I have thought a bunch lately about what is important in life. Here are my thoughts on this age old question.
- Love—love of your family, your children, your friends, and your man
- Happiness—how you achieve this is up to you; it can be as easy as eating the candy bar with your man; it can be achieving your goals; whatever floats your boat
- Family—the people who have known you from the get go and will be your most significant source of inspiration ever in your life
- Health–don’t ever underestimate the value of your health. If you have ever witnessed the wrath of some of the most horrid diseases of this world, you should cherish your health and do what you can to ensure that health will last you a very long time.
- Friends–the people that you laugh with, the people who see you through when your family is driving you nuts
- Knowledge—it is true: knowledge is power. The more you know, the more you can do. Use your noggin and soak it up!
- Challenges—if you live a life without a challenge, you will lead a dull life. Challenges make us who we are and will shape who you become. Embrace the challenges in your life and let them lead you to be a better person.
- Beautiful art—you don’t have to own expensive art to appreciate it and have it enrich your life. As I write, I am listening to music I downloaded (gasp) and am completely in awe of the talent of the people in this world.
- Needs that are met—have you ever really stopped and given thanks for the fact that your needs are met? If you think about the sheer numbers of people in our own country that don’t have what they NEED (not want) it is staggering. Even though I myself am struggling to pay my bills, at least I do pay them (and on time, I might add) and have everything I need for myself and my child.
- Good literature—I told my kids at school today that reading is what opens up the world for you. This is the most stereotypical thing a teacher can say, but it is the honest truth. If you think on the numbers of people that can’t read, it will astound you. Most people take for granted the gift of being able to read. It is the one thing that I can turn to, can use as a retreat when life just isn’t the barrel of apples I thought it would be. I enjoy reading more and more every single day. Don’t take it for granted—read a little, learn a lot! (Ah, I am such a teacher, huh? )
- Sentimentality—How many of you are as big of a sentimental fool as I am? I know one of the most unsentimental people in the world. I wonder how she can make it through her life happily and love fully. It astounds me! I am very sentimental. I can’t throw away anything for fear that I might forget something or someone. To be sentimental is to be very thankful, I believe for the gifts, either concrete or not, that are given to you each and every day.
- Laughter—How can you live your life without a good belly laugh every once in a while. Let go. Laugh at the cheesy joke. Roll on the floor dying laughing at good ol’ Janet and JT during the halftime show like Troy and I did. You will be so happy you did….and you burn cals while you are at it!
I think this is a good start. Does it make you think? Does it make you wonder what you find is important in your life? I hope so. Take inventory. Do a mental check. Make your list. I would love to hear all about it.
Take care of yourself and each other. (I can’t remember who says that…)
Much love to you–
Amy