4.20.2017

Random Thoughts and Photos . . .

I recently turned fifty.  My oldest son will be the age I was when I had him in November.  Some days it makes me shake my head in disbelief but most days it makes me smile.  I hear people say they wish they could go back in time to when they were younger but I don't feel that way.  There are definitely times that I wish I could go back for maybe a day or a night to be with loved ones and friends that I have lost or no longer have in my life for other reasons but I will always have the memories of them.




We cannot always be responsible for the happiness of others.  We make our choices and then we live with them.  We need to take responsibility for those choices without putting the blame on others.  This is something I've told my children over and over again as needed.  : )


Years ago, I read a quote that has stuck with me ever since.   "There are two lasting things we can give our children.  One is roots and the other is wings."  "Roots" are relatively easy for me.  It's the "wings" part that's definitely a little more difficult for me.  Seeing them soar, though, definitely makes it all worth the pain!!
 


I believe that there's a definite plan in everyone's life.  Something so much bigger than us is in the driver's seat.  We are just the passengers along for the ride.




I believe in letting go of what I can't control.  Unfortunately, sometimes it takes me a while to remember that's an option.   : )






I learned in a 12 step program years ago that when you point your finger at someone there are more fingers pointing back at you.  Try it.  It's true.  : )



I've learned that you don't have to be busy all the time.  For so many, this is a deterrent from having to be alone in your thoughts and taking an honest look at yourself.  It's so much easier to be in denial, isn't it?  : (



I've learned that what people think of me is none of my business.  I've learned that committing random acts of kindness makes me very happy and sometimes it's best just to listen without saying a word.  



I've also learned that the opposite of love is not hate.  The opposite of love is fear.  You either come from a place of love or you come from a place of fear.  That was a very big lesson for me to learn and it put many things into perspective for me.

Finally, I've learned that EVERY DAY I am a work in progress.  I am not the same person today that I was yesterday.  Hopefully just a little bit better.  : ) 



What are some of your favorite life lessons?  I would truly LOVE to hear them!!


Many blessings to you for a beautiful Thursday ~ Wendy  xo



8 comments:

Beside a babbling brook... said...

What a delightful post!!!!!

Totally gorgeous photography... Wonderful personal thoughts shared...

A quite perfect post, from my point of view.

Because of something, in my long, long ago past, I have a drive to control. If there are plans, I "need" them to be "set in stone." I finally found out, the "why" of this need in me. And thankfully, my family simply "knows-that's-mom" and doesn't let my "need," bother them. -grin-

So..... I need to relax that "need" of mine.<--Big Time Job!!!

Free Will is very big, with me. So I don't believe in any kind of "Life Being Planned" by any higher power.

I need to control my voicing of my Opinions. Not curtail my having my own opinions. Just not try to convince the rest of the world. -grin-

I am 80. I would dearly hate to have remained 'the-same-me', for all of those 80 years. I say, my husband and I have been married for nearly 59 years. But he has been married to 5 or 6 different women, over that 59 year time span. Which has to be more interesting, than being married for 69 years! To the exact same woman! >,-)

And now I will stop, and let someone else's voice get in here, in your comments.

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Ooops! Did not proof read enough.

I added 10 years, to the second time, I stated how long we will have been married. It's 59, not 69. -grin-

sage and spirit said...

Gosh, Wendy, what an honest and heartfelt post. The photos seem to match perfectly with the words.
I think the most important lesson I've learned is to just let go. Let go of the things that bother me. Let go of the people that bother me. Let go of the things that were never mine to start with.
It feels so darn good to just let go.

Have a great weekend, dear friend. Hug those kids close but also let them go. :)
The love will always remain.
xx

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

What a lovely post. It's my 50th next year and like you, I too hope I grow a little everyday. I try not to regret anything, but rather choose to believe that my choices (some good, some not so good) have all brought me to where I am now, and that's a good place. Thank you for sharing xx

mamasmercantile said...

Just catching up Wendy. Belated Birthday wishes for your 50th Birthday. A wonderful post that I found not only uplifting but thought provoking. I think I shared this thought with you many moons ago when your son was leaving for college, love them enough to let them go but be secure in the knowledge that they love you enough to keep coming back. Take care.

Judy said...

50? In today's world, that is young. I wish I were that age again. But in reality, I have learned more and better lessons since I turned 70, than I ever learned in all the years before.

thelma said...


well very belated birthday wishes, and what lovely photos and uplifting words. X

Winters End Rambler said...

Thought provoking words indeed! x