Interesting, as I have written things about priorities many times, but not in a while, so here it goes.
If I had only known what I know now twenty years ago, my life would have probably went in a different direction. Hence, I have made my share of mistakes along the journey, some for the better, some not. But I do consider myself a happy person, for the most part... besides being a bit bossy, and a little demanding, my family and most of my friends would agree. :)
Many of you don't know what it was like to grow up as an only child, even though I have a wonderful sister. Besides my parents going through 24 years of public schooling with us, I was raised most of my growing years with just them. So, I was an only child at home... a little bit spoiled, and a little used to getting what I wanted, one way or another... although I did learn to work for it. I just used the tools that were given to me at an early age, including the constant support from my mom and dad (thank you). I loved being able to share something, some part of my life at the moment, with my friends and family, not just because I knew they would like it, but because it made me feel good inside.
Most of my family mean the world to me. Some are not as close as they were because of choices they made. A little disappointing, but not in my control, and I can't be irritated or bothered by something that I cannot change. So I have learned to live with it.
A best friend. Someone who means the world to me, that I love like family. Someone who knows me, well, sometimes better than I know myself. Someone who knows what to say when I really don't want to hear anything, or hear the truth. Someone who makes time in their life, and someone I make time for.
It's funny, because I've often been asked who my best friend is, and I'll usually list a few. And then comes the argument that a best friend is singular, one. Well, I redefine that. I have many best friends. Some were, are, and will be for the rest of my life.
One of my favorite quotes is "Never make anyone a priority who chooses to make you their option."
Some of my 2013 priorities aren't what some think, and others may already know... but thanks to one of my best friends, I'll share what mine are. :)
1) Let others see God move through me. This, at times, can be challenging for the fear of not doing what the "in" crowd expects or appreciates. To me, the only One who matters in ANY instance is God above. He's the only one I will answer to. In doing that, I am honoring my dad in Heaven, and respecting my mom here.
2) Talk to my family more frequently. Trust me, this should be a priority for many. I try to talk to my mother at least twice a week. Would eat with her if she was still in Houston! Debbie is a little busier than Mom, but I still try to communicate often. I wish I could still talk to my dad. :)
3) Give of myself. Generosity is extremely important to me. Not necessarily monetary gifts, but gifts of time, listening, friendship, companionship, sisterhood, etc.
4) Take notice in the little things. I love breathing in all the beauty that is around us. Ideal weather is happening now. Since being over 40, I have paid attention to more of the things and people that I surround myself with much more than I did twenty years ago. Like I said... if I had only known.
5) Keep in touch with those who people mean something to you, friends and family. To send a simple handwritten note to someone in your past, just to let them know you care, and that you remember them. Makes my heart smile.
6) Make integrity a part of my core structure when working with anyone. Whether in personal affairs or business relationships, I try to create a trust that won't be exploited or broken.
7) Travel to see something I have yet to see. I love to explore, as long as it's not 116 degrees. Hidden facts, old buildings with stories attached. I so want to write and photograph a book of that... even an ebook. :)
8) Never put a limit on what I can do. Goes back to what Mom and Dad taught me. It's in my blood. There is possibility in everything. Make that list. Do something that makes you laugh. Make a memory.
9) Realize life is a series of choices. Good ones, bad ones... it is. And choices usually have consequences. Every choice I have made has led me to where I am at this exact moment. Do I have regrets? Not really. The accumulation has helped me grow into the person I am.
10) Listen to more music and take more pictures. Some might think this is impossible, but I love music, and I love pictures. Music is like a soundtrack to my life. Photos are just the visual. :)
I know that I am blessed, beyond comparison, and am thankful that Jesus Christ died for my sins. You know, God has given me so much in my life to be thankful for, and I could in no way write all of it down. I am so thankful that I have sweet fun memories of my life, and a couple of crazy, scary ones too... but they are mine. Sound selfish? It's not. I know that in my heart, they are my memories. No one will walk away with the same feelings or the same story. So, next time you do something fun and exciting, when you talk to an old friend, when you find that picture from high school, close your eyes and smile... know that you have made an imprint on your heart, sometimes that you are revisiting.
for all of you that have made an imprint, thank you.
love you all.
Phil 1:3
