As my mind grows old and starts to fade, I try to create lasting memories with family, friends and loved ones everyday.
Mark’s Musings #15
Reminisce
Mid-Life Reflections #6
Recently I’ve been contemplating life and reminiscing about my younger self. When I was in my early teens on up into my 20’s, I used to wonder how I measured up to others in the world. I would readily compare myself to family, friends, colleagues or working professionals; did I make a certain amount of income, hold a respected position in a company, have a high status in society or did something that was of importance or value to the public?
I did my utmost to emulate them but to no avail. I sold myself on a bill of goods that I knew was unattainable. Why was it impossible? It’s because they were living their life and pursuing their goals and dreams. I had forgotten all about what I wanted to do with myself. I was so busy worrying about catching up to them that I flat out ignored my passion, my dreams.
When I finally woke up, I realized that I had a new lease on life. My trajectory in this world was on a different course from everyone all together and it was my goal to make it happen. I cared less about the status, fame and wealth of others and started to explore new things, take chances, make tons of mistakes, sought answers and learned to never give up.
It’s through this self-realization that I am where I’m supposed to be right at this moment. It’s a never ending, constantly changing state that I’m okay with. Why? Because it’s my life.
So don’t be so influenced by other people’s place in life that you neglect your own. You have a destiny that needs to be fulfilled by none other than you. So go out into the world and epically fail so that you can tremendously succeed at what you were meant to be!
To Live Another Day
As I sit here in front of my computer
pondering life
and all its wondrous possibilities,
I can’t help but reminisce
about precious memories
shared with
family,
friends,
and loved ones
To have such treasured moments
is truly priceless
Knowing that a point in time
created feelings of
unbridled love,
pure joy
and non-stop laughter,
puts a smile on my face
To go through something that can’t
be recreated
is magical
But knowing that
the future presents opportunities
to experience similar feelings again
is what makes me
live for another day.
Midlife Reflections #3
The past couple of days, I’ve pondered on my life’s journey and what it took to get me here today. It was a smooth ride that had numerous speed bumps and detours along the way.
I’ve had days when I hit the jackpot and everything went my way; even my mistakes and miscues resulted in a favorable outcome.
AND THEN there were those days where anything and everything went horribly wrong; where life put me in a loop and a series of jokes slapped me in the face one after another.
Regardless of what kind of day, week, month or year I had, I somehow survived; I lived to tell the tale and more often than not, I remembered in detail all of the good that I encountered.
Throughout all of my life’s experiences, I’ve come to the realization that sometimes my greatest memory can be my worst enemy. Relishing and reminiscing about all those happy times brought about a false sense of thinking; that everything would result in something wonderful.
It was good to have a positive outlook but I needed to embrace all the bad that happened in my life wholeheartedly. With every failed attempt I grew closer to success.
With much introspection, I’ve learned to value everything that crossed my path. It helped me to be strong, wise, compassionate, focused, determined and grateful. Life is way too short, so “Find the beauty in every moment” and bring out the best in yourself.
Tigger
With 2016 winding down, I ,like many others reflect on what took place in our lives and put things into perspective. As I was doing my year end house cleaning, I stumbled upon a picture of my beloved dog “Tigger”several years removed from our lives; attached was a note that I had penned soon after his passing.
I read through it and reflected on how important he was to me and my family and wanted to share how I felt at that time with you.
“Today a part of me died,
you left a void within my heart that can never be replaced
You touched my life in ways that you could never imagine
I sit here trying to think of a word to best describe you
But no words can describe what you truly meant to me
You were my best friend for the past 18 years
and you did everything in your heart for me
You made me laugh and smile
and comforted me when I was scared
You protected me when I was asleep
and kept me company when I was alone
In your little funny ways,
you made me see what life was about
I will miss you with all my heart;
your perky ears, your jovial bark, and your gentle lick
It will be hard to face life without you by my side
Your support and love made me feel invincible
Your gift of love
was the best gift I ever received from you
For that I am most grateful
I’m so lucky and honored that you came into my life
For the rest of my life, I am in debt to you
Tigger…you taught me what love really is,
to give it and to receive it
you will never be forgotten
because you have a special place within my heart forever
Whenever I think of love or share it,
you will come to mind
you will live on in the love I give to others
Thank you Tigger,
thank you for choosing me,
thank you for being there for me
and caring with your heart.”
Midlife, Maniacal & Me 