I recently received a wonderful email from one of my favorite uncles. He said some things that started me thinking. My husband has been sick and I haven't had time to do much, but with all the time I've spent in doctor's offices, ER's and by my husbands side at home I've gained a little perspective while pondering this email. I'd like to share some of what he said with you..."Life is like driving a boat. To get where you want to go you focus on the horizon, not 10 feet in front. There will be waves between you and the horizon, but that's the "small stuff". You ride over them and continue toward your focused target. You can never steer a boat by looking at the wake, never look backward."
My uncle suggested that I understand and focus on the priorities in my life leaving less time to worry with the little things that really don't matter. I realized how much time I spend standing still with my life, looking only at the little things and causing my own stress instead of taking action and looking forward. I've spent the past few days really thinking about this. What really are my priorities? How can I keep myself focused and looking forward?
The people, places and things that mean the most to me can be summed up in three words that have almost reached the point of becoming cliche thanks to the trend of hanging words as home decor (a trend that I do love).
Faith, Family and Friends. These three words and the sum of what they truly are make up my priorities. These are the things I see on my horizon but are also with me at all times too.There will be more on this but right now I'm still tending to and pondering these things.
Now a moment of pride in myself related to looking forward...I have attempted Weight Watchers going on 3 times now. Each time this program worked well for me but I never learned to forgive myself when I didn't eat or exercise as well as I should. This weekend I didn't make the best food choices but I looked ahead. Without much effort I forgave myself. I understand the reasons why I didn't eat as well and I accepted that as the past and not a reason for giving up! I kept tracking my food and I tried to look and move forward - and I did it! Even with the Cajun Filet Biscuit with Cheese, Seasoned Fried and that super yummy bite of Brenna's cinnamon pecan twist, I lost .6lbs. Not a lot but still a loss and and lesson learned! I'm super proud of myself and I don't regret a thing. Bojangles was just a wave but I kept my eyes on the horizon! Thanks Uncle John! You rock! :)
By the way - my total loss to date is 5.2! Yay me!
Yes,it's hard to remember that "life is loss". Each moment the passes is a moment we'll never be able to re-live. So we have to look ahead and make the best of the times to come. I am trying to work on not making everything an urgentcy. As the saying goes..."S__t happens" but it doesn't mean it should ruin our next moments!!
ReplyDeleteAn example of my yesterday..Nothing went right!!
My clients were unbearable, every one of them. I went to the church on my lunch break, because I had no set up a Mass in memory of Morgan's 5th anniversary for March. I knew very well that I wouldn't get a Sunday in March at this late notice....the I thought I'd surely get a Wednesday Mass in March. None!! no late Feb, no March, no April! So, you know what I did? I look forward...It is reserved for Sunday, March 3,2013. And I feel good about that and the world didn't end because I didn't get exactly what I wanted this year.
PS: Today is a good day!!