Tuesday, July 24, 2012

What have you done for YOU lately?

We only get ONE chance at life. One chance to make it really count. We live in a time where everything needs to be faster, easier, more efficient….or so they say. Our priorities have changed. While cell phones, computers and cars have gotten as small as the bills we carry in our wallets, the time we spend with family, the time we spend on ourselves and the amount of time we spend caring for one another has diminished. We are in such a rush to do everything that the moments that really matter are passing us by. When was the last time you sat down at the table and had a meal with your family, or turned off the television and instead had a family game night? When was the last time you took a moment to do something nice for yourself? Maybe even tried something you have always dreamed of doing? How about, when was the last time you did something nice for a complete stranger?

I know that times have changed. I understand that it's harder to keep up with the mundane tasks of everyday life. There will always be bills to pay, kids to raise, dinners to cook, jobs to perform & dogs to walk. It feels like there isn't enough time in a single day for anything else. Possibly you're afraid to talk to someone you don't know out of fear that they could potentially harm you. That is no way to live.

Fear is such a crippling thing, isn't it? I spent most of my life being too afraid of what people thought, uncomfortable situations and what I thought of myself. I didn't take chances. I never tried anything new out of fear that I may disappoint myself or others. Basically, I wasn't living to my full potential as a human being. I had two deaths in my family, within about a week apart from each other, the threat of possibly losing my job, and the horrible mental state I was putting myself in. (I have struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts since I was a teenager that have gone undiagnosed & I never talked to my family about. The death of my brother made all that worse.) That was when I really began to think about how I have been wasting my time here on Earth.

I have come to the realization that WE create our own destiny. WE have the power to change our lives. We are given a life by whatever force you believe in, be it religious or scientific belief, but we are given a life either way. We are given eyes to witness beautiful sights, ears to hear beautiful music and sounds, lungs to breathe in the fresh air….a heart to FEEL with. A heart that beats and is meant to keeps us alive. It's what we do with this life that is important. Are we meant to rush around without experiencing the beauty of all that is around us? No, we are not. So, what I have done is created a "Bucket list" of things I want and need to change in my life. So far this list is helping me stay focused. Seems silly, I know, since I should already be able to do these things without a list, but for me this is what works. Everyone is different.

Since I have stopped rushing around and started making time for myself in between all the things I need to do in a single day, I have felt happier. I have had a more positive attitude. I take my life a day at a time. Whatever comes my way, I tackle it and move on. I have begun to enjoy the many simple pleasures this life has to offer me. I have stopped stressing as much when I go to work. I have been taking care of ME and my family FIRST. I still understand my other priorities, the ones that pay the bills, but I have a better understanding of what is really important. I always take a moment to appreciate the ones I love. I will never again take anyone or anything for granted. I will promise to tell people how much I love them on a daily basis & I have promised to live every day like it is my last day because our time here is short. It could end tomorrow. I don't ever want to lose someone and not have them know how much they mean to me ever again.

The point of this blog is to make people aware that no matter how hard you work. No matter how fast you move or how much you have to get done, Life moves on. The world keeps spinning. The chores, jobs, places to go, and anything else, will still be there. MAKE time to do things you enjoy. MAKE time to be with the ones you love. Take a class, travel, learn a new language, donate some time to a local charity or shelter, maybe say hello or make conversation with someone you don't know. Make someone else's day, make YOUR day that much brighter. Just don't waste your time. Be thankful you are alive. Don't be afraid.

And most importantly……

LIVE LIFE!

Much Love and Respect,
~Melinda Rodriguez

1 comment:

  1. this way really touching.
    "I have struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts since I was a teenager"
    me too. i hope at some point in my life, i get to be where you seem to be now. good for you!

    (for some reason, it won't let me post from my kmuffin88 account, but it's me!)

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