Today it’s time to invite our first insanely interesting guests on the stage.

Kim and Jason Kotecki are an energetic, interested and curious young couple on an important mission. Quoting their web site:

We believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, that our lives should be bursting with big dreams, oodles of passion, and an enthusiastic playfulness. We believe in curiosity, delighting in the little things, and a faith that knows things always work out for the best. We believe that a life that embraces a childlike spirit is a life that is less stressful and way more fun.

So, as a reader of my blog I’m sure you see why I’m so happy to have them answer a few questions and talk to you guys.

Kim and Jason are following their dreams and beliefs through writing, speaking and comic strips. Check out their website to see what Kim and Jason are up for next or test yourself to see if you suffer from Adultitis, a syndrome that makes us act too much like an adult and lose all the fun you had as a kid.

But now, I’ll let Kim and Jason do the talking.

Jarkko: Hi Kim, hi Jason! It’s great to have you guys start this round of interviews on making this the most interesting September so far!

Jason, I really like your “job title”, The Champion of Childhood. But I just have to start by asking you a fundamental question: Why? Why do you think it’s important for grown ups to escape adulthood? Most people just accept it as a law of nature: we grow up, get more responsibilities, and that’s it. You disagree, why is that?

Jason: Well I actually don’t disagree…with all of it.

It is true that we all have to grow up and take on more responsibilities. I’m certainly not advocating that we stop paying our bills and goof around with Play-Doh all day.

What I do disagree with is the idea that once we become adults, we have to start taking everything so seriously, stop asking questions, bury our dreams, and sign up for jobs we hate. There is a major difference between being childISH and childLIKE. If we can uncover some of the childlike traits we all had when we were kids, we can live lives that are less stressful and a heck of a lot more fun.

Jarkko: You have written a manifesto on escaping adulthood that inspires me a lot. One of my favorite ideas in it is the idea of dreaming big. You have built a business around these ideas and it seems that you are doing pretty well. So, how much dreaming big did it take to get to this point? What were people around you saying when you decided to go with this idea instead of picking a regular job?

Jason: It did take a lot of dreaming, and still does! I’m always trying to get myself to dream even bigger. Most people underestimate what they are capable of.

We were fortunate to have many close friends and our parents support us since day one. That has been huge.

To be honest, I think that our parents thought we were a little crazy at first and were concerned about our well-being. But they stood by us. Over the years, they have seen our persistence and determination, and I believe that has really won them over. Now they’re our biggest fans.

I will say that sometimes our own doubts and fears can big a big obstacle to our dreams. Since we are both fans of the band Switchfoot, I’m happy to mention that one of their songs includes the phrase “Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.” That’s served as a good reminder over the years.

Kim: Dreaming big is something you have to work on as adults. Unfortunately it doesn’t just happen, like when we were kids.

God speaks in the whispers of your heart and if you choose to listen to those whispers, it’s amazing the path that opens before you.

Jarkko: …Maybe some day I’ll collect the courage to start my own space travel agency then. ;)

When running your own business, I’m sure from time to time you are still confronted with things like paying the rent and making sure you have enough money to survive through the next month that might cause Adultitis to creep in. How do you keep your childlike attitude in those moments?

Jason: We really believe strongly in what we’re doing and we have faith that God is by our side. He has opened doors for us all along, and keeping in tune with that simple childlike faith is sometimes all you can do.

I believe that everything works out for the best, and that problems are opportunities. It’s important to stay positive, which allows you to think creative thoughts. When you’re negative, your mind closes itself off from opportunities and possibilities that might be right under your nose. Keeping that childlike curiosity is key.

Kim: We have had moments with finances, especially, when all we could do is thank God for the challenges, knowing they would make us more faithful and strong. There’s no way we would be able to live this message of Adultitis-free living without our faith.

Kids just grab onto their parent’s hands and walk across the street. They don’t need to worry about their safety, they get to pay attention to the scenery, and they always end up where they’re supposed to be. That’s the imagery we focus on when it comes to our faith and trusting without knowing what’s coming around the corner.

