't have much time at home and it's hard for me to gear down after several days on the road. I get a little frustrated knowing I have to squeeze all of the things I want to do at home into the few days I have. I always feel rushed, and rushed isn't relaxed. Plus, my brain is always busy. I don't know how people can just go blank and not think about stuff but it's hard for me. I am always thinking about the book I am writing or the next television appearance or blog I'm about to write or . . . the list goes on and on.

For me and many others, the ability to relax has to be learned. That's not a problem for everyone for sure, since there are millions who have no problem sitting on their butt not doing a damn thing. I don't know how they do it. I'm just not comfortable when I'm doing nothing.

I've learned one of the key ingredients for being able to relax is to really enjoy where you live—both the city and the house. I live in Paradise Valley, Arizona. I love Arizona. I find the desert peaceful and relaxing and I enjoy the heat. I also love my house. I like it so much I get jealous of my wife who gets to enjoy it all by herself with just my dogs when I am gone.

Create an environment you can enjoy and relax in, even if it's just one room. My office is that way. I am surrounded by things I enjoy: lots of books, ...