It’s really enlightening to take a step back once in a while and watch everyone running around trying to make a living. I get it. It’s a necessity. But do we really NEED everything we buy? Does everything need to be so grandiose? I think not.
Believe me, I know, I’ve been caught up in it myself at times. It’s crazy, stressful, and so unhealthy. Working so hard to buy the clothes you need to wear to work and the car to get there. When you reflect on it, it seems so goofy. I think the current times are really forcing us to realize this!
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have goals, something to strive for. It’s great to dream of buying a new house to share with loved ones. But you have to consider the cost, not of the house but to your health and well-being. If you’re always too exhausted to enjoy it with those that may share it with you, what’s the sense.
What’s The True Cost Of Your Goals?
When I was in college my uncle died of a heart attack at forty-two years of age. He was my dad’s younger brother by seven years. He left behind a wife and four very young children, my cousins. It was so sad. He was such a fun guy. Always a joker. He had the best smile!
He used to tell my siblings and me that if we saved our belly button fuzz, we could get a new bicycle. I didn’t even know what belly button fuzz was the first time he said that to me. It’s funny the goofy stuff you remember about a loved one after they’re gone.
Before he died, I recall him working like a dog, in his job, and on home improvements stripping stain from the woodwork in their living room. He also was so very thoughtful stopping by to visit with my parents and taking care to make sure my grandma had what she needed. It seemed like a lot. Obviously, it was too much especially with the family heart history and the fact that he smoked.
Maybe we all just need to be at peace with what we have: our health, our happiness, and our loved ones. I think if we focus more on those that are within the walls of the place we reside in, we will be so much happier. Do you get what I’m trying to say?
Keep It Simple!
Simplicity is so appealing to me right now more than ever. Having a comfortable place to live that’s cozy and easily maintained, a place just big enough to enjoy and entertain those we love. Sharing a meal, a walk and good conversation is so good for the soul!
I used to love when my Grandpa Carlson would walk my siblings and me down to the local restaurant for lunch or ice cream. There always seemed to be a very simple lesson learned along the way.
One time I recall he had us each take responsibility for the one younger than us that evening. This meant that he would look after my older sister, Linda, and Linda would look after my older brother Ken, Ken would look after me and I was to look after my younger sister, Chris. Mind you I was about 6 or 7 years old and she was maybe 3 or 4 years old. Of course, we all agreed that this was a great idea and that it would be fun.
That was until the evening played out and we were walking home from the restaurant. My sister was very little and still potty training. Of course, accidents happen and I was left to deal with the cleanup and for a while there, my grandfather went along with it. I will never forget that! But we learned the simple lesson of taking care of someone you love.
Spread The Love Amongst Many
We all have some combination of family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and romantic interests in our lives to connect with. As human beings, we need the love of them all.
Each of these loved ones provides a connection and a way for us to give back and share. But no one of them can provide it all. By having such an array of people in your circle, you learn and share from each one in different ways.
Family provides you with the opportunity to share memories from your childhood and traditions. You share family history and funny stories. It’s comfortable because you know them all so well. You’ve experienced so many good and crazy times together.
I feel so fortunate because I am so close with my siblings and extended family. We get together for our annual pierogi party and laugh and carry on this great tradition that my Grandma Kuby started when we were very little. It’s great because we then enjoy the pierogies together that night and on Thanksgiving and Christmas at dinner as well as gifting them to family and friends.
What Family Traditions Do You Have?
Every year or so lately in August our extended family plans to get together for a Kuby picnic with about forty or so of us. It’s a chance to stay connected outside of family weddings and funerals. We have had so many Kuby picnics over the past fifty-some years. It’s so much fun making dishes to pass, catching up, doing the egg toss, and the balloon toss, and playing bingo with the kids!
It gives us an opportunity to share what’s going on in our lives. It’s so great to teach my nieces and nephews what my grandmother taught us about making quality perogies and sharing them with our loved ones. It’s fun to see them look forward to and enjoy the day as much as we do. What family traditions do you have? What traditions could you start?
Celebrating With Friends
The same is true when connecting with friends. I have celebrated with friends by hosting an annual Christmas party over about the last twenty-five years, going to different New Year’s Eve events at hotels and friend’s homes, or a St. Patrick’s Day brunch before viewing the neighborhood parade.
For a few years, while I was in college, we used to get together with a big group of friends from the neighborhood and U of I for cocktails and dancing at the Bismark hotel in downtown Chicago. OMG, those were some fun parties! There was lots of dancing to some great music and lots of imbibing.
There was also the annual Labaugh Luau! An annual picnic at the local forest preserve, Labaugh Woods, with friends from U of I where we would enjoy the day playing dizzy sticks and laughing a lot.
Lately, it seems we’ve just been barbecuing and talking around a firepit or getting together outside with yoga buddies, Facetiming with a friend overseas, or just catching up through a group text with old friends. I have to admit I definitely prefer a phone conversation but I’ll take what I can get just to stay connected.
Network With Colleagues
Connecting with work colleagues is important as well. Sharing memories of good times we’ve had at past jobs. Coaching each other on whatever next opportunity we are seeking. Referring a coach. Encouraging each other to try something new, to be creative and innovative.
I try to connect with colleagues from the different places I’ve worked at on a regular basis via phone or over lunch. I’ve found that those colleague connections have provided great food for thought or a valuable resource. Do you reach out to your colleagues from the past to stay connected?
A Romantic Partner Makes Life Interesting
Having someone to share your day with or to hug and touch is so important. Sometimes it’s light and fun and other times it’s complicated. We all have different needs, wants, and desires. Matching those up takes some effort but it’s worth it! What do you do to keep IT alive?
I’m learning with any loved one, expectations can make or break a relationship. Keeping expectations low helps you maintain a gratitude mindset. I’m so grateful to have a special someone in my life right now.
There’s a lot to be said for snuggling and long talks on the phone to get to know each other better. I also feel writing letters are a great way to get acquainted even when your special someone lives close by or with you.
Feeling good about yourself can also make or break the relationship. Confidence is key! This is where self-care comes into play. Working out, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and maintaining boundaries will enhance a loving relationship but the key is living a good life with love on top!
Keep The Silliness Alive!
When I was younger, it seemed easier and more natural to express our feelings through a hug, silliness, laughter, singing, and dancing wherever. I’ve seen that when I’ve spent time with my nieces and nephews and my brother and sisters.
When we were growing up, our family always greeted each other with a kiss and hug. When we were going to bed, we said goodnight the same way. This was normal for me and I think it’s really healthy! Is it the norm for you? How do you express love to your loved ones?
The Friendly Connection
This sense of connection and expression of love extends to time spent with friends as well. Sharing a hug or listening to something wonderful that has just happened or something sad that they are living through. We touch each other in so many ways, literally and figuratively, and we thrive on that connection.
You have to give yourself permission to be a little child again. To dance freely in the kitchen and giggle about something silly you just did. It’s so liberating! I’ve been doing it a lot lately and I have to admit it feels awesome!
Just playing some of your favorite music and letting yourself go or grabbing someone’s hand to dance with them and enjoy the moment. It’s so much fun! Everyone needs a little fun in their lives.
Take inventory of your connections with your loved ones and how often you make them. Are they quality connections? Why and when do you reach out to them?
Lately, whenever I think of someone, I’ve made it a point to reach out to them via phone or to make plans to see them. It’s a great way to stay connected. Who doesn’t like to be in someone’s thoughts?
Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. If you have any feedback on this post, let me know.
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