Life is short

It struck me today that half of the stuff we worry and stress about is really so unimportant when put in perspective.  If you were to stand back and take a look at your life, and decide which were the most important things in the world to you...I am pretty sure they would be people and the time spent with those people who mean the world to you.  Would it be some stupid situation at work? Would it be the  fact that your car doesn't seem to be running right? Would it be the anemic condition of your bank account?  Would it be your neighbor or co-worker who just annoys the heck out of you?  Would it be the unfairness of your boss?  I don't think so.  In the grand scheme of things...these things will pass away and be forgotten...annoying little details..that wasted our time and depleted of us of our zest for life.

I am not saying that some of these things aren't important in day to day life...and certainly need to be given some consideration.  But they shouldn't demand all of your energy, because in the end, they just don't matter.
What matters is the ones you love, and seeing that sunset, feeling your toes in the sand, sitting on the front porch with a friend, taking your dog for a walk and sharing a laugh or a cry...extending your hand to someone in need...these are things that matter.

I think we just need to develop the ability to let the other stuff roll off and somehow keep sight of what is really important.  I witnessed a couple of people today get themselves all worked up over some stupid situation....and afterwards, I thought to myelf: Is that situation really worth getting so upset about?   I don't think it was...The situation's inertia took over and the people involved got taken along for the ride...and not a pleasant one at that.

A few years ago, I was stressed out about some changes and people at work.  I was talking to a friend and expressing all my anxiety.  She spoke some very wise words.  " Who are they to you? Are they the ones that are most important in the world? Is it the only job in the world? No. This job, these people are nothing to you.  Go home and hug your kids and realize how unimportant this place is".  Wise words...and I have thankfully learned to embrace them.  That doesn't mean that I don't do the best job I can or get anxious over situations from time to time...but I try to keep putting it in perspective for myself.

Life is short.  Tomorrow is not promised.  We have no idea what tomorrow, or even the next hour will bring.  Let all the junk, all the stupid little details of life go.  Let it wash away and hold onto the people and moments that make this life worth living when all is said and done.  SImply put...life is just way too short to spend in misery.  We are the only ones that can change it for ourselves.  Do it today.

"You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted"

~Ruth E. Renkl