What do you call a bear with no teeth? A Gummy Bear!! 😉 I know you are smiling right now! 😉
“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” Steve Prefontaine
My destination was Jamestown, ND today and with that a lot of reflection on my life. I look at the past quite often as I know we are told to be present but I have problems with this. I have so many wonderful memories with amazing people that to not look back would be injustice and of course I have the NOT so wonderful memories too. These memories have made me the person I am today.
There are small moments that I would love to have back (I’m guessing most of us do): the last moment I hugged and saw my grandparents, the last State Track meet my senior year (running has a lot of meaning to me and will have it’s own post later on), a night at college where my friends and I went rollerblading most of the night, and my last student staff bbq to name a few (I had the best college student employees ever). I wouldn’t change any of these memories but to just have a few more seconds in them?!
Those not so wonderful moments creep up on me when I least expect it as I don’t dwell on them but there is usually a reminder hiding somewhere which cause a lot of tears.
The time I was told I shouldn’t go to a 4 year college because it wasn’t for me. (Got my Master’s)
The moment I tore my ACL & MCL. (kept running half marathons)
The exact second one of my best friends broke my heart. (heart still hurts)
The day when all my morals and values were tested (I revisit this one almost daily).
These moments have made me stronger, however they have also made me very guarded. I tend to be cautious and closed off as it just seems easier than sharing as fear of being hurt. I also feel everyone else has bigger problems and mine seem so small so to say something wouldn’t be right?! I’m working on it, hence the blog!:) Why not look back but maybe don’t let it define who you are but learn from it? I think we need to be present. I also think we are in control of our own destinies. I will leave you with this; enjoy every moment past and present as we are never guaranteed another day.
Music: Any Country Station that worked on my trip
Yes, I do like some country as I have a reason for that too as it was a big part of my past. I can remember so many moments sitting in my grandma’s kitchen at the farm with the radio playing country in the background. The cool breeze in the morning going through the windows and her amazing french toast cooking in the pan. There was always laughter and dancing as my family was there a lot growing up. Also, there is just a peacefulness being on the farm especially at night. Interesting fact; I do a lot later at night like get the mail, take out the garbage or I just stand outside for a few minutes as it brings me peace and back to the farm.
Life’s a Dance: John Michael Montgomery
Don’t Take the Girl: Tim McGraw
She’s in Love With the Boy: Trisha Yearwood
Standing Outside the Fire: Garth Brooks
Independence Day: Martina McBride
Fishin’ in the Dark: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Until Next Time………
Traveling With Jo 