::LOVE LETTER::

Hey you –

Well, here we are. Damn. Long road. You’re scaring hell out of the “golden years,” and still coming from the place of, “if I can just get this started …”

You lost sight of your dreams for awhile. A long while. That period between the kids leaving home and you deciding you couldn’t glue the pieces of your marriage back together one more time … yeah, that part. You were in the deep water, kiddo; as a non-swimmer that’s a tough place to be. But hey … you made it. Now, you’ve got just enough time left for the really important stuff. So here are a few tips from the heart of me, to the heart of you:

You aren’t your past. Stop looking back there. Look to the future
Don’t waste time with regret
Get rid of pride. It will separate you from those you love the most
Say “I’m sorry” when you are
Say, “I love you” every chance you get
Eat healthy, but don’t make yourself miserable
If you end up face to face with a guy who seems like a potential “last part of your life partner” material, don’t call him your boyfriend. Just don’t
Paint. Paintpaintpaint
Write. Writewritewrite
Write prose, write music, write your story. Even if only your children end up reading about your life, give them that chance. They deserve to know who you are
Keep following your dreams
Failure is just another word for one way that didn’t work. Find another way
Get rid of the bullshit. In your relationships, in your possessions, in your way of thinking. Drop it. You don’t have time for it
Be as generous as you can with as many as possible. Start with yourself. An empty bucket can fill no others
Relax. This is not a contest. You’ve already won just by waking up this morning
Find the humor, always
Laugh big, loud, and long, every day
That kid inside? Give her free reign on a regular basis. She’ll keep you young. And authentic
The relationship you have with God defines everything. Go to Him first, stay with Him through it, and be with Him last
A peaceful sleep, a beautiful sunrise, and a great idea are all gifts created just for you. Enjoy them so much they bring you to tears
Never forget to say Thank you. A grateful heart is always tender. And a tender heart is always grateful
You are loved