Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda

If I was limited to giving Little Dude only a single piece of advice in this world, it would be that there are no "Do Overs" in life.

Now all the inspirational books on the planet would have you believe that do-overs are not only possible, but they are readily available for you to partake in at every turn.

Bollocks I say, bollocks.

I lived an entire life under that philosophy and it's one of the biggest lies I was ever told. There are certainly sometimes do-again opportunities, but not always. To count on that is delusional.

I lived my entire life thinking that at some point there would be some giant eraser that would allow me to start over. And, because of that I never really invested in people or places in the way that I should have. This was particularly true in my K-12 years, when I thought that when I left home there would be some magic reset or do over button that would just wipe out my life before then and allow me to start anew. And, while I did get to start anew somewhat the fact of the matter is that life stays with you. The decisions you have made, the moments you have chosen to participate in or conversely to sit out stay with you. They shape who and what you become and there is no escaping that.

"Do!" everyday and don't worry about making anyone else proud.

Make yourself proud of everything you do!

Life Lessons

I've got a lot to teach Little Dude in life, but he has quite a bit to teach me too. Here's a little of what he's taught me so far.

*Look up! There are fascinating planes and helicopters and all sorts of wonderful birds....and fabulous clouds. I love that I now take the time to stop, look up and enjoy even when he's not with me.

*Look Down! There are fabulous bunnies and slugs and all sorts of exciting things waiting to be discovered.

*Peaches: Enjoy them! Don't worry about the juicy mess you are making...in fact, revel in it. Let the juice roll down your arms and onto the floor, roll your eyes back in your head and hum and sing about the delicious flavors exploding in your mouth.

*Be the first to Moo. Don't wait with eager anticipation for the cows to moo at you. Take the world by the horns and MOOOOOOO at them first. You never know the entire Cow Palace at the Fairgrounds might start mooo-ing back. Great moments can happen anywhere at any time!!

*!!! -- Life is a little more exciting if you approach it with all exclamation points!

*And, sometimes only mamma will do.