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It's Friday morning. I'm on my way to work and the bus has fallen into its steady rhythm of stop, go, stop, go. Notebook open and pencil in hand, I begin to jot down my ideas for a column and watch magic take place as the words come to life. Sure, it will be another hectic day at the office-there is a multitude of projects awaiting my attention and piles of paperwork calling my name-but until I step through those heavy doors, my time is filled with ideas! Plans! Possibilities! One of the most precious things I have learned growing up is that striving for something brings true self-satisfaction and is perhaps the key to real living. It's no wonder that my days are filled with constant recognition of the possibilities around me.

I look up to peer at the faces of my fellow commuters. Zombie-like, sombre stares looking at nothing in particular, devoid of any real emotion. It doesn't take long to realize that there's not a single smile in sight and I think to myself, there's something wrong with this picture. 'Since when is life so boring?!' I want to shout. I'll tell you one thing-there's a lot more to life than staring out the window wondering what's for dinner!

Wouldn't it be great if life came with instructions? On one of my recent trips to the library, I discovered such a gem hidden among the overwhelming stacks of self-help (gulp - do we really need this much?). Entitled Life's Little Instruction Book and boasting "511 suggestions, observations, and reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life," I eagerly plucked it from the shelf to discover what recipes I should be stirring up for true happiness. Here are a few that caught my attention:

Be a student in some kind of class.
This is great advice! Knowledge is a gift. If it's out there, grab hold of it and don't let go . . . ever.

Stop blaming others and take responsibility for every area of your life.
Yes, life truly is what you make it.

Think big thoughts, but relish in small pleasures.
Half the fun of reaching a goal is the steps it takes to get there . . . so get moving!

Learn to listen-opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.
A key point for the non-observant!

Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than the one with all the facts.
The last time I checked, dreams didn't come with an expiry date.

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
This is one contagious symptom you want to spread!

In its original form, this little book of big promise had been a father's scribblings-providing some words of wisdom on the day his son left for college. I reveled in the simplicity of it and it confirmed what I had been thinking all along-that the true art of self-fulfillment requires only one thing: a little ambition.

It's Friday evening. I'm on my way home and the bus has fallen into its steady rhythm of stop, go, stop, go. My good friend asks me nonchalantly what my plans are for the evening. "I'm going home to write a column," I say, grinning ear to ear at her confused expression. I can't help it, I feel so incredibly fortunate. I'm shooting for the moon but, even if I miss, I know I'll land among the stars.

Learn more about this author, Karen Umrysh.
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