Life in the fast lane.... or is it the slow one?

"Life is what you make of it."  How many times have we heard that saying?  Do you really believe it?  Do you really think that is all that 'life' is?

In one sense, I guess it can be true.  Your life consists of what you make of it.  But what about those things that come at you that you have no power to change?  What about the issues that weigh you down that are not your fault?  What about those 'little things' that you thought were nothing, but turned out to be 'big things'?

I've come to the conclusion that ALL LIFE is ABOUT LIFE.  How you deal with your life; how you respond to the issues and things that come at you, reflect a lot about who you are, and on Whom you depend.  Do you agree?

I spoke to my youngest son last night and got to hear about his latest life changes/life struggles/life issues.  All I can do is shake my head for he sets himself up every time.  Yes, son, I know you read these, but come on.  You are nearly 40 years old; it's time to grow up and accept responsibility as a man and start behaving as one who has some sense.  I love you and I will always love you, but someone needs to tell you - GET A LIFE!!  Find meaning in who you are; become responsible and someone your children will look up to.  You are setting an example for them; BE ONE.  Granted, everything that has transpired has not been your fault. I understand that.  However, with saying that, if you had listened to YOUR MOTHER, and everyone else who told you NOT to do this, you wouldn't have this issue right now.  But then, you may not have met your current 'girlfriend' either.  Ok - enough of this.  It was your turn so there you have it. :-) Love you son.

Life can sometimes throw us hurdles that we have to jump over.  Those things I sometimes call 'bumps in the road'.  We are working on one 'bump' in our road right now.  I'm sure many of you are as well.  We all have our struggles, our family issues, health issues, money issues, children issues, parent issues, in law issues, well, just about any issue, I guess.  We all go through many of these at different times.

But how do you deal with these things?  These issues?

Do you ignore them and pretend they aren't there - until they go away?  Or bury them with other things so that you don't have to deal with them?

Or do you face them head-on and determine to work your way through whatever it is and deal with the outcome as it comes about?

Life isn't always easy, I grant you that.  I know a lot of 'issues' I've had over the years I have brought on myself.  They are the results of things I did - whether what I did was right or wrong.  Friendships are formed and some fade away.  Some I need to let go of for my own survival.  Some I need to look at and see why I have that friendship.  Some are so good for me that I need to build on that relationship. 

What friendships do you have that you need to let go of?  Those that are toxic?  What friendships do you need to work on keeping?  Those that inspire you; build you up; give you a bond that is growth producing?

Some times life comes at us so fast we don't stop to weigh the things we do - and say.  We re-act, instead of pro-act.   Be ready to speak good; be ready to stand firm.  Don't let the little things slide when one word from you can set them straight and keep it good.

Take your time walking this journey called life.  Sometimes you will wonder where your life went.  What did you accomplish all these years of your life.  When you turn 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or even 90 or 100, will you look back on your life and be pleased with what you see?  Will you see joy and fulfillment in things, good memories, special times?  Or will your life be remembered as one full of turmoil, discontent, troubles, anxiety, upheaval?

Whatever and wherever you are at right now, today, stop and think where you want to be a year from now.  Then start to build on that - one day at a time.

It's like losing weight.  You can't lose 20 pounds overnight.  It can only come off one ounce at a time.  A long, slow process.  Only then will it stay off.

Resolve to make the necessary changes you need to in life.  Be more loving, more kind, more thoughtful.  Be someone others will look up to.  Be YOU, wonderful, delightful, creative, fun, joyful - YOU.

And when you are, life becomes all the more fun.

Blessings!