Day to day

I don't know how many times I have told someone "nothing has changed, everything is the same here."   But that is a lie because nothing ever is the same.   Our lives are not exactly as they were the day before.    As soon as the alarm goes off, do we get up?  Some do, but we can linger in bed for 5, 10, or more minutes of extra winks of sleep.   Now where did that phrase come from "extra winks of sleep?"   Isn't a wink just the blink of an eye, in a micro-second.   Obviously an extra 10 minutes of sleep is not extra winks.  

"Nothing interesting has happened" is another phrase I use.  So what if nothing interesting has happened.  Is the world coming to an end?  I should re-align my thinking.   Every day that we draw breath is a day to begin anew.   It just takes effort -- like if you are trying to lose weight.   At first it seems an impossible challenge particularly if you are extremely heavy, and victories may come just one pound at a time, but it still a victory.   I question my motives constantly.  Am I doing this for me, or for others?   Am I wanting public recognition or just be pleased to work behind the scenes? 

Each day we are presented with opportunities or challenges -- it is just  a matter of choice and how we perceive our world.    Some might say I am narrow-minded, limiting myself to just two alternatives, but if you allow for more, then that is an opportunity for procrastination or maybe even a little bit of hypocrisy on the part of the individual.     I definitely have been guilty of procrastination.   Two really good friends of mine were very ill and I kept saying I was going to go and see them, but day to day things got in the way.   What excuse do I have now that they have died?  I have to live with that.  

Procrastination is like dust bunnies with just a few at first, and then multiplying.  It is so easy to get off track and forget what is really important in life.    Family and friends are what keeps me going.   Having access to email gives me the chance to keep in touch but occasionally I like to write a personal letter.    For me  it shows that I took the time to set some thoughts on paper. It may be something funny or serious, a shared memory, or comforting thought or condolence.  

My kids think it is weird but I have written a long letter to my children and my mom.  It is to be given to them in the event of my death.   I don't know how many times I have heard the bereaved say "I wish I knew what mom was thinking" or "i never got a chance to say goodbye."   Well, I am saying goodbye in advance -- these letters are permanent reminders of my thoughts about their lives, the funny things I remember as they grew up, the heartaches and tragedies they had to face and what I wish for them in the future.   I want this letter to be kept for future generations, so they will know something about the woman (or man) that wrote it.    

I treasue the letters and cards I receive from people, some who have died and others who are still alive.  I have the last birthday card my grandmother gave me before she died -- her handwriting connects me to her and I remember all the grand times we had together.   When I am depressed I can pull out my box of remembrances and be enveloped in their love and concern. 

I love the phrase that Clint Eastwood said in the movie "Heartbreak Ridge."  He was a marine drill sergeant who took no guff from anyone.   He taught the men under his command how to get through the tough times and survive.    He said, "Overcome, adapt, and improvise."     Isn't that what this great nation of ours was founded on -- our colonial forefathers/mothers, the American Revolution, wagon trains to new destinations -- those individuals put those words into practice every day.    Can we do no less?  

Those words got me through college, graduating in 2007 shortly before my 60th birthday.    My days are not the same anymore  -- not after an experience such as that.     I issue a challenge to all, make your day to day experience something different, step outside of the box and make a difference in your own life and the lives of the people that you live and work with.   I don't recall having less or more than 24 hours a day. We each are allotted the same.   Take the time to give a heartfelt compliment, write that letter you have been putting off, mow the grass for an infirm neighbor,  give a single rose to a stressed out mom in the grocery store, random acts of kindness will make your day to day existence everything but humdrum.