Look a little closer
I’ve spent the last week trying to complain less and appreciate what I have just a little more. My final verdict is that I tend to exaggerate a little bit too much. I realised that every action that doesn’t go my way is interpreted as a problem. Abusing the question why? Why is this happening to me when having to wait at a checkout, not finding a parking space quick enough and other mundane things.
The first two days of the week I woke up before my alarm went off and by the second day I realised just how good my life must be if that was a highlight. We all face different challenges at different times in our lives. Living requires us to work things out constantly. I’m a bit concerned that even the little molehills along the way are made out to be insurmountable mountains.
Why don’t you join me and look a little closer. Life is full of laughter, tears, life, death, battles and triumphs. Lend a hand to someone facing difficulty and reach out your hand in time of difficulty to those strong enough to help.
It’s reassuring to know that we won’t all be in need simultaneously.
Live! Love! Laugh!
Life’s many twists and turns
This Too Shall Pass
If I can endure for this minute
Whatever is happening to me,
No matter how heavy my heart is
Or how dark the moment may be-
If I can remain calm and quiet
With all the world crashing about me,
Secure in the knowledge God loves me
When everyone else seems to doubt me-
If I can but keep on believing
What I know in my heart to be true,
That darkness will fade with the morning
And that this will pass away, too-
Then nothing in life can defeat me
For as long as this knowledge remains
I can suffer whatever is happening
For I know God will break all of the chains
That are binding me tight in the darkness
And trying to fill me with fear-
For there is no night without dawning
And I know that my morning is near.
…Helen Steiner Rice
I do enjoy poetry I always have and ever so often I remember the ones which mean a lot to me.
I’m at a crossroad in my life and while I’m fighting personal battles I’m experiencing some really good things in my life. I guess that’s the balance needed to cope in difficult times.
I’m being forced to learn patience (not easy), show mercy (less easy) and to have faith that things will eventually work out (almost impossible).
So as I go through a somewhat difficult phase in my life I’m having to remind myself that this shall pass too! I’ve got to believe it.
It’s easier to leave than to be left behind
After reading what seemed like some of the most devastating stories in the news the past week or so I have felt deeply for the families who are left behind to pick up the pieces following the tragic loss of loved ones.
I really despise the fact that death is one of those occasions where nothing more can be said by the one who ceases to breathe. There are no answers just unanswered questions. Death has proven itself to be a thief in the night. There is no way to prepare or avoid it. It just happens without warning!
Life hands out different measurements to each of us. Since we’ve no idea how much time we have I guess the idea is to make the most of our time. The challenge is to be the best we can be.
Love, laugh and and above all forgive. No regrets!
Shoulder to cry on
I’ve spent a good part of the day looking for a quote about life that would describe the way I’m feeling. That hasn’t happened and I’ve decided to give it a go trying to sum up the very different aspects of life I’ve been exposed to over the past few days. I guess the thing about life is that stuff happens whether we like it or not and whether or not we deserve it. Life is so full of opposites. Death and birth. Laughter and tears. Success and failure. Victories and defeats.
I wish I had all of the answers to all of life’s most complex questions but I don’t. What I do have is loads of empathy and reassuring hugs. When I go through tough times and deal with unpleasant situations all I need is somebody who provides a shoulder to lean on and to listen to my rumblings and ramblings.
If you meet somebody who is going through a rough time just give them support and understanding. Life is unpredictable at the very best of times and though we know it goes on that’s not what you wish to hear when faced with death, sickness or heartbreak!
Unbridled hope for the future
I’ve recently watched a documentary of a group of children whose lives have been documented from the age of 7 at seven-year intervals they are now 56Â years old. The series was originally intended to show how socio-economic conditions determine a child’s future. They were so wrong! As it turns out good and bad choices determine your future.
It was so amazing to see the enthusiasm and hope of each of those children when interviewed initially but sadly the flame of hope seemed to be fading as the reality of life set in. It became really hard for many to keep their eyes on the prize. Some did achieve their childhood goals and others were forced to redefine what success meant to them. I must admit that I was slightly jealous that my thoughts and ambitions weren’t recorded because I’d love to know what was ideas were cooking in my little brain at a really tender age.
I have no plans to subject my daughters to a documentary series on such a grand scale. However, I do have every intention of letting them know that the sky is the limit and only they have the power to decide their future. The future is super bright for them and I will make every effort to keep their dreams alive!
Edge of glory
Warning! If you think you are going to live forever do not read any further!
As I lay in my bed last night I had the strangest thought. I was wondering what would happen if I died suddenly in my sleep. I’m not afraid of death I just wish it came with a notification. I just hate the unpredictability of waking up and finding out that I’ve died! At this point there is just no going back and making amends, reaching goals and of course telling loved ones you love them just one last time.
There are times when my mortality is foremost in my mind and I seize every opportunity and hold nothing back. There is no time like the present to live life to its full potential and at this moment in my life I really want to live with no regrets. There are some things in this life which cannot be bought. Life, love and happiness spring to mind. if you’re fortunate enough to have these then it’s time to celebrate!
‘Don’t fear your mortality, because it is this very mortality that gives meaning and depth and poignancy to all the days that will be granted to you’ Paul Tsongas.
Celebrating good times
Life has a funny way of reminding us that we should enjoy each and every day! Sad though that this reminder more often than not follows the death of somebody who for some strange reason we thought would live forever.
My husband celebrated his birthday yesterday and one of the perks of having young children is that they just want to have a party. So we had a wonderful afternoon tea party with cupcakes hardly suitable for a grown man. He loved it and I’ve no doubt they loved it more.
Celebrations are not just for special occasions. Each day that you rise should be an occasion to be celebrated. It seems a weird thing to say but I’m so glad to be alive. I hope you will join me in my celebration of life!
The hands of time
At the moment of your birth your whole life lies before you. An empty canvas waiting for you to make your mark with life’s many experiences. Sometimes the art can appear very abstract with way too many unanswered questions. I guess the trick of this life is finding a way to leave the past behind, live in the present and plan for a tomorrow that may never come. Cherishing each day because you may never meet chances and opportunities again. Moments forever lost in time.
Recently I’ve been forced to face with my own mortality. Every now and again an untimely death gets me re-evaluating the way I’m living my life. When you’re young you somehow feel you going to live forever. I’m not suggesting living in fear of death but it certainly sheds some light on the things we place importance on. Particularly the things we cannot take with us when we die. Unfortunately this world we live in requires us to make a living and support ourselves and our families. Finding the balance in giving priority to people who count as opposed to things.
Ever so often I get fed up with being a stay at home mom and I very quickly realise that my girls will be all grown up in the blink of an eye and these moments will be gone forever. So wherever you find yourself in this life just make the absolute most of good and bad situations because nothing lasts forever. Nothing in this life is certain except death.
A CRY, A SMILE, A DANCE 
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