The Stories We Could Tell

Talkin' to myself again
wonderin' if this traveling is good   
Is they're something else a doin'
We'd be doin' if we could

All the stories we could tell
If it all blows up and goes to hell
I wish that we could sit upon the bed in some hotel
And listen to the stories we could tell
-Jimmy Buffett, "The Stories We Could Tell".

     Whenever I hear this song by Jimmy Buffett I always get nostalgic about the memories and stories that I hang onto. Some of them I still am amazed by. Some are sad, some funny. I have a lot of memories that make me lonely for my kids, and a few that make me glad they no longer live with me! It's fun to look back and treasure the snapshots of the past we can recollect. The good memories. The happy times. Yet we all have memories we wish we could erase and be free of. Words spoken in anger, lapses of good judgment, and moments we let our egos have free rein.

     Dwelling on past mistakes can hamper our growth as we strive to live authentic lives. As can relying solely on past successes to fuel our present. Perfection isn't one of the stories that any one of us can claim. So in order for us to flourish and grow we need to begin forgiving ourselves for the past and let it go. But by the same token, the good memories are just that- memories. Glimpses into the past that we should treasure while looking ahead and making more. Using the good and the not so good as tools to spur our growth. Learning the valuable lessons that looking back can teach us and utilizing what we can to build on our self esteem. So let's go put that Letter-man's jacket away, give yourself a high-five and get out there! You have memories to make!





    

Change Is The Only Constant~ Unknown

     Change happens. From life altering loss, to the daily adjustment of plans. Divorce, loss of employment, illness, and the periodic flat tire. There have been times in my life when change has been tough. Life has dragged me kicking and screaming into the next chapter whether I wanted to go or not. Other times change was hoped for, welcomed with open arms. Sometimes change was planned. Blood, sweat, and tears expended. Change happens. Ready, willing, or not. How you react is going to determine if it is an easy transition or if you are going to leave claw marks on the door jamb. Too many times when I had to face unwelcome change, it would become all about me. I would forget the loved ones around me that the change was also affecting. Opportunities for empathetic team work were trod underfoot, and esteems damaged. On the other hand, desired change sometimes never happened because I would simply wish for it. The effort was half-hearted or not made at all. I wanted to be able to snap my fingers and life would be different. It has been said, "Man plans and God laughs". I don't believe that is true , but it sure feels at times that it could be.

     So what is the change you are facing? Is it a frustrating glitch in your day? Or is it something bigger? Are you winging your response or are you being proactive? Are you being empathetic to the other people that this change is affecting? You can do this! You may have no choice, but a positive attitude might make all the difference. You may just have to learn to change a tire.