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20 20 Hindsight

By Silver Rose

20/20 Hindsight

We hear the stories every day. Some are people we know and cherish; others are strangers on the 6:00 news. They are ill, often struggling with life and death issues.

It happened to me yesterday. A friend told me of his struggle with MS. Suddenly all my “problems” disappeared from consciousness.

Erma Bombeck gave the gift of laughter to the world. Here is what she had to say:
IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER
by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s.” More “I’m sorry’s.”

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute…look at it and really see it . live it and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff.

Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

In other words, Erma would have focused on the good, downplaying the bad.

The Law of Attraction says, “You attract that which is a match to how you are feeling.”

Don’t wait for 20/20 hindsight. What will you start doing differently – TODAY?

Start living your life with the joy of a small child.

If you have your health, enjoy every bit of it. If you are ailing in some way, enjoy what you can – the sun on your face, the sound of laughter, the music of nature. Joy is why we are here and it is all around us. Grab some. It’s free.
Silver

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Less is More in 2004

By Silver Rose

Less is More in 2004

Yesterday, while talking to a friend, I caught myself delivering a veritable laundry list of all the wonderful and ambitious plans I have for 2004. As I listed the projects, I found myself wanting to add to them, to make it all sound somehow more impressive. I felt myself a bit embarrassed about not having done more in 2003 and wanting him to know that I was determined to be a superstar in 2004. Be all you can be!

Since that call, I’ve been pondering the following:

It’s the New Year. People all over the planet are making resolutions to do more this year. I say, “Let’s do less.”

The Law of Attraction says, “You attract more of what you focus on.” Since most of us are regularly and systematically focused on a vast cornucopia, we end up attracting a wide variety of things, very few of them what we really want.

In a society of instant gratification, we want what we want RIGHT NOW –all of it. Because our focus and energies are so scattered, we end up attracting small pieces of what we want – just enough to keep us frustrated instead of satisfied.

Here’s an idea for 2004. Take a piece of paper (or do it on your computer – it’s easier to sort). Your page should look like this:

2004 DELIVERABLES
Personal Business
1. 1.
2. 2.
On through…… …
11. 11.

In other words, list numbers 1-11 on each side. At first, randomly list up to eleven deliverables for 2004. I say “up to” because you may have four very large deliverables that require greater focus. Eleven is the MOST you want to have. I prefer the word “deliverables” to “goals.” “Deliverable” implies that you will actually do it. “Goal” gives you some wiggle room.

Now, here is how to harness The Law of Attraction in 2004 for BIG results. The numbers 1-11 represent the months of this year. (I always eliminate December since it seems a lost month for accomplishing much – plus it provides a cushion to catch up, if need be). For January, decide which deliverable you will focus on and move it to the top of your list. Then decide on during February, etc. etc. (By the way, you may have one deliverable listed in several months if it’s a big one.)

Each month, as you work with this, you will discover that, by focusing your attention and energy on one deliverable, instead of spreading it all over, you will be successful much more quickly. It doesn’t mean you’ll complete each deliverable in its given month. That may not be possible. But during its designated month, you will do everything in your power to move it forward. It’s your priority.

This also doesn’t mean you won’t work on other things, some of which are on your “deliverables” list. What it does mean is that your primary focus will be on that month’s deliverable. When you plan your work day, you will plan around your work deliverable for that month. After hours, you will focus on your personal deliverable.

Doing this will guarantee that, in 2004 you will attract more of what’s important to you instead of lots of little things that are nice but aren’t really all that critical. When you can focus on what’s truly important, all the little things will take care of themselves.

So, let’s do less in 2004 in order to attract more of what we truly want – that which makes life meaningful and rich. Then, when 2005 rolls around, you’ll look back with satisfaction rather than regret.

Silver