A Rare Reflection Post

Ahhh the game of life. Who doesn't love that game. Or at least love it for the mistakes you can make with no 'real' consequenses.

I was recently talking with a good friend about other friends, old friends, ex-friends....you get the point. The conversation was not overly deep or anything like that, but it was good because it gave us both a fresh reminder that our lives are too short and too much fun to be dragged down and held back by those who either can't see that, or choose to ignore it. In our cases we both know for a fact that there are so many people in our lives who actually do care about one another and not simply when its convenient for them. Folks who we know for a fact will be with us till the end. Friends who don't back out or run away.

I'm sure we've all been through a similar situation at some point or another, and while the particulars may be different, the bottom line is pretty much the same. My remedy is just to take a step back and remind myself of how many people, friends, and family are in my life who I know with certainty care about me probably more than I know. At that point I realize just how blessed I am, and all the other stuff that was clogging up my mind before just melts away.

There are two quotes i'd like to share. The first I don't know where it came from or who wrote it. I do know that it's a great quote on the generals of life, and a summary of living every day to the fullest with a big ol smile on your face. I couldn't agree with it more. It goes:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, a bowl of strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO - What a Ride!!

The second passage is actually really good advice that I read a while back. While I'm going to respectfully ignore the source given the nature of this post, but it's good advice none the less. I hope that anyone who reads this, actually listens to the words, and takes them to heart. It's so easy to say something, but it's so much harder to follow through with the actions involved. Advice reads:

Focus on the positive in your life, not the negative. The people in your life that choose not to make you a priority are not friends. Don't waste energy being angry at them. Forgive them, forget them, and be grateful for the people who DO take the time to listen to you and care about you. They're the ones you should worry about. True friends are really good people that never really go away.

Without getting all mushy mushy and 'philosophizer' like on everyone, I leave you with but one task. Stop for a few moments, and think of all those who are a part of your life who you know will be right next to you till the day you die. Think about all they've done for you, and all that they would do for you. Would you do the same for them?


P.S. -- Special thanks to my friend who helped give this fresh reminder today. You rule!