36 reasons it’s good to be alive

When you get to a certain age there is something terrible that starts happening to you. And it happens over and over again. It’s called “a birthday”.

Of course turning 36 isn’t the end of the world—it’s just a giant step towards it.

So, I’m turning 36 today, and as the years methodically pump by I find that its increasingly easier to find fault with life, people, things — everything. And I know that 36 isn’t “old”, but its the oldest I’ve ever been.

To prove I’m not a complete curmudgeon, here are 36 reasons why it’s good (for me, at least) to be alive:

1. Parents. Without them, I wouldn’t be here turning 36. They’re fantastic, supportive people who have always cheered on my hair-brained schemes, indulged my quirks, and loved me (and my family) unconditionally. They just seem to have forgotten my bank account number.
2. My brother. He’s awesome. We didn’t always share the same interests growing up, but I’ve always looked up to him and—don’t tell him—still seek his approval. He’s funny, creative, intelligent, and we even share our birthday. Boom.
3. Friends. All of you, scattered near and far. You keep me sane, keep me inspired, and sometimes even keep me in check. My ideas, compassion, and creativity would collapse in on themselves without you.
   
   Okay, the gushy stuff is out of the way…
   
   
4. My helmet. I used to skip it on my daily moto rides until a close friend looked me straight in the eye and asked me to please, always, wear it. I do now.
5. My house cats, Piri Piri and Twinkle. Furry little tyrants, but life wouldn’t be the same without them.
6. Writing. It’s getting more serious and more fun. This year, I’m diving deeper into essays, articles, and book projects.
7. Cambodia. A place that’s given me joy, challenges, and the feeling of really living. And I know there’s more ahead.
8. Microwave popcorn. Enough said.
9. Coffee. Nothing wakes up a house like the smell of fresh-ground beans filling the air.
10. Photography. Dôh.
11. Comedians. Dane Cook, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Jim Gaffigan, Eddie Murphy, Ricky Gervais, without them, laughter would be in short supply.
12. Massages. Giving or receiving, I’m hooked.
13. Music. I don’t know how I’d survive without it. It shapes my moods, my thoughts, my days—it’s the soundtrack of my life.
14. Bubble wrap. Popping it is therapy.
15. Movies. They’re not music, but they let me escape, explore, and see the world through other lenses. Everyone should watch more.
16. A great slice of pizza. Perfection in a triangle.
17. A cold Pepsi. Especially on a humid day when the only sound outside is the street cleaners.
18. Michael Jackson. Nothing to add.
19. Homeland. Best TV series. Hours of my life well spent.
20. The butterflies before a new adventure. Life is a roller coaster, and I love the drop.
21. The internet. An endless rabbit hole of information, connection, distraction. I’m not sure it’s made me better, but there’s no going back.
22. Flying. From booking the ticket to boarding the plane, takeoff to the little plastic cup of soda, it all feels like a private kind of heaven. Flights clear my head.
23. Nudism. Yep, I’m one of those people. It’s just too hot here not to be.
24. Dutch cheese. Real Gouda, not the imposters made in Vietnam.
25. Morning papers. My daily ritual. Sundays feel broken without them, so I cheat with a foreign paper on my tablet.
26. Donuts. No explanation needed.
27. Work. I love what I do about 96% of the time. That’s more than most people can say, and I don’t take it for granted.
28. The Phnom Penh skyline.
29. Guinness. A pint of dark joy.
30. Weekend bike rides along the Mekong. Best way to spend a Sunday morning.
31. Fresh fruit. The tropics make it easy. The market’s close, the juices are endless, and my blender deserves its own spot on this list.
32. The Simpsons. (Big secret.)
33. Facebook. Say what you will, but it’s still magic that we can connect so instantly. Remember when we had to wait for letters? Stamps? Replies weeks later? Now you’re just a poke away. (Stop poking me.)
34. Beaches. Cambodia, Thailand, Europe, doesn’t matter. A beach view always makes me dream.
35. That one lady I haven’t met yet. As a single man, it’s good to know she’s out there somewhere.
36. Growing older. Because age isn’t a curse, it’s something you earn.