The Good, The Bad and The Ugly......

My birthday is tomorrow. Another year wiser. I don't consider myself getting older, just more mature. Everyone always makes a big deal over getting older. It's inevitable. Doesn't mean you have to give up or accept that the best of life has passed you by once you reach the age of 30!

I'm constanly told that I don't look my age. For the record, I know I don't act the way people think someone my age should act. Don't get me wrong....I'm responsible (most of the time ;-), considerate and a displinarian for my daughter. In other words, completely grownup.

I take one day at a time while still planning for the future. I just don't belabor the point. My husband always asks what I expect and I'm constantly telling him that I go out of my way to have no real expectations. This way the disappointment is minimal, but the rewards are great. Not that I don't want to be treated with respect and consideration. I just feel that we always expect something to turn out a certain way and if it doesn't....we're let down. Especially when you've put those high expectations on other people.

Hence, the title for this post.....

We need to experience all of it; the good, the bad and especially the ugly. In other words, we're all in a Clint Eastwood movie all of our lives. It's what shapes us, gives us our stories for our kids and grandkids and brings us closer to our fellow human beings.

It's how we deal with life's curve balls that determines who we are personally. I guess the only true expectations I have in life that as much as I feel joy, I'll also feel pain. If we refuse to see both sides how can we determine which fork in the road we can take. Sure, we'll take the shorter route at times....after all, we are only human. But nothing beats taking the long way. The sights, sounds and lessons are all irreplacable.

They can make us stronger or they can destroy us. But, always know that that desicison is always up to you. No one can make that final judgement for you on how you handle each situation. Another person only has that much control if you allow it. Don'tallow it. Make up your own mind; it's why we were given it.

And for those of us, due to mental illness (yes, I said it) or any other disorder, it's a cop-out for us to not make that desicion for ourselves. Do you really think those who truly cannot make those desicions want to be that way? So by helping ourselves, we help them.

Never become jaded!!! There's so much in life, that if you let it, can bring you joy everyday. And most of those are the simplest of things....seeing my daughter smile, playing with my dog or just feeling the breeze on my face. Never take them for granted. I may not feel my age, but I won't live forever either. When my time comes, I want to feel that I've made the most of every moment, whether I live a shack or a mansion.

So....what will you do?

Life's little stressers

Well, schoool's out for the summer. Two weeks to the move back east and still packing!! This is definitely going to be a summer of change. My daughter will be in high school next year, new place, new job. But....closer to family.

The move is, actually, bittersweet. I've grown to love Arizona and all its diversity. However, I do miss the green of the east coast and being close to family. I'm leaving behind new friends and a job that I've grown to love (and hate) just as I would any family. It's scary and exciting all at once.

The only real negative...no job to go to right now. I feel like in I'm in a Bon Jovi song....Livin' on a Prayer!! Keep smiling....;-)

I guess it's testament to my love and faith in my husband that I not only moved out to Arizona 6 years ago, no job, but now I'm moving across country again, no job. Hey, as long as we're all together.........

To all those that have gone before me, thanks for paving the way. To those that have yet to make that decision, one foot forward will start it. No time like the present!