Over the Hill

Yesterday was my birthday. It was fabulous. I did what I wanted. I ate what I wanted. I played Wii until my thumbs were sore. My mom asked how in the world I got to be 40. Tick tock, Mom. The clock doesn't stop, dammit. I wish it would at least slow down a little. My friend, Z(J) said welcome to the top of the slide. Thanks. My response was, "The view is great from up here." Over my 40 years, I have learned a couple of things, believe it or not. Want to hear them? Of course you do. That's why you're reading my blog.

1. Always make your bed. My mom says that no matter how messy your room is, if you make your bed, it looks neater. She's right. You ought to see my room right now. Messy as all get out, but my bed is made, so it's not so bad. I like the clean lines of a made bed. I like pulling back the covers and slipping in it at night. If I nap in my bed, which is rare, I use a throw. I don't like messing up the covers until bed time. There is something luxurious about getting into a made bed. Anything that can bring just a little pleasure, like a made bed, should be taken advantage of.
2. Get over it. Really. What ever wrong was done to you, short of bodily harm and financial ruin, get over it. Even the financial ruin isn't as bad as you think. Been there, twice. If somebody offends you, get over it. In the grand scheme of things, life is too short to carry that crap around. I'm trying to get rid of my burdens. I am trying to get over all of the "hurts" and "anger" that I carry around about certain people. If you carry it around, you give them control they don't deserve. If it's you, figure out why you did what you did and move on. Beating yourself up will not help. Picking yourself up, putting one foot in front of the other, and moving on will.
3. The person you are today is not the person you will be in 10 years. It's inevitable. The people you surround yourself with is what you will become, pure and simple. It's a flock mentality. My best advice about this is to surround yourself and your famliy with people that share your goals and values and morals. Surround yourself with people that are trustworthy and honest. Surround yourself with what you aspire you and your family to be. But remember that you are surrounding yourself with people. We are all malleable and we all make mistakes. When you do, or they do, see #2.
4. Love doesn't hurt. Love doesn't make you feel angry. Love doesn't make you feel stupid. Love doesn't make you feel bitchy. Love isn't a negative emotion. Love is beautiful, and joyous, and amazing. If you feel any negativity because of love, that isn't love. As bad as it may hurt at the beginning, as hard as it may seem, walk away from the negative "love" and you will find the beautiful, joyous, amazing love. Don't stay because of excuses. Leave because of them.
5. Excuses ARE like assholes. Are you giving reasons or excuses? Listen to the words and really think about them. If a solution sounds too hard, you are probably giving excuses. If you find yourself saying, " But you don't understand...", you are giving excuses. Quit whining and move on.
6. Your children are, wait for it, children. Egads, it's like a news flash or something. They are human beings with feeling and emotions and you need to nurture their ambitions and their confidence and their abilty to see the world with rose colored glasses. These beautiful creatures have been loaned to us by a gracious and loving God. We need to protect these precious treasures and teach them what love and joy and happiness is all about. The roughness of a kitten's tongue, the beauty of a field of blue bonnets, the wonderful healing power of a hug. These are the things that are the most important to them. Spend time getting to know the beauty of your children. Rushing here and there for this activity or the other is not nearly as important as talking with your child. Talk WITH your child, not to or at, but with. Amazing the difference one word makes.
7. I love you. Words packed with power. Say them as many times a day as humanly possible. Break your record every day. Mean the words when you say them, too. And remember, I love you.

That's what I've got so far. It's not deep and insightful. I don't have winning lottery numbers. I do have a wonderful life. I have a husband that was hand picked for me. I have three wonderful children that are constantly teaching me about life. I have had 40 years to get here. I am excited about the journey for the next 40. And beyond.