Ten years is a significant period of time. What do you have planned for your next ten? An equally important query can be, what have we learned from the last ten? Do I want to take these lessons and invest them in my future?
I have often said that: "The older I get the dumber I get!" Perhaps I should clarify that pronouncement. As times passes, the vast number of things that I do not know, becomes more and more clearly apparent leaving the intelligence that, I thought, I possessed in the dusty shadows.
This last decade has been one of awakening for me.
"Little" things matter, and little things don't matter.
The small irritations of life and relationships, the little things, can be like water and the rock. They can wear us down, completely changing our attitude, disposition and behavior. These are not the things to base a life on; the nit-picky, whiny, woe-is-me, waah, waah, waah, impatient nonsense. I think it's best to just let them go. Save all of that energy for something much better, the other "Little" things.
Kind words, hugs, patience, humility, empathy, sincerity, encouragement, appreciation, attention, generosity, a gentle touch, a small act or gift, or just listening, no talking, just really listening, when someone needs a nonjudgemental ear. In a word Love.
So, where could we begin to practice these critically important "Little" things?
At home! With the ones we cherish. It is sad that we, often times, are the most harsh and unforgiving with the very ones that we are closest to. Yes, I'd begin there.
But for some of us that time has passed. Loss is an incredibly powerful and impartial teacher. Loss can be an illuminator, showing us where we have done well and where we have not. I could have done so much better.
But what if we were alerted to these "Little" things, while there was still time? This my attempt at that. To share, to alert about what I have learned from my loss. It was ten years ago this morning that my window of opportunity closed. After 35 years of having this amazing woman by my side, she was gone.
I have to pause here to say, this is not meant to be a sad post. It is simply a nudge to express your gratitude and love more freely, more often. To just become better at living and caring for others.
Deb and I had such wonder-filled times together and a beautiful family. I am forever grateful to her! I will love her as long as I am alive.
My wish today is that this reminder will stir you to focus on the "Little" things in your life. Start at home and work your way out. Can you imagine what a difference can be made if more of us tried doing this?
Are you up for the challenge? I hope that you are. It is a worthy and rewarding effort.
Let's go do it!
"Discipline weighs ounces, Regret weighs tons." ~ Jim Rohn
Goodbye is not forever, no, it is not the end.
It simply means " I'll miss you" until we meet again.
~ Unknown
