“It is never too late to be what you were meant to be.”  George Elliott (Mary Ann Evans)

“Live your life while you have it.  Life is a splendid gift.” Florence Nightingale.

Inspirational words from wise women.

When Tears of My Heart was not published by my self-imposed deadline of November 5^th, I was disappointed, but took it as a sign that the manuscript  needed more work.  I spent several hours every day going over every poem, every story, every page, every phrase, every word, every punctuation mark. I was so focused on perfection that I lost sight of the big picture of life, so other interests and activities were put aside.

I did find a couple of typos, but for the most part the changes I made were insignificant, and I usually changed them back to the original.  It was a matter of overthinking and overworking.  I was still laboring over one particular phrase late on New Year’s Eve, December 31^st, My BelovED’s birthday (he would have been 82); it was the second verse of the poem Ever onwarD.  I suddenly realized that my obsession with perfecting the past was focusing on my loss, on my grief, on my sorrow and was keeping me from moving forward. (That is why my blog was not ready to go out at six this morning).

Re-reading my own words, I realized it was time to look to the future, to move on.  In the past I have made the traditional New Year’s resolutions; and usually in a few days they go by the wayside.  This year instead of resolutions, I have made commitments.

Last month, for my 80^th birthday, my Polish relatives and friends wished me “Sto Lat!” which means one hundred years.  Only God knows if I will make it to that date, but I do commit to making each day that I have the best that I can.  I know I can’t make myself young again, but I can grow older gracefully and healthfully.  To that end I have engaged a personal trainer to guide me in getting into shape and have registered for classes at Osher Life Long Learning to keep my mind alert.  Thanks to my generous children, I will be taking a trip to somewhere I have never gone before (possibly Alaska) for a new adventure.

Mrs. A.J. Stenley is quoted as stating:  She has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has filled her niche and accomplished her tasks, who has looked for the best in others and given the best she had.  That’s how I would like to be remembered.

I wish you all new dreams and new adventures.  Don’t count the days, but make every day count.

Lots of LovEstelle