Like sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives! This was the line I would hear every afternoon when I returned home from school. My hardworking Mother would be sitting in the recliner watching what she referred to as her "story"
Days Of Our Lives. I was surfing channels earlier and yes, despite Moms hourglass filling up six years ago the story goes on. The characters are different and the plots have changed but the show continues. Sadly it was time for Mom to leave and reunite with my dad whose bottom half of the glass filled 31 years before hers. But just like Days Of Our Lives, her story also continues.
I often think of my parents and wonder if there was anything more they wish they had accomplished or done but ran out of sand.
I believe many people die with their dreams inside of them. Days become weeks, weeks become months and then years. I wonder how many businesses were not started, books not written, songs not composed because so many thought they had more sand than they did?
I read a line in a book this week: a woman went to her pastor and said "the doctor told me I only have a limited time left to live"
the pastor responded ; you actually needed the doctor to tell you that?
SO TRUE
This got me thinking about my story. Most of my life I tried to accomplish what I felt my dreams should be. I wanted to fit in and do what everyone else did but wasn't able to achieve it as quickly as those around me. When I felt I could not keep up I immediately defined it as failing and we all know nobody wants that. Failure caused pain and that caused me to stop trying all together. I surrendered to anxiety and existed in my comfort zone.
About eleven years ago I decided I was sick of being sick and tired. While caring for that sweet Days Of Our Lives fan I began blogging. I knew as I watched her hourglass filling there was much more to Donna than Julia's daughter. I wanted to share the frustrations as well as the joys of what I then referred to as putting my life on hold. During the process I realized nobody was putting my life on hold but me and caring for Mom was the most rewarding time of my life on so many levels.
It took years and a lot of hard work but I now realize that for me a vision board does not work for I feel like I am constantly worrying about achieving the goal and feel pressured when I glance at the hourglass and see I'm running out of time. At the age of 58 I have decided that a success board is healthier.
Once I realized just how fast the sand runs through the hourglass I worked hard on ME. Five years ago I could never have gotten on an airplane let alone by myself. That was one of the first things I put on my Success Board. I shake my head at how ridiculous I was all of those years for letting fear stop me. It took a move to another state to realize that if you want to see your family often you better kick yourself in the butt and change.
Another reminder we really do not need a doctor to tell us we only have a limited time left to live!!!!
How would you feel if you were able to think about all things you have to be grateful for versus the things you cannot do? How would you feel if you really stopped to think we are only here for a limited time? What story will you leave behind?
I used to fear what people would think if I posted too much or wrote blogs about my life. Here's the good news. I no longer care! This is my hourglass. I don't plan on dying with my story buried inside me and there is something that says keep writing. I am listening.
My mantra now is Don't let fear stop you! If you want to try it then go ahead! What is the worse that can happen?
Pat yourself on the back for every day you made it! Each day may not go as hoped but find something good in every day. That is how I now live my life. Every single one of us alive is a Rock Star and do not let anyone ever tell you your not. We all deserve rewards for showing up and trying our best. It is easy to focus on all the wrongs but that is not how we want our hourglass legacy to be handed down to the future generations.
Growing older is the greatest thing in the world. It took a really long time but I now know no matter what happens from month to month these are the BEST days of MY life. I will continue to learn new things and keep growing. I want the legacy of my final drop of sand to be she inspired us all to be ourselves just like she was.
The sands in the hourglass seem to be speeding up as the grains fall but when we use time wisely it can be our greatest friend. Quit worrying about how everything is going to turn out and make the best of each moment. Its good to have a vision and set goals and make plans but don't get so caught up living in the future that you are not enjoying the present. Don't say you will ease up when you finally reach your goal for that day will never come. Accept yourself now. Love yourself Now. Not the Other way around. And each night post a smiley face on your success board.
My Mom's story continues even though the plot and characters have changed. That is the scene of all of our lives. Our hourglasses will one day fill too but life will go on. I still remember my Mom and Dad and all the teachers I had. Just like the Days of Our Lives story; the hourglass gets passed on. I will never know if they felt they ran out of sand or not but I am proud of the story they passed on to me.
All those wasted years being focused on the difficulty of climbing the mountain of life had me lose sight of how grateful I am for having a mountain to climb to begin with. Like sands in the hourglass, we are fifty something and these are the BEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES!
Now get going and get off your computer. You have a success board to create.
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