Slow down. We get so busy wanting to get things done that we rush about and neglect the little and simple things of life. We dash from one store to the next when we are out shopping. We sweep and dust and put away and do things.... when all the while those that are with us would say "slow down". Take your time. Those things can wait. Enjoy life while you can. Take a moment and smell the flowers. Play that game with me. Read to me. Let's take a walk together. Remember I am here and don't be so busy you don't have time for me.
Stay home. Instead of going out to dinner, how about hot dogs on a grill (or even boiling - remember those times?) Let's pop popcorn and watch a movie together that we both like. Share a special song you heard that you liked. Spend time with those you love. Let's live life together.
Tell stories. Sometimes our stories die with us....and we forget to tell them. This blog has been beneficial in that I have shared some stories over the years... but how many more have I forgotten that I need to tell? Not just about me, but about my parents; that I can pass this on to my children. (Did you know that Grandma Hanky walked 3 miles in the snow behind a wagon to go to schoool? And that her lunch was two biscuits?) Sit down and write out or type out your stories of your life. How do you think your children, your grandchildren will remember who you are if you don't share your stories with them? Stories of your 'growing up' years will sometimes brings lots of laughter. Now why did I just think of 'Sugar and Spice' - the Shetland ponies we had for a very short time? Take some time and share your life stories with others.
Have fun. Everyone loves to play something! Me, I love to play at cooking - baking cookies with grandchildren. Christmas is my favorite time of year because I get all the grandchildren over at some time and we bake cookies together. We've done this since my oldest granddaughter was 2 years old. But why do I always wait until Christmas time to do this? Why can't we bake cookies throughout the year? It just hasn't been possible for obvious reasons, but I regret not doing it more often. Don't have regrets. Take the time to do something fun with someone. It will not only make their day, but it will build the bond you have with each other. Make dinner together. Do a puzzle together. Play a game together. These are the times that people will remember when you are gone. Enjoy life. Make the most of each day, of the time you have with each other. Have fun.
Give yourself. It's sometimes easier to just buy something and hand off to your spouse or your child and say 'here, go play' than it is to spend time with them. But that's what they want! The gift is fine, but what they really want is YOU. Your touch of appreciation. Your listening ear. Your phone call. Some thing you may make yourself. Something you do to make life a little easier for someone. (pick up your own clothes? do the laundry? runt he sweeper? cook dinner yourself? just a few suggestions) Try stepping out of your comfort zone and give yourself to those you care for.
When a child holds their arms out to you, they are wanting YOU, not what you can give them. Many people are still that child within, holding out their arms (although you may not see them), and just wanting you.
Life is short..... make the most of it. Make memories, Share memories, Be the memory.
Blessings!
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