As we know all too well, the last 18 months or so have been a time of constant “no’s” and “cannot’s” and “next year” sentiments. For an impatient person such as myself, these sentiments will no longer be part of my vocabulary this summer! I’m done putting off the fun, the unexpected, the needs of my family.
This summer is all about the YES!
I have spent the last couple years full of worry and stress. I have been somewhat walking on eggshells in my life, constantly afraid of saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, offending someone, or caring too much about what other people think. I have pushed through those fears and anxieties, and I’m living my life the way I best see fit, for me and my children!
- Extra sleepovers with friends? YES!
- Extra days on vacation? YOU BETCHA!
- Laser tag, mini-golf and arcade in the middle of the day? ABSOLUTELY!
- Treat myself to the deluxe pedicure? YES PLEASE!
- Order the extra dessert? ALWAYS!
- Take a chance on something or someone? I THINK I SHALL!
- Love harder? Laugh more? Smile often? Speak kindness? EVERY SINGLE DAY!
If there is one main thing I’ve learned during this time of uncertainty and somewhat “madness,” I have learned that this is our only life. This is the one life that we have to live, and if we are constantly saying no or dismissing seemingly good things in our life, we aren’t truly living. I’ve lived my life in the past with too much regret or missed chances or timidity in my choices.
No more! My life is going to be full.
I’m determined to seize all the opportunities that are presented to me with enthusiasm. I have no greater desire than to love and be loved to my fullest capacity and not hold back. To speak up when I feel like a wrong needs to be made right. To lend my voice to support those that are in a more difficult life situation than I am. To lift up those that are down, and release the negativity from so many deep-buried regrets in my life.
My boys will be in high school and middle school in the fall. It’s true what they say: that time flies and if you blink too fast, you miss it all! I don’t want to miss anything going forward. This is my one life to live. I’m moving forward, with full force into what could be uncertainty to some. But to me, these moments ahead of me are opportunities just waiting to be grabbed and enjoyed to their fullest.
I have never felt more free to be me and to live the life that was intended for me. It only took me a few extra decades to figure this all out! Don’t waste your life trying to find out for yourself!
