Day of Firsts

Today is the first day...

of my new job

of having a 100% non-smoking house (inside)

of our 2 weeks with Da Boy

of my step-daughter being 19

of me wearing my new jeans that I bought for work

of the rest of my life.

See, I realized something today - there are a lot of firsts everyday. Not just today... but yesterday, and tomorrow too. I've also realized that no matter how different from everyone else I feel - I'm not really all that different. Today I found a blog by one of my friends. (I call her a friend, yet I've no idea how she feels about me) Anyway, I found her blog. I started reading it, and noticed that, even though I felt like she was superior to me in any number of ways... she's not perfect. She's got her own set of problems and issues and questions - some of which I've been through myself!! So, needless to say, I started thinking, and praying. Then I came across an email from a friend. One of those "forwards" that everyone gets, with a list of ways to live your life and be happy. Here it is...

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone...

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles and celebrate  Don't save it for a special occasion.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old is part of living.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.


Makes a bit of sense doesn't it? So, big "thank yous" go out to God, for the rapid response on my childish behavior, to my un-named "friend" for showing me that not only are you 'not' perfect, but that you're still great and so am I. ;) And also to my BFF Loue - for interrupting this journal entry with two, yes TWO Kermit the Frog (Gorf?) youtube videos. I love you, sis.