Live and Let Live

Everyone has their "thing" that they are passionate about. Hobbies,  a certain genre of music, books, movies, sports, etc. They shout their love from the rooftops. Everyone knows about their passion. And that's great! I think we all should celebrate the things we love, the things that bring us joy. Even better if we have people we can share them with.

But what bothers me is the people who criticize those who do not share their passion. They can't understand how anyone could not like what they like. It's narrow-minded and wrong and toxic.

I can appreciate all things in life. I may not love everything or even like it--just not my preference--but I can appreciate it. I don't like super hero movies, for example. I'm just not into them. But I appreciate them and love to see others enthusiasm for them. I also don't particularly enjoy most country music. It's just not my thing. But I can appreciate it's artistry and the talent that goes into creating it. I don't go around telling it's fans that they need to give my preferred genre of music a chance. I don't go around telling them my passion is better than theirs.

Tomorrow isn't a guarantee.....

Very often we hear- "Life is short...make the most of it." And I think we all plan to, but responsibilities get in the way. We resort to- "I'll have time later...." But nothing drives home the fact that there isn't always time later like a young person being robbed of their life.

I have always been a Live Life to the Fullest kind of gal. We are always doing fun things with our kids and just hubby and me, with our friends. I want to be 80 and say, "Man, I did a lot of cool stuff!" I don't want to be 80 and have regrets....wondering what I did with my time on earth.

If given the choice between doing housework or doing something fun with my family, fun and family always wins. Dishes can wait. The laundry can pile. If we run out of clean underwear, then we have a problem....but otherwise, we're good!

We're not rolling in dough, but our bills are always paid on time. We spend the rest of our money enjoying life. We just aren't huge savers and we never will be. When given the choice of putting $100 in the bank and saving it, or spending it doing something fun with my kids.....I'm sure you know what wins. We rarely buy our kids "stuff," but we sure spend money on experiences and fun. I know many people need the security of a hefty bank account and I can respect that. But that's not us. We'd rather have a small nest egg and spend the rest on us, doing things we love, with the people we love...making memories.

I have also hear people say, "I want to (fill in the blank) someday." Write a book, learn to play an instrument, travel to a certain place, run a marathon, take an art class..... Why is it always "someday?" Someday might not ever come. If there's something you want to do in your life, then do it. Make it happen!

Because there are so many people who were never given the chance to make things happen for themselves. Because their lives were cut short. Their tomorrow never came. And I guarantee you they are looking down from wherever they are, yelling at you to get off your ass and just do it.

Rest in Peace Emily. Your vibrant light will be missed.....