I’ve had a crazy week. My husband has been out of town, so I’ve been without back-up. Adding to the mayhem was the start of my daughter’s dance classes, a teacher conference that wasn’t good and too many cross country practices. But I’ve had an inspiring week, as well. I completed my 10 Day Manifesto Adventure – and many thanks to Katie Den Ouden for providing the spark I needed. I’m also excited and nervous about leaving tomorrow for my first ever blogger conference. All good stuff (well, except for the teacher conference). Why am I telling you all of this? Because I honestly haven’t had the time to put my ALL into this post, but I still want to share it, because I love hooking up with my friends from Finish the Sentence Friday. And life is too short to not do what you want to do!
Sadly, it’s often the loss of a loved one or hearing upsetting news about somebody’s health that reminds us that our time here on Earth is precious and brief. I hate that it takes sad events to remind me, because I should always be conscious of it. I experience anxiety whenever I think about time passing too quickly and of course – aging, which I realize is a gift so many don’t get. As I look forward to another birthday, and accept that time certainly is flying, I’ve had some epiphanies:
Life is too short for drama. I’d originally intended to write my whole post about this, but honestly, I was too scared write it. Ultimately, such a topic would probably cause drama! I have enough drama in the house, I don’t need anyone else’s – unless it’s a matter of life or death.
Life is too short (and busy) to go without caffeine. More specifically – coffee. I love my coffee and I will never again give it up for a fast or cleanse.
Life is too short to read bad books, watch dumb shows or sit through a boring movie. Seriously, if you don’t like it – put it down, shut it off or walk out. The exception is when you’re reading for school, in which case you kind of have to finish the book.
Life is too short to waste opportunity. 
If you see a chance to get or do something you want – go for it!
Life is too short to spend it with people who don’t lift you up. As my late friend Terri used to say, if you’re not on my team, get off the field! I’m not kidding – buh-bye.
Life to too short to be afraid to say, “No.” Over-whelmed by volunteer requests? Just say no. A relative asking to “borrow” money again? Just say no. Constantly being asked to read or edit someone’s work? Just say no.
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Life is too shot to not say, “I love you.” Say it to everyone you love, and often. No excuses. I promise you’ll regret it if you don’t. And conversely, I’ve never regretted saying it.
Life is too short to hold grudges. Yes, I know this one can be difficult. But honestly, it’s not worth the angst, especially over silly stuff. For major grievances, you may need time to process your hurt or anger, but then let it go. Remember, forgiveness is a gift – both for you and the recipient.
Life is too short not to indulge, at least once in a while. There’s so much I love that is, unfortunately, bad for me when consumed in excess. Sugar, cheese, wine and the sun. I can’t over-do it, but every once in a while I get a little crazy. And I don’t beat myself up for it anymore.
Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. This is a no brainer – and we all know it’s true.
Life is too short to judge others. We’re all guilty of it at times, but the older get, the less I care about what other people do. As long as they’re not hurting anyone or breaking the law – what do I care?
Life is too short to look away. If you do see something that isn’t cool, please do the right thing! Stand up for those who can’t help themselves.
Life is too short to stay in
one place. Go exploring. Seriously, go somewhere. It’s amazing how your perspective changes when you get out of a safe environment and expand your horizons. A change of scenery is always good. And it’ll make you appreciate home all the more.
Life is too short to not realize that the grass is not always greener. Learn to appreciate the blessings in your life.
Life is too short to be selfish. Be generous with your time, money, patience and love! Are you ready for some clichés? Helping others feels good. As for money and material goods – you can’t take it with you when you’re gone. Patience is a virtue, yes, but it is also kindness and good for your health. The more love you give, they more that comes back to you.
Life is too short to not stop and smell the roses (or tiptoe in the tulips). I’m going to quote Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
That’s it, that’s all I got. I’m sorry for the unoriginality, but I have to go pack now. Wish me luck at the conference. Check back next week, because I’ll blog all about it.
Carpe Diem my friends!
This is a Finish the Sentence Friday link-up. This week’s sentence is, “Life is too short to___.”
Please visit our hosts:
Kristi from Finding Ninee
Stephanie from Mommy, For Real
Guest Hosts:
Katia from IAMTHEMILK
Kelly from Just Typikel
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such an inspirational post. I love those various reasons of why n how we can optimize this short life of ours!