Jarkko: I’m calling this September the Insanely Interesting September to point out that if you look at the world the right way, each month can be even more interesting than the previous one. You’ve had a pretty interesting summer (moving in to the new office, merging your blogs, and so on) so what do you think will make September even more interesting than that for you guys?

Jason: Well, one big highlight is a trip to Arizona that’s coming up in about a week. We have several speaking engagements out there, and neither one of us has been to Arizona before. We’re planning on staying a few extra days to see the Grand Canyon, which I’m totally excited about. People have told us that the pictures you see don’t come close to doing it justice.

We’re also in the middle of adding a ton of new products to our online store which is very exciting and should lead to an insanely interesting end of the year!

Kim: A highlight for me is having the opportunity to jump on stage with Jason for our upcoming speaking programs. We’ve been working together to develop programs that we both deliver side by side, which is a thrill! Being a former teacher, I am anxious to have the chance to “teach” again and the excitement of a new school year is always insanely rejuvenating.

Jarkko: For readers who want to make this month “insanely interesting”, what do you think is the most important skill they should focus on to do it?

Jason: One of the eight “secrets” we talk about is to “Delight in the Little Things.” Kids are masters at this. The world around us is by default “insanely interesting,” but Adultitis can cause us to miss out on a lot. We need to slow down and see things with new eyes. There is no end to how astounded we’d be if we just took the time to see things with a childlike perspective.

Kim: Stop rushing. Breathe deep. Notice the little joys all around you. This will help you delight in the insanely interesting things that life presents you with. Life is filled with countless Cracker Jack prizes, but we miss them when we are acting like headless poultry.

Make sure to delight in your family and friends. Relationships are often the biggest casualties in our fight again busyness.

Jarkko: Looking at my three-and-a-half month old son has already taught me that kids really are interested in everything. Something as simple as a corner of a towel or as you say in your manifesto, a coin they find on the ground can keep them excited for quite a while. What do you think is the first thing we as grown ups should do to get that attitude of exploration back?

Jason: I’d say the first thing is to slow down. People get so caught up in their hectic, fast-paced lifestyles that everything just morphs into “survival mode.” There is no time to notice anything new; all of their energy is spent just keeping up.

Once we slow down — and give ourselves some time to detox — then it’s a matter of changing our surroundings. Go to the zoo. Take a hike somewhere you’ve never been. Try a new restaurant. Spend some time in the part of a bookstore you don’t normally browse.

It won’t be long before that childlike attitude of exploration and curiosity bubbles to the surface, and the new insights and connections you make will benefit you in your work.

Kim: Start asking “why” more, without caring what others might think. Allow yourself the opportunities to discover new things and experiences.

Again, this doesn’t just happen. You have to carve out the time and make it a priority, which means saying no to something else, in order to say yes to new explorations and adventures.

Jarkko: Thanks for your time and all the great answers! As a last question, I’ll pick a classic: Are there some final words you’d like to say to my readers before we finish the interview?

Jason: It has been a pleasure. I have been inspired lately by a quote by author Dan Millman, who said, “Death isn’t sad. What’s sad is how few people really live.” Adultitis robs us of our energy, vitality, passion and dreams.

Life is too short to be spent in a boring, mundane, uninteresting existence. I’d say it’s time for people to live insanely interesting lives!

Kim: Thanks so much, Jarkko! Keep up the fabulous work.

My final thought would be that we should stop living like we are going to die at age 85. Nothing is guaranteed, and although it’s admittedly tough to live each day like it’s your last, it is doable to live life bigger, brighter and bolder. Kids are our examples of how to do this.

This month we’re celebrating Insanely Interesting September. Check out the announcement and participate in the group writing project: What do you find interesting today? What makes this September the most interesting so far? Why are you insanely interested in something? Share your thoughts and see what others have written.

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Bored?

Are you sitting at your desk, working on the same old projects you worked on last month? Maybe even last year? Pushing papers around the desk and watching your screen saver fill your screen with flashy colors? Or maybe you’re at home surfing the web, trying to get some homework done. Feeling down and uninspired.

This month, that’s all about to change: It’s time for Insanely Interesting September.

Here are 14 habits, thoughts and actions that can turn your boring days into the most interesting you’ve ever had. Follow the advice, see what happens, and share your experiences with the rest of us!

