In the grand scheme of things. When I take a few minutes, sit back, take a deep breath and contemplate life for a moment, things really are not as bad as I tend to paint them in my mind. I was just having a conversation with my wife the other day, and I made mention of this. I said that I don't nearly give myself enough time to manage the difficulties I face in life. Things may not be all that bad when looking at the big picture.
[source - Pixabay]
And life is rolling along. Things are not just how I would want them or had imagined they would be, but I am alive and happy. I have a roof over my head, a secure income, reliable transportation, a lovely wife and cute little pup. I eat decently well and my health is pretty good for my age. So why do I put pressure on myself to expect more from life? I suppose it's only natural to question ones choices and all of those million little decisions I had made over the last bunch of years.
But none of that matters because one can not change the past. We can only live for today and maybe plan for the future a little at a time. I'll be okay with that. My New Year resolution, although I never put much faith in following through with them, was to treat myself better. It is my goal this year to lighten up when it comes to self judgement. I'll give myself a break, not be so quick to doubt my decisions, take time to enjoy the little things in life that I have surrounded myself with, and also make sure to remind myself that it is okay to make mistakes and to move on from them. I can do this!
I ended the year by taking some much needed time off. I took two weeks off and thoroughly enjoyed each and every day. I spent time relaxing, enjoying the company of family and friends, and hardly shaved. I was so used to shaving every day to every other day and the break from the razor was nice. So far I have kept the short beard and have kept it trimmed up.
It think it looks good and am embracing the change to my looks. It's a bit peppery you could say. I look in the mirror and think wow I am showing my age. Maybe a bit more white whiskers in the facial hair than I want or realize that I had, but I still like it.
My wife gave me Jeep parts as a Christmas gift this year.. Okay, so maybe I bought them and she took the credit, but she did the same so it's all good. I took some of my vacation time to work on our Jeep. I really like working on the Jeep and find it almost relaxing in a way. Yes, one may hear the occasional bad word leave my lips after busting a knuckle or cutting a finger, but all in all I find it a fun way to spend my free time.
I purchased new fenders but did not like the way they fit, so I returned them. Instead I am going to renew the old ones and give them a face lift. The fenders are presently a tan color, but will soon be black. I am trying to keep the Jeep primarily black and white. It was quite the job getting those fenders off, but I managed.
I also purchased new LED lighting. I picked up new headlights, tail lights, side and front markers.. all LED. Since LED's take much less power to light, I had to make a few changes to the wiring and relays as well. It was a bit of a challenge, but I got it all figured out. There is no rush, but I can't wait to see the finished results.
Molly is adorable as ever, although we are becoming extremely frustrated with her lately. This girl just won't eat. Ugggg.. so frustrating sitting on the floor trying to coax her into eating. We have tried several things, but she consistently puts up a fight each and every time. We are thinking that her seizures or syncope episodes are starting to affect her brain. When she finally does start to eat, she eats like crazy. It makes no sense, but we are dealing with it the best we know how.
She is too cute to be frustrated with for long. Plus we know she is old and her teeth are a problem too. She has lost so many now that her tongue has a hard time staying inside her mouth. I am starting to grow a nice collection of tongue out photos.
I'll wrap this up and say that I am looking forward to the new year and embracing the challenges that lay ahead of me this year. I will do my best and that's all anyone can ever ask of ones self. I plan on sticking to the plan and not being so hard on myself. I'll cut myself some slack and enjoy those little things more often.
Speaking of the little things... How about those winter sunsets?! I really do enjoy seeing them. The winter season is not my favorite time of year; The cold, short days, the snow and ice, the bare trees.. But how about those sunsets! Beautiful!!!
"Don't just learn, experience.
Don't just read, absorb.
Don't just change, transform.
Don't just relate, advocate.
Don't just promise, prove.
Don't just criticize, encourage.
Don't just think, ponder.
Don't just take, give.
Don't just see, feel.
Don’t just dream, do.
Don't just hear, listen.
Don't just talk, act.
Don't just tell, show.
Don't just exist, live.”
“It’s only after you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone that you begin to change, grow, and transform.”
― Roy T. Bennett
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