0025 - Leo

Interviewer's Note: I've been following Leo's blog, Zen Habits, since 2007. I was hooked to it because this guy isn't just bullshitting about certain lifestyle and habits to improve one's life. He's actually leading by example and speaking from experience. Sure enough, he has his weaknesses sometimes (which he isn't afraid to admit). But all in all, his blog has constantly influenced me to live happily with less. If there can only be one blog for you to follow to improve your life, it's this. I'm absolutely thrilled to have him talk about what he thinks about life here today!

Leo Babauta / 39 / San Francisco, USA / Simplicity author and creator of Zen Habits / zenhabits.net / @zenhabits

What do you live for? And Why?

I live to appreciate life as a gift that has been given me. I honestly feel that every moment of life is an amazing blessing that should be savored and appreciated, and that we often take it all for granted. But it’s a miracle! If I’ve been given this gift, it would be wasteful for me not to live it to the fullest.

What is some of the best advice that you have been given/want to give our readers?

So many problems we have stem from thinking about the past and future rather than focusing on the present moment: stress, unhappiness, anger, emotional overeating, procrastination, dissatisfaction with our lives. When you learn to focus on the moment as it is occurring, you learn that you already have everything you need to be happy, and that this moment is miraculous. Good training for living this way is daily meditation for just 5 minutes a day -- simply sit and focus on your breathing, returning to the breath when your thoughts inevitably drift.

Something random you'd like to say?

I have several weaknesses: pizza, chocolate, and beautiful women. I don’t regret having them.