2000
This post marks my 2000th blog entry, which is hard to believe! It’s a labor of love, sharing my thoughts and feelings through the written word, adding photos and videos to punctuate what I no longer take for granted – my life. At times, the journey can be bittersweet, but I stay focused because as a friend often reminds me – the best is yet to come.
We’re all on a journey and it’s important to stay the course, appreciating each moment as they occur. My advice: When misery enters your life, leaving you sad, hopeless and afraid, know you’re never alone because we’ve all been there, one time or another. If you can make it through the setbacks and heartache, you’ll come out on the other side stronger, wiser and more enriched – This I guarantee!
If you’re more positive and confidant than the average person, then share your good fortune. Take it upon yourself to aid a troubled soul (particularly a younger person) in seeing the light, letting them know you walked down some of the same roads and pathways. Share your vulnerable moments and your secrets for success because we’re nothing if we don’t help those in need. Commonality is pivotal to our survival, to our thriving and prospering, especially as a nation sharing the same dream of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
No matter who you are, where you came from, where you’ve been or where you think you’re going, you’ll never succeed if you don’t believe in yourself. The two most valuable lessons I have learned in life – never take anything for granted and the simple things in life are really what matter most. I’ll also add, feel your emotions, learn from your mistakes and grow from each experience, and stop judging those around you. Stop trying to live someone else’s life and concentrate on your own. You can accomplish every goal you set out to achieve, but you must believe in yourself every step of the way.
I have always appreciated Hemingway and this quote of his is appropriate for my stroll down memory lane – "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end."
As often as you can, work hard to live each moment with joy. Your joy matters to me. Cheers! – paerki
1000
(I thought it would be appropriate to share my 1000th blog post, again. It was written on March 27, 2011. As always, look back to move forward. Focus on those things that bring you pleasure and build your life around them, which is guaranteed to move you onward in a happier, and healthier way.)
Who would have thought I would have this much to say, and to boldly share, no less. Well, who am I kidding?! I am never at a loss for words, always quick to add my two cents (because I never have a dime), offering suggestions because at times I think I’ve seen and done it all (far from true), dispensing information because my good intentions tells me it will help heal the world, but more importantly, it allows me to connect with others in a much deeper, genuine way, which I find empowering, if not necessary.
When I began this voyage into the unknown (and it really was just that), I was clueless about the world of words, writing creatively about one’s self for purpose. My initial goal was that of a diary/journal just for myself, penning personal experiences that guide my universe, while creating 'keepsakes in time' in the form of photos and videos that I could look back on when I’m experiencing days of challenge (feeling less than myself) – perhaps sad, but more than likely contemplative and nostalgic, two of my favorite feelings.
I know when I’m old and gray the contents of my blogs will come in handy. The posts will prove resourceful as I try to keep my mind active, remembering the past with great clarity. It will speak to my spirit, helping me to accept the coming of age. If I’ve played my cards right I will respect the road traveled looking back, I hope, with great fondness and lessons learned.
I don’t believe we always appreciate where we are in the moment. When we’re young we crave being older, and when we’re older we yearn to be younger, with many mourning the loss of years and asking the age old question, "Did I make the most of time at each stage of my life?" Sadly, too many of us attempt to make up for lost time, which we can never do, chasing dreams that must now be allowed to die, but I digress.
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