suddenlysinglewomen

( borrowed from social media )

When Parents Grow Old!

Let them grow old with the same love that they let you grow… Let them speak and tell repeated stories with the same patience and interest that they heard yours as a child… Let them overcome, like so many times when they let you win… Let them enjoy their friends just as they let you… Let them enjoy the talks with their grandchildren, because they see you in them… Let them enjoy living among the objects that have accompanied them for a long time, because they suffer when they feel that you tear pieces of this life away… Let them be wrong, like so many times you have been wrong and they didn’t embarrass you by correcting you…

LET THEM LIVE and try to make them happy the last stretch of the path they have left to go; give them your hand, just like they gave you their hand when you started your path!

Happy!! Isn’t that what we all strive to be? I am surrounded by people that make me happy, I do that on purpose. It’s not worth it to be around people who are negative and try to bring you down. I know it’s hard to let go sometimes, especially when some of those people have been in your life for many, many years. It’s about positive energy, it’s about people who feel good about themselves, it’s in their aura.

I just had three awesome weeks with my sons, daughter in-laws and the “grands” (plus two extra dogs!) here at my house and we had a blast. Keeping it real – that’s the key. Those people out there who are self serving, and try to bring you down with insults and lies to further their needs? See ya – take a hike.

I know who my people are, I know who is real – I cherish your “real” and appreciate you. Have a great week everyone!!

While sitting in church yesterday, the pastor was reflecting on what “worrying” does for you. I had a total flashback to my Dad in my younger years. As an “elder” now, I can look back and understand things so much clearer now. Wouldn’t it be grand if we were born with that wisdom and had it as a young person?

My Dad was a worrier. When he “worried”, (and for him it was an active verb) we all worried. Now I can understand how a man born in 1911, growing up during the Depression, serving in WWII and Korea had things to worry about. Yet somehow we were always alright. He was an amazing human, a good provider, a devout Christian man who gave generously of himself and his resources. We did not live lavishly but as my Mother would say, “We never wanted for anything”.

When the pastor yesterday likened worrying to sitting in a rocking chair, it reminded me of those years gone by. You see, you can rock all day, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. Neither does worrying. As I age I realize just how much like my Dad I am. I realize that I too am a worrier.

When I got divorced, I worried that I would not make it on my own. I had never been allowed to be part of any decision making when it came to finances or the future of our family. Yet somehow, now that it’s been almost 17 years since he moved out – I’m doing just fine. I surprised myself, my sons and most likely most of my friends.

So that rocking chair? I’m going to use it to admire the blooming flowers in my front garden, watch my two rescue GSDs frolic and chase squirrels, and sip on something cool and refreshing. Worrying, it doesn’t get you anywhere.

Soooooooooo – have you ever set on an HOA Board????? ‘Nuff said!!!

We all have those days. You do all the right things and still the universe slaps you around.

You begin to question why you try so dang hard, when all those around you seem to be so wrapped up in themselves that they don’t really care about how their actions may hurt you.

It’s usually not just one person, or one slight that hurts your feelings.

It’s usually not just one turn of events that has you down.

It’s that “piling on” effect that just has you staggering around wondering, “WHAT DID I DO??”

Do you continue to pursue your dreams when everything seems to be telling you STOP?

Do you continue to act like” it doesn’t matter – really!” – when it does?

Is it better to have someone not be truthful because they think it’ll hurt your feelings, or would you prefer the truth because when you finally find out that truth (and you will) it hurts you even more?

Or am I giving too much credit to people actually thinking they might care if they hurt you or not?

Hmmmmm! Alot to ponder.

I think it’s sad that I have to harden my heart. I think it’s sad that I have to lower my expectations. I think it’s sad that people cannot be honest. I think it’s sad that my bubble has been burst repeatedly.

But today is a new day, a new opportunity to find the best in people. Today after the grey’ness of a winter that will not go away, the sun is actually shining. Today someone is going to do something really nice and unexpected and it’ll restore my faith in people. Will it be you?

There might be a male follower on this blog, but doubtful! So just in case there is, I write this as more of a jest, than not.

Or do I?

I was out this past Saturday night with friends, listening to live music and having the occasional dance invitation. A very fun evening with fun people. There is an individual that is part of this group that follows live music here in the valley, and occasionally asks me for a dance. However, on this particular evening, he was sharing some dating woes he’s experiencing with a particular lady friend.

He remarked how smart she was and how beautiful she was. Then he threw in the obligatory . . . “Just like you!”

(Eye roll)

Then came the “say what” remark? He claimed to really enjoy her company just like the several dates we had been on . . . and yada yada yada.

Truth: I drove over to Vail (where he had a place) from Edwards (where I have a place) to join he and some of his condo neighbors for dinner one night several years ago. We all brought things. That’s it, finito,

So here’s where the Three Ps come in. Unless you:

1. “P”hone a person to ask them out, just the 2 of you,
2. “P”ick them up in your car and
3. “P”ay for the evening . . .

It is NOT a date!!

Period.

The End

I’m reminded of my post marriage journey and how far I’ve come. I think of my friends, those who are real and those who during my married life were just along for the perks.

I love this Helen Keller quote, talk about a woman who rose above all obstacles? I’m blessed with friends who have true character, who are steadfast and true.

I know the friends who I can call on at a moment’s notice whether it’s as easy as grabbing me an item at the grocery store on their trip, or a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or a drop over for a shared glass of happy juice.

I believe humans share a trait with canines and equines, we’re pack animals. We are not meant to be alone. But as I get older, I also understand that I can be picky about who to spend my time with and not feel guilty that I’m not “all things to all people”.

So thank you my followers, for walking with me in this journey of being a happy and whole person.