I write a LOT about nutrition and exercise. I think that is because most people have the wrong mindset towards both, and they are vitally important to your health. But I realize that I don’t talk enough about our mental wellbeing. I design and post a lot of memes about staying positive and it is one of the things I TALK to people about, but I don’t tend to blog much about it… so that will change today.
Mother’s day is coming soon (In the US) and so is Father’s day. I will tell you point blank that I hate – yes, I did use that word – holidays designed to celebrate one thing. Why? Because you should be appreciating these people all the time, not just one day a year.
Let me tell you a story. Those who don’t know me personally, don’t know my history. I want to share a bit of it today so that you grasp what I am trying to communicate. I was married for nearly 13 years. My husband was active-duty military and gone on average 6 months of every year. We were not a good fit, and if he had been home all the time, I am certain we would have divorced much sooner than we did. 16 months after we divorced, he died in a helicopter crash in Vietnam. Our daughters were 11 & 13. He was 34. I was angry for a long time because there was no resolution for me. We had a very rocky marriage, and our divorce was ugly… we barely talked, and he was mean and vicious whenever we had to communicate. I wanted to know the “why” to so many questions – none of them would ever be answered. It took me years to work through the fact that I would never get those answers.
Last week, one of our extended family died unexpectedly. He was 33. His dad was the one that came to be with me and my kids when they notified us that my husband had died. The young man was my youngest child’s best friend from their earliest memories. This past week has been quite hard. Not only to know that he is gone. But knowing how much pain his parents are in. Knowing that my youngest has so many regrets over missed conversations.
What in your life are you holding onto that doesn’t serve you any longer? A vice? A relationship? A friendship? A job?
Who are you angry with and haven’t resolved your disagreements with? When will you make things right? When will you decide the friendship or relationship is more important than your pride?
What would happen if any of these people died tomorrow? How many regrets would you have?
When did you tell your mother or father you loved them? When did you last hug them, have dinner with them, went on a walk with them, or just sat down and talked to them?
Our lives are all busy. But are you busy spinning your wheels? Busy making money? Or are you busy making memories? Busy being grateful for what you do have?
Tomorrow is not promised to you – if today were your last day – what would you do differently? Maybe that should be how you wake every morning. You would be happier, healthier, and so would the people around you. Don’t wait for tomorrow thinking you can get to it sooner or later – do it now. Trust me. You will be happy you did.
~Blessings – E