Life IS too short

Life is way too short.  It’s over in the blink of an eye.

Now that I’m 42–almost 43–I am finally understanding the full weight of that idea.  I’m realizing that I have wasted part of my life, relaxing into the roles of wife and mother.  There are things God made me to do, which I have not yet sought 100%.  They’ve remained up on the shelf I put them on.  Not pursued. Gathering dust.  Waiting.

For me.

Last October, my Dad died.  I knew it was going to happen eventually, not because everyone follows the same fate, but because eight years prior, he had suffered a major stroke and then six months after that survived lung cancer.  He was one tough cookie, my Dad.  My brother-in-law, Rob, said that my Dad was the toughest, strongest man he’d ever known. I agree. 100%.

Dad was the strongest, funniest, most dedicated, hard-working man that I’ve ever met.  His hugs were the best.  I could always feel his love for me when he wrapped those long, strong arms around me.

I miss my Dad.  It’s funny how I’ve gotten back into the swing of things and one day, out of the blue, something will hit me and I am covered by a cloud of sadness.  Missing Dad.  Wishing for times when he could walk, talk, and goof around. So many great memories of and with Dad.

And so, with this revelation this year, I’ve decided to truly live MY life.  Not what others expect of me, but what I want to be doing with my life.  Not in a selfish way, but, rather, to celebrate the ME that God made me to be.  It’s crazy how “we” can get sucked into living the life and pursuing the goals/hobbies that our parents/peers expect of us.  And so….now, in my 42nd year….I’m starting a new chapter.

I am so going to pursue my passion for writing.  Silly me.  I put that dream on a shelf and now it’s time to take it down.  Which is why this blog is going to be so beneficial for me.  I figure if I commit to it daily (hopefully!), I’ll get my creative juices flowing again.

All right.  Clock is ticking.  The day is calling.  : )