1. Keep your eyes open: When you walk around the town with your eyes wide open, you can’t help but notice interesting things all around you. The morning mist when you walk to the bus stop early in the morning. Someone carrying a bag with an interesting logo on it, an old couple walking hand in hand. Two cars having a fight. For people who know how to look the world is full of stories you can hear with your eyes.
2. Trust like a child: Don’t say “I can’t do this”, “We can’t do this”, “You can’t do this”. What’s the worst that can happen? Even if in the end you notice that things were a bit harder than you thought, you have learned something new. That’s why I want to start making my own cheese. And it’s the reason we don’t need to buy bread anymore.
3. Kill cynicism: It seems that these days it’s fashionable to by cynical. Thinking that we can’t make a difference, that things will fail anyway. To be interested you can’t let cynicism take over. I know I’m naive, and I’m proud of it.
4. Dream big: Big dreams and goals keep you going when cynicism tries to take over.
5. Ask why: When you see something happening there are always two options for you to choose from. You can just let things happen and move on. Or you can have your eyes open and ask the question three year old kids keep asking all the time: “Why?” “Why this bread became darker than the one from yesterday?” “Why does the sun rise every morning?”
6. Ask how: “Why?” is a good question, but there’s more. “How?” is equally interesting, and one of my personal favorites. One night I was laying on my bed, chatting with my wife about Jonah (inspired by the Veggietales movie) and there it was: “How?” “How could a whale swallow a human being?” I just had to get up, open Wikipedia and start digging. I found out that Jews don’t really think that the story should be read literally, it’s just us Christians who read their Bibles that way… Well, there’s of course room for miracles, but once again, asking the question “How?” taught me something new.
7. Be the luckiest person you know: I just read this from Scott Ginsberg’s book Make a Name for Yourself this morning. Opportunity knocks every day. Keep your eyes open.
8. Read something every day: Books are probably the single greatest human invention. There’s nothing more entertaining than a good novel, nothing more educating than a good non-fiction book, nothing more inspiring than reading from other people’s successes and failures.
9. Talk to interesting people: Don’t be afraid to approach people. Most of them won’t bite! And if you’re not that good at approaching people in your everyday life, try e-mail.
10. Break your limits: Do what you’re afraid of doing. Practice intentional discomfort. Thanks for the tip, Scott!
11. Don’t accept criticism too early: Criticism is great. We all need to know if something we’ve done sucks. That’s the only way to learn and become better at the things we do. What you don’t need is to be told you can’t do something before you even tried. Always start with the words: “I can do this”.
12. Learn from your mistakes: Learn the lesson and take it into action. Maybe you won’t try the same thing again (or maybe you will), but the lesson learned can still be valuable. Learn it. Then live it. Don’t give up.
13. Start small: Start with something small enough to get it done, but big enough to be interesting. My dream is that one day I will write a book. What am I doing to get there? I started a blog. By writing every day I get to practice my writing, I get some small victories, some bigger victories. And when I’m ready I can take all my lessons learned and write my book.
14. You can make a difference!

I dare you: take the first step today. Start small, think big, and you will break your limits!

What do you think? What could make this September the most interesting you’ve had so far? Are you ready to make sure it will happen? Or are you already working on it?

This month we’re celebrating Insanely Interesting September. Check out the announcement and participate in the group writing project: What do you find interesting today? What makes this September the most interesting so far? Why are you insanely interested in something? Share your thoughts and see what others have written.

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What’s the meaning of life?

A friend asked this question in his Facebook profile a few days ago. I wanted to answer him but soon realized that I didn’t have an answer ready. And apparently it was a hard question for the rest of his friends as well: the only answer to the question was 42, the answer made famous by Douglas Adams.

42 is a great answer. But not very useful.

42 means “I don’t know”.

I used to think that faith would be the answer. But it’s not that either. Faith gives a framework and a reason for us being here, and clues for finding the purpose. My faith tells me that there is a purpose, but it also puts me back to square one: What is that purpose? What is the meaning of life?

