Thursday, April 29, 2010

Reality Check

A friend forwarded this to me and instead of me forwarding it to everyone I know, I thought I'd blog it. This same friend has given me advice for years; that if you wait until your house is perfect to invite friends for dinner, it will never happen. It's so true, to not sweat the small stuff. We all tend to do so much, but we really should slow down and enjoy life. So, here's some good advice for the day...

AND HI TO MY PARENTS IN ARMENIA. THEY CHECK MY BLOG ABOUT EVERY DAY, AND I WANTED TO SEND A SHOUT OUT TO THEM! THANKS FOR CHECKING UP ON US!


IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute. Look at it and really see it. Live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what.
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us .

6 comments:

Brigette said...

I've always loved this WISE advice from Erma -- in fact when I first read this it was life changing! Thanks for posting it - I can never read it enough!

Jeanette Millward said...

Very sage advice. I think I would give some advice to Erma... Don't tease your hair.

I especially need to heed the last tip right now.

Thanks Diane!

Karin Webb said...

I always love hearing these kinds of things because they are SO TRUE! Thanks for the reminders. See you next week- I'm so excited!

blunckfamily said...

Mom said: Hey--thanks for the shout out! We do look at all you girls' blogs OFTEN--and we love them. Erma Bombeck was our hero back in my day, and she was usually hilarious, although she never really had good hair!! And boy do I agree with what she wrote here.

Ryan Cox said...

I got this e-mail too and I can't tell you how many times it has come to mind in the last week. At bedtime, when I get showered with kisses, I go with it and enjoy every bit of it instead of saying ,"Thank you, ok, that's enough, time for bed"
I've also heard you should kiss the sugar on your little ones faces because you blink and they are teenagers. P.S. You are such a good example Diane! Have I told you lately how thankful I am for you?

Ryan Cox said...

I got this e-mail too and I can't tell you how many times it has come to mind in the last week. At bedtime, when I get showered with kisses, I go with it and enjoy every bit of it instead of saying ,"Thank you, ok, that's enough, time for bed"
I've also heard you should kiss the sugar on your little ones faces because you blink and they are teenagers. P.S. You are such a good example Diane! Have I told you lately how thankful I am for you?