Not Saving a Thing

I'm reading more and dusting less.  I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden.  I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time at work.  Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure.  I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.

I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.

I wear my good blazer to the market.  My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out 28.49 for one small bag of groceries.

I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.   "Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.  If it's worth seeing or hearing or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.

I'm not sure what our loved ones who have suddenly passed on would’ve done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted.  I think they would have called family members and a few close friends.  They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles.  I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was.

I'm guessing; I'll never know.  It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited.  Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days.   Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my wife/husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them.

I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives.  And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special.  Every day, every minute, every breath truly is a gift from God.

Take a few minutes to to let a few people you care about know that you're thinking of them.  If you're too busy to take the few minutes that it takes right now for a quick text or message, would it be the first time you didn't do the little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?  I can tell you it certainly won't be the last.

By Ann Wells

"People say true friends must always hold hands, but true friends don't need to hold hands because they know the other hand will always be there."

Author unknown

Update:  Irishey was kind enough to share the link to the original story so we now know the author.  See her explanation in the comments below.  Since the quote is not part of the original article, I'm assuming it was written by someone else.  If anyone knows the author, please share so that I can properly acknowledge them.