What is important in life? Simple things. Humor. Time with friends. Giving and service to others. Working hard in something you enjoy.

Why are these such difficult concepts to put into practice? Some of us are swept up our perception of how life should be lived. Some of us are susceptible to the image of the "great life" that we are supposed to create. Some of us are sure there is a secret to building great wealth which will finally make us happy. Just make enough money and buy enough stuff and lose enough weight and somehow magically happiness will follow.

All these myths are illusions that distract us from living the life that will make us happy....one full of everyday richness.

The first rule of being a pirate is to remember the ultimate goal...living a good live on the open seas.