Random Thoughts at 2 A.M. When It Was Too Hot to Sleep

I suffer from occasional insomnia.  Despite my best efforts, there are some nights I can't fall asleep. Sundays are the worst because I have to go to work on Monday. Or, otherwise I wake up in the middle of the night and can't fall back asleep.  On most nights, I get up and write in my journal, complaining about not being able to sleep.

One night last week, when journaling at 2 a.m., I made a list of things that I myself need to be mindful of.  This is not a list of rules to live by, I can't tell you what you should put into action.  I don't pretend to be a teacher or trail guide. I hope. however, you might consider them. They are just insomnia thoughts that I want to share.
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1. We depend too much on pursuing the meaning of life and not enough on living life to its fullest. Life really has no one meaning other than doing everything you can to enjoy your brief time on this Earth.  Chasing after the so-called meaning of life is just a fool’s errand.
2. Practice non-attachment.  As soon as you latch onto the concept of being happy, you will most certainly be miserable.  But don’t be attached to being miserable, either
3. Breathe with intent
4. Drink coffee
5. Subvert the dominant paradigm.  Be a social irritant.
6. Pursue sleep like a stealthy hunter.  Once caught, hold it down by the throat and let yourself sleep.
7. Plants herbs
8. Learn basic cooking skills. 
9. Write poetry.  Give yourself permission to write the crappiest poetry on Earth. It will only get better
10. Read more poetry
11. Read as much as you can. Consider reading recommendations, but read what you want, not just what someone else thinks you should read.
12. Listen to your own thoughts, but don’t believe everything you think.
13. Reserve the right to tell someone to fuck off if you feel it’s necessary.
14. Sit outside for at least 30 minutes a day, weather allowing
15. Watch old movies
16. Explore your options, of which there are many, if you look.
17. Keep a journal and write like no one will read it.  Just like writing poetry, write what you want, and the catharsis will be there
18. Rediscover the child-like wonder you had before you became jaded with the world.
19. Seek the peace of solitude, even if it is occasionally
20. Let go of family and friends that impede your purpose, which is to enjoy life. If it pulls you down, let it go and rise above, instead of sinking to the depths.
21. Tell your friends you love them and let them know how much you appreciate them.
22. Drink plenty of water
23. Wake up early and meditate to the songs of the birds outside your window.