What is precious to you?

Last night, I was reading an article about a former teacher of one of our son's who is fighting breast cancer. She commented that it took a blessing (cancer) for her to really realize how many people care about her and love her. WHY does that need to happen before we get it?? Before we start to treasure the people that truly make us better? Because what is precious to us has been threatened to be taken away. Why wait? Because we take people for granted and think they will always be there. I used to keep a voice message on my phone not to remind me of the day it was left (originally it was), but to remind me of the voice that left it. Who means the world to you? Why do we all have regrets after someone is gone? Because we left things undone or words unsaid. That can haunt you forever. Don't wait. I know I talk alot and share more than I should, but if this life is truly to live without regrets, then take the time you have been given and use it fully. Do not make excuses. Stop for a minute and think about who or what needs your attention RIGHT NOW?? Even if it is just 5 minutes. Do the unexpected. Because you can make someone's day with little things. Even if it is not received in the way you intended, you will have let your heart lead you and there can never be any regrets when you let that lead. Make the call you have been dreading to make. Then, you can feel better about reaching when you were unsure if someone would be at the other end. Show people that they matter to you. Send them a card or a text just to wish them to enjoy the day. Because, in a blink their life or your life can change forever without warning with no possible way to fix it. Wake up and make a point to do all you can to show them they how much they mean to you. We all need reminded from time to time to feel that our existence is important to others. That is why we love and live our lives. You are precious to others, even if they don't tell you or show it. Maybe they don't know how to tell you or how to show it. It just seems so easy...you are precious to someone.

Memories Made

How was your holiday weekend? Mostly speaking, this one was for the books, but great times were had with pictures, hugs, laughs, and even a few fireworks thrown in. With the hustle and bussle of every day life, remember to have fun and make memories. Not just for you, but for those that you love most. Saturday night, my husband and I went to a retirement party for Rocky. No, she is not hanging up her running shoes, but she is beginning a new adventure and it was a HUGE success. Great food, a band, fireworks, and wonderful people made the night amazing and one that we will remember. Forever. Last night, my husband grilled ribs and shrimp as we watched out boys play wiffle ball in the front yard, just like when they were younger. They also played a little hoop in between setting off their wares from the fireworks stands. I brought out the camera and tried to capture those memories that might be long forgotten had I not hold onto it for just a moment. Like is so quickly passing us by that every moment, every smile, every post will trigger a memory in someone, somewhere. What are you doing in your life that you are proud of and want your family to remember about you? That your house was always clean? No, thanks. That you raised good kids? That you found something that made you happy, even against the odds, did it anyway? My wish for you is that you start taking your today and make your tomorrow part of the memories you will treasure forever. We never know if we have tomorrows but we have today...right now...and regardless of what it brings, you will always have memories. Treasure them. Keep them close. Smile about them and share them with others.

Life is simply awesome

This past Friday, I had lunch with two BUNKO ladies and we had a nice chance to catch up. They see each other more than I had seen them, so we were mostly catching up on me. I also told them I was sorry for not being all that I should have been when we were together. They said that I didn't need to, but understood why I felt like I needed to apologize. They forgave me. Later on Friday, I also received some good news after waiting for a couple of days for a potential speed bump that would require a huge decision from me. But, I didn't have to make that choice and everything worked out. Rocky was so excited when I told her...I think she actually skipped in the street! I drove up to see our son on Saturday and surprised him and that made the 2.5 hour trip one way worth it - just to see him smile and get a hug. I will take one all day long. Life still has some unanswered questions for me, but we are taking them all in stride with information as it comes, with no worries. I also have a wonderful family and friends who love me and care for me like I never really appreciated before. That is clearly evident to me now. I am more blessed than ever, but not because these blessings just showed up all at one moment. My life has always been blessed but never did I express my regard for it like I am now. I know we all take things for granted at times, (who doesn't?) but we also need to remember to be grateful for what we have. I will admit (reluctantly) that I can be stubborn and dedicated (some have even called me pig-headed) at times when others are giving me advice that I do not want to hear. Who hasn't done that too? I know that when my friends are trying to help or that they worry about me, I understand why. I don't necessarily like it because I am better at helping others than I am at letting others help me. Welcome those little pleasures that make you smile...treasure your friends...love your family. Your life is simply awesome, too. You just have to believe that it is. Have a wonderful night...see you soon.

Your everything

This week has been emotionally draining and tiring. I would be lying if I said I am not glad that it is over. I have been reminded this week about life and those little moments we all take for granted, and how time is never anything we can get back once it is gone. The song that gets me really motivated to change my life is called, "Motions" by Matthew West. There is a portion of the song where where the lyrics say, "I don't want to spend my life asking what if I had given my everything instead of going through the motions." That is where I am right now and I actually get very upset about the thought I could be wasting time doing something totally irrelevant. We never know how much time we have in our lives. My Mission Statement highlights my lack of regrets so far in my life, and I am not about to start now. If I had to ask myself if I have given my everything, my answer would be no. Well, no more waiting for me. I am done with the status quo and waiting for my life to lead me - I am taking control and going to give my life my everything. I have given more of my everything in the last 12 months that I have probably done my entire life. What becomes important when you have signs that remind you that you are alive and that your work is not yet done. Tonight, I have friends that are mourning their husband and father while another friend is mourning the loss of her mother in law. Personally, we have dealt with four deaths in the last four weeks. As I mentioned earlier - no one is promised a tomorrow or any amount of time. We have to make the most of our todays. If you knew you had but one day to live, can you say you gave your everything? Most of us can't. Because we are not promised anything, it should be your life's purpose to give your everything. It should be what you tell yourself every morning before your start your day. I don't want to wish that I had given more. One of my favorite sayings is, "No one ever wishes they had done less. They always wish they had done more." Give more, believe more, love more, say more, treasure more, dance more, laugh more, hug more - the list goes on. Give your everything - it is the one thing that is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.