PLAYLIST

My friend and I were driving to Atlantic City for the weekend and she had her iPod hooked up to the car speakers so we could listen to music all the way down. As each song played she’d say, “Oh, this is my favorite song.” or “Oh, I love this song!” After several tracks I finally said, “Of course you love every song, they’re your favorites! It’s YOUR playlist!” We both busted out laughing.

The playlists we put together bring us joy, even comfort. They alter our mood. I love that about music. It can get our adrenaline flowing so we can rock that elliptical.  Relax us so we can fall asleep. It can get us in the mood; to clean the house, for romance or to dance around the kitchen like a badass bitch. Whatever the effect our music has on us, we’ve chosen those songs that bring out something in ourselves.

The same goes for our life choices. We had several choices. We choose. There is no reason to feel sorry for you. Forget this “pity, pity me” crap.  If whatever you choose is no longer serving you, swipe and click the delete button. Maybe you downloaded a song because a friend suggested it or you made a life decision based on what you thought society expected of you. Only you know what’s best for you. You have the power to create your life. You deserve only the best life has to offer. Whether it’s a huge life change that needs to be made or if you’re like me and it’s a $1.29 song you just downloaded, but turns out the lyrics don't particularly speak to you, DELETE IT.  You’re in control.

SNOW DAYS

We had our first few days of snow this week. I don’t ski, sled, snowshoe or snowmobile. I dislike scraping off the car windows, pouring washer fluid in my car and driving on icy roads. During these next few months the four happiest people and two of the most delighted dogs will be in all their glory: my family. Their wet and muddy shoes, clothes, and equipment will be thrown all over our home. Their paws will leave marks and their wet fur will stink. Our checking account balance will decrease as we purchase all that is needed for them to enjoy the snowy months to the fullest. Our getaways won’t be to sunny beaches but just the opposite, to ski resorts. To top it off, the days will be shorter and the sun will hide in the cloudy cold skies.

 

I will have no other choice but to make the best of it. So I will. I will drink an extra cup of joe while staring out into the snow globe. I will scrape my windows and fill my washer fluid. ‘I am woman. Hear me roar!’ I will enjoy my time home alone every weekend while my family hits the slopes. I will deep clean my house in a way I cannot do while the kids are at home. I will read, read and read some more as I sit in the lodge every Monday while the kids enjoy time with their friends. I won’t even miss not having access to the Internet there, I will write with pen or pencil. I will light candles. I will soak in my hot bubbly whirlpool. I will find the good in the dead of winter. For I know, the snow will eventually melt into spring.

VISION

Every year around this time I start repeating myself to my kids; "Go upstairs, take a garbage bag, and give what you don't play with anymore to make room for what Santa may bring you." So Friday we spent some time doing just that. I was able to fill two bags of clothes I no longer wear. Actually, I was motivated because I just scored six new dresses and did some early “Christmas shopping” for myself at Victoria’s Secret the day before, so I needed to make room myself. 

Saturday night my husband and I were on a date and we were having our typical date night conversation regarding our 5-yr plan, where/when/if we are going to move, where we want to retire, where we want to travel next.

I can't remember what was said right before this, but my husband asked me, "Sarah are you happy?" 

This too is a conversation starter that we have had on more than one occasion. What is it about me that gives-off the impression I’m not happy? When I reflect on my life I truly want for nothing. I see myself as very fortunate. Happy.

A few years ago my mother was visiting us and my husband who is very affectionate pulled me over for a hug while I was trying to get dinner on the table. I gave him a half-hearted hug and then went on to finish the chore. My husband turned to my mom and joked, “Your daughter isn’t very mushy.” My mom responded, “As a baby Sarah never needed much attention, hugs or kisses. She was always just happy wherever she was with a smile on her face.” This observation about my being was a true “Aha!” moment. She got me. Ultimately my husband does get me too, and more than that, he appreciates my “lets create the life we want, who’s to say we can’t have it all” attitude. It challenges him; the limitations people tend to set for themselves. I am happy where my life is right at this moment.

So why am I always wanting to change things up? Because I can! Why not? If we only live once and we can create our own lives then why are so many people remaining stagnate? Create a vision board today! Put on that board everything you ever wanted. Add to it as your dreams develop. The possibilities of what can be achieved are endless. We live in a world full of abundance, take advantage. Wanting to play the game of life doesn’t mean you’re not happy. It means you are savvy enough to see that there is plenty to go around, so why not take your share.