LOOK  LIFE  TIME

Many of you might not remember these three words but over thirty years ago they represented the titles of popular magazines when I was growing up.

There was something very intriguing about the pictures and the articles they would write about. 

I was able to envision what it was like to see behind the scenes and discover what other people were like, it felt as if I was experiencing life and seeing the world through their eyes. I would eagerly wait with anticipation by our mailbox to discover what was happening with people and places I could only dream about which was certainly not occurring in my backyard!

The idea of so many possibilities and reading about different cultures and ideals was so captivating to me. Looking back, I believe life was much simpler back then; we had to wait and wonder what new insights and information might be coming our way but now it is so instantaneous we have lost the ability to in the present moment.

Personally to me, the word “Look” also meant being aware of my surroundings, looking at people and acknowledging them with a smile, noticing all the miracles nature has to offer like a rainbow after a storm, or better yet when you see someone who is struggling or needs help, you would pay attention and actually offer them assistance! 

Today I have observed most people are just looking down at their phones or staring at their computers, they rarely LOOK up!! There is less human interaction and more isolation, but what saddens me the most is we are looking at ways to compare and criticize instead of connecting with other people!

Life’s magazine motto was, “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other and to feel. That is the purpose of Life.”

As a young girl, I remember feeling inspired, full of hope and new possibilities when reading all about what was happening in the world at the time. It taught me that life is really what you make it and there are going to be events that will change the course of our lives forever, not only for the people whose stories I would read about but for me too!  Life has so many opportunities and it instilled in me how important my decisions needed to be in order to lead me down the proper path to find my purpose.

The one pivotal moment in my life was when I decided to quit the Ohio State gymnastics team and try out for cheerleading.  I didn’t know a soul as I went into the grueling three-day tryouts without any expectations except to do my best. I was literally in shock when they called my number out of over two hundred others and realized I had made the team which consisted of only seven women and seven men.

You have to remember this was in 1979 and our 14-member squad cheered for both football and basketball, we bonded as a group and our friendships remain to this day.

These people became my family as we traveled all over together and I truly believe this part of my life gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my education and become a teacher and eventually a counselor.  If I hadn’t made the choice to try out, I am not sure what course my life would have taken, it saved me from going down the wrong path, that I do know with all my heart!

Time is the only magazine still in publication today and my thought is it because one thing we all know for sure is that we can’t stop time!

I have made it my intention with these three words to:

Look for new ways to open my heart and stay out of judgment.

Life is about my attitude and my gratitude

Time is precious, use it wisely.

It is all about perspective…  knowing that the people on the planet right now will no longer be here in 100 years gives us the opportunity to make a difference each day we are here!

I remember being young and feeling that summer was forever, but as I grew older, I realized time goes by so much faster and there never seems to be enough of it!!! What felt like an eternity now becomes an instant so I have intentionally decided to make an effort to slow down and focus on the things that are important to me. A lesson I learned not long ago is to realize that there are two days that DON’T exist; yesterday and tomorrow. All we have is the precious present, but many of us were taught to believe that each minute has to be perfect, yet we all know moments can be good, bad and messy! It is WHAT we DO in these moments that really matter!  I love going by these important questions to ask myself before I speak…” Is it true, is it kind, will it help?”  Oh, and this can be very difficult sometimes!!!

My challenge is for you to remember these three words below and how they are able to enrich your life. Here are some thought-provoking questions:

1. LOOK:  What do you focus on? What do you notice in other people? Do you compare or connect?
2. LIFE: What brings you joy? What really matters to you? The 3 C’s of Life: Choices, Chances, Changes.
   You must make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.
3. TIME: Am I spending my time the way I want to?  What would I change? How would I like to be remembered?

I have made it my intention with these three words to: 

1. Look for new ways to open my heart and stay out of judgment.
2. Life is about my attitude and my gratitude
3. Time is precious use it wisely.

It is all about perspective…  knowing that the people on the planet right now will no longer be here in 100 years gives us the opportunity to make a difference each day we are here!

We only have one LIFE, so LOOK around, slow down and you will learn TIME is what YOU MAKE OF IT!

On October 22, 2019   /   Self Love, Whole Hearted Living   /   3 Comments