Happy friday and n hope you find your peace to get on another grueling week 🙂
Thanks Ruchira. I send the same positive thoughts back to you.
Oh man there are several things here that rang bells for me. First , the caffeine. I am so with you on that point. My three day cleanse this summer was a first for me. Will I do it again? Maybe. However, I will do it with a coffee or two thrown in. Two, the staying in one place. Yes! Move. Travel. See the world. You’ll become so much more interesting. Three – ok I’ll stop and give your eyes a rest soon – indulge. Bless you. I knew there was a reason I ate five chocolate chip cookies in a row yesterday. Life is just too damn short not to!
Yes! And I just ate a glazed donut:). Thanks Kelly.
“The more love you give, they more that comes back to you.” I always say, “In order to find love, you have to love.” I did write my entire post about drama. I’ve had enough of it. But I love what you did with your post. Glad you left the drama and delved into positive thinking.
Thanks Michelle! I can’t wait to read your post. I just got home form the conference and I’m trying to catch up.
We were SO TOTALLY sharing a brain for tonight’s post, Allie!!! Wow. We are amazing. Ah hem. sorry…
anyway….Judging others, looking away, and being selfish? We almost wrote the same post. You did it better, though, and I love it so so much.
We are amazing! And I refuse to address the last sentence – over than you are wrong.
Very cool way to handle the sentence. Though I am on the edge of my seat wondering about the drama post 🙂
Oh Kerri:) – Juts all the typical crap that goes on in suburbia/PTA/little girls/my family:). I want to tell you I’m protecting the innocent, but honestly I’m protecting myself (and I’m not always innocent).
I definitely get the anxiety about aging and about time moving fast. I never had that last one until kids. Although I remember having a major anxiety crisis about aging when I was 21 or so! Yeah.. so “old” there!
Sorry about the bad conference. I think they just exist in life. I know my parents had occasional ones with me. My daughter is so young.. but I used to get so nervous before the ones in preschool. Preschool!!
Thanks Tamera. It was really bad, I just got confirmation from the teacher that my youngest has some attention issues – and it’s not just me who sees it. And that’s pretty sad – that I think it’s not too bad:) But I guess that’s what being an autism mom does for you – a little ADD, sure no problem. (I joke, I think).
Good luck at the conference, and I thought that was an excellent post! I stopped drinking coffee last April and I still miss it. I’m gonna have to not think about life being too short in that aspect – I feel better without it (physically) – but I do miss the company of the morning routine, the smell and holding the warm cup in my hands. 🙁
Oh my goodness, my heart just shipped a few beats – you quit drinking coffee? Why? Seriously curious. I read such conflicting report about caffeine…
I know that you apologized about the “unoriginality” of the post, but I think that you touched on a number of thoughts that are important to keep in mind. Staying balanced, keeping in touch with what is really important in your life…this are the essence of timeless wisdom. Thanks for reminding us about them!
“Essences of timeless wisdom” – I love that. Thank you. Although I am going to assume you are not referring to me specifically – ha,ha. Because you would be wayyyyy off base:)!
You can take at least some credit — you have some great thoughts in this post!
Yes, yes, yes to it all! I can’t even pick a favorite! 🙂 I can’t wait to hear all about the conference! Thanks for making time for FTSF this week! xo
Thanks Stephanie. And I LOVE being a part of FTSF. Conference blog coming this week.
loved it!! life is to short not to eat dessert first!! once in a while…
Eat dessert first….hmmm, I’ve never tried that one Sue. But in place of, yes.
While not the most important or meaningful one, I love the one about books. I used to finish a book no matter how bad it was, because I started it. Then I realized that life was too short, and there are too many good books to waste time on one I didn’t like. A small thing, but a liberating one!
So liberating:). I just tossed a book I could not turn another page on:)! But, if you can’t finish it – should it be counted as a book read? The former accountant who meticulously keeps track of her books (for Goodreads:)) wants to know….
If I read more than half, it goes on Goodreads!
I know you said you didn’t put your all into this post, but I think it’s lovely. Just being reminded of the goodness around us, the fact that we do have choices about who we keep in our lives, who we love, the actions we take and that they do make a difference was clarifying for me. Thanks 🙂
Thank you Lisa. I really appreciate your sweet comments.