Alida's writing has ebbed and flowed as she faced the reality of her 30's last year. It was a rough year, a year of lessons. One of those years that you have to work hard to make sense of. One of those years that I have experienced as well, and felt my eyes well up with tears as I learned that someone else barreled through loss and love and life.
If I could tell Alida one thing, it would be to ride the wave. I loved being young, but for selfish reasons. I was carefree, thin, passionate and in love. My 30's and 40's have thrown me curves that would leave a major leaguer swinging out of his shoes. But still I ride my waves. Because life is a lesson, and we all know what happens when you blow off the lessons, right? I am still passionate and in love, not so much thin and definitely not as carefree, but I attribute that to the curve balls balls that life throws as you grow up. The ones that are making me a patient, stronger hitter as I travel through my days.
In her blog, which you will find here: Pantsless In Seattle Alida poses the question: What are some of the things life has taught you?
I love a challenge. I love words. I love the people who got me here. Alida taught me the word "loveful." What are some of the things life has taught me? These are my loveful answers:
- Don't look back. You're not going that way.
- Real friends are more important than many friends.
- Sometimes simply showing up is winning.
- Don't worry about being perfect. You never will be. That's the beauty of you.
- Never confuse education with intelligence. Thank you, nursing for teaching me this on about a million levels.
- Your gut will tell you what you really want an answer to. See above.
- Be kind. You know not what people are battling. Your smile may be a beacon in their dark and your words may be the hand that helps them up.
- Laugh. A day that you don't laugh is a wasted day. Take this one from a girl that laughs at the most inappropriate times - ever.
- Learning to ignore things is one of the paths to inner peace.
- About paths: Your path is yours. Another person's path is theirs. Neither of you is wrong. When your paths meet, you'll see why.
- Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
- Books are not an option. Reading is bliss.
- Sleep solves a lot of problems.
- You will never regret saying I love you. Really, you won't.
- Comfortable underwear is a necessity of life. (Thanks, Nana).
- Your career is not set in stone. Change what makes you chained.
- Humility is the greatest trait a person can offer the world.
- A glass of wine under the stars is how marriages survive.
- Music is freedom, joy, passion, tears. Music is free love. Get lost in it.
- Saying no is the most liberating thing in the world. And it gets easier each time you put yourself first.
- Dogs are the truest souls on Earth.
- Water and everything you can do in it is free therapy.
- The smallest effort will make a difference.
- You can never hug your children enough.
Thank you Alida, for breaking through my writer's block and reminding me what's important.
Much love to you as you ride your waves.