Each of us have a different meaning. We have been given different talents. But no matter what our meaning is we should find it and live it. In a great song from my favorite band, Switchfoot, Jon Foreman sings:

If we only got one try
If we’ve only got one life
If time was never on our side
Before I die I want to burn out bright

You can’t say it much better than that. Life is short. Life is precious. That’s why today I need to do whatever it takes to fill my purpose. Whatever it is.

I can’t say I know exactly why I’ve been put on this planet, but I know that in life some things matter more than others. And that’s a good point to start from: Find the things that matter most to you, and you might be on to something.

Here’s my list of valuable things as of today, in random order (although family always comes first).

1. Family: Mari, Oiva, Mom, Dad, Lauri, Jetro, Tiitus, friends and relatives
2. Hearing the thunder, feeling the wind, seeing the power of nature
3. Being alive, burning out bright!
4. Reading
5. Writing
6. Finding beauty in the small things around me
7. Feeding the hungry
8. Following Jesus
9. Tasting the different tastes of the world
10. Giving happily
11. Learning, always learning and experimenting
12. Drinking hot drinks on a cold day
13. Making a difference

Life is short. Make the most out of it!

This month we’re celebrating Insanely Interesting September. Check out the announcement and participate in the group writing project: What do you find interesting today? What makes this September the most interesting so far? Why are you insanely interested in something? Share your thoughts and see what others have written.

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What inspires me the most is when I see people approach the world with an open mind:

Creative people.

Curious people.

Inspired people.

People experimenting with new things.

Learning.

This month at Jarkko Laine dot com is dedicated to these people: the insanely interested. It’s time for Insanely Interesting September!

Insanely Interesting September is a team writing effort in which insanely interested people from all around the world team up to tell about the interesting things they do or see during September. Anyone can participate, so if you are madly interested in something, it’s time to share it with the rest of the world:

Growing chili, making games, artisan bread, shooting pictures from high above the ground, making your own cheese, being an entrepreneur, art and animation… Anything. If you’re insanely interested in something, I want to hear from you!

Here are the rules:

1. Write a post in your blog. Explain why you are insanely interested in whatever you are insanely interested in. Tell us about a specific aspect of that thing, or go for a broader approach. Try to convince the rest of us to see why it is the greatest thing on earth.
2. Link to this post. In your post, link to this post so that people reading it will know that it’s part of the Insanely Interesting September writing project
3. E-mail me. I am following incoming links to see if someone has linked to me, but to make sure I don’t miss your post, you can send me an e-mail with a link to your post.

Once a week I will write an Insanely Interesting September summary post in which I share a list of all the posts written during the week with short comments or descriptions. And whenever a post really inspires me, I’ll write a full post about it.

If you are not a blogger, you can still participate by commenting this post or any of the weekly summary posts. I will then pick some of the most interesting comments and feature them in the weekly Insanely Interesting September posts as well!

It’s time to get started: Insanely interested people, get your pens sharpened and start writing! Have an interesting September!

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This week, inspired by Rich Dad, Poor Dad, I have been thinking a lot about improving my financial IQ and learning to take better care of my money. I already posted some intreresting links in my article “To be free from money you must think about money” a few days ago, and now it’s time for some more.

Here are my picks from articles that have popped up to my RSS feed reader this week:

1. Learning personal finances: Petteri Hietavirta shares his financial history all the way from his childhood to today. The post highlights the importance of parents teaching their kids to use money wisely. While at it you should also check out Petteri’s take on insane loans.
2. 100 Dollars and 30 Days!: Simon from Simon’s Money Notes asks us what we would do if given 100 dollars and 30 days to spend it wisely. How about buying some bread and sausages and selling hot dogs? Go ahead and leave a comment to Simon!
3. Start Investing With as Little as $100: Leonid Shalimov from Cashbulge has written a nice introduction to investing if you only have a limited amount of money to use. This could be one good way to spend the $100 mentioned in Simon’s post.
4. Friday Finance - Investing: How To Get Started: Yesterday was a lucky day for people looking for investing tips. First Leonid posted his tips and soon after that Josh Mullineaux shared some more ideas for getting started in investing.

Have a nice weekend! And don’t forget to check back on Monday for more information on the “Insanely Interesting September” project.

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