I hate being indoors. For myself, I’m happiest when I’m out and about in public spaces, surrounded by other people, and when I have the opportunity to walk and think.

Perhaps my ideal lifestyle is a “street lifestyle”; a lifestyle that maximizes my time outdoors (outside of the house), in coffee shops, at public parks, and surrounded by other human beings.

Why a street lifestyle?

For myself, I’m most stimulated when around other people, outdoors, and in the city. Perhaps it is because I need more external stimuli in order to thrive physiologically. Whenever things are too quiet, I feel like I’m withering and dying inside.

I think I like being out in public because I am interested in people; specifically, strangers, their fashion, how they live, and how they interact.

Perhaps this is why I like street photography so much: it gives me the ability to live more outdoors, while also giving myself and artistic outlet. It is killing two birds with one stone.

How do you best thrive?

This is a question which interests me:

What are your optimal living situations or circumstances which allow you to thrive?

This is obviously different for everybody. But we must discover the truth for ourselves.

For example there are other people who prefer to stay at home, or live in the countryside. Not me.

I propose:

We should never assume that other people’s ideal living circumstances correspond with ours.

Furthermore,

We should never look at others and their lifestyle, thinking that they somehow have the “secret” to our own ideal lifestyle.

Mode of living

I think I’m like Andy Warhol; I have social disease. I cannot stay at home by myself. I need to interact with others in order to feel the most energetic and “happy”.

But why interact with others?

1. I like to joke, and elicit reactions from others. Perhaps this is a way for me to assert and exercise my social power and prowess, which gives me joy.
2. Interesting with other people is a fascinating challenge, which is difficult and fun. Learning how to be charming to others is a fun game to me.
3. Shooting street photography is like “extreme sports” (like skateboarding or snowboarding). It is the danger associated with street photography which makes it fun, enjoyable, challenging, and interesting.

Discover your own ideal lifestyle for yourself.

All I can do is to share my personal thoughts, ideas, and opinions with you. You shouldn’t assume that I have any answers. I simply hope that you can engage in deep personal inquiry for yourself to discover your own ideal living circumstances to thrive artistically (mentally) and physiologically (physically).

Never stop seeking to know yourself deeper!

ERIC