Samhain Publishing Ltd Weblog

The Good Life

Dr. Seuss once said, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” I hit a milestone birthday this summer and with it, I’ve made a promise to myself to slow down and enjoy life more. I’m telling you—the first 40 years are a blur and I have no intention of missing out on the next 40! Therefore, I’ve come to the decision that life is far too short to skip out on doing things I really want to do. Does this mean I’ve become irresponsible? Reckless? Not at all.

I’m spending more time with my friends and family. My daughter and I have started going to bed a bit earlier each evening. In the past, night used to be time I scurried around tidying the house. Now, rather than pick up things that somehow mysteriously reappear the next night, I’ve decided to put the time to better use. Usually, my daughter lies in my bed and we’ll talk, read, or work on our laptops side by side. It’s a nice time just for us and I look forward to it.

I’m not making any more excuses about exercising. I started to bail on my running ritual yesterday because of the stack of laundry taunting me, but my mother made the comment that I should, “Take care of myself first.” She was right (but don’t tell her!) and amazingly enough I was able to run and do the laundry!

I’ve also started going out with colleagues after work occasionally. Before I would make excuses about being too tired or too busy, but hitting a happy hour once a month is amazingly refreshing and rejuvenating. It’s a time to unwind and I’ve strengthened some work friendships through our fun conversations. Talk about a stress-reliever!

My husband and I have created a budget and after eighteen years of marriage we’re finally sticking to it. As a result, we’ve been able to pay off lots of lingering debts. Without the stress of money, our relationship is better now than it was when we were dating!

I’m trying to appreciate my life. I’m laughing more. Smiling often and taking time for me. Perhaps Ferris Bueller said it best when he said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”