my words to live by

On this eve of the new year and decade, I'm offering to you some of my mantras to digest. I'll admit that I don't always follow through, but I aspire to carry these over into all the relationships in my life.


1. BE A FRIEND A FRIEND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE-
This comes from a Tim McGraw song called "Live Like You Were Dying," and really hit me the first time I heard it a few years ago. To me, it means making the effort to follow through on an email, phone call, dinner meeeting, or whatever. It also means going beyond to help a friend in need. This one is really important to me.

2. TAKE THE TIME TO LET SOMEONE KNOW THAT THEY'VE DONE THE JOB WELL-
How often are you willing to take the time to let a supervisor know when you've been dissatisfied by the service or treatment you've received? If you're like me, you probably don't keep quiet when you've been wronged by a service provider. Nor should you. But let me ask you this...when was the last time you took the time to let a supervisor know when you received OUTSTANDING service? You know what I mean...that guy at Starbuck's who gets your coffee ready for you as soon he sees you walk in? Or the guy behind the cheese counter who takes the time to give you tastes of 7 different cheeses in order to find the perfect one for your dinner party? Of the physical therapist who ROCKS and got you back in tip top shape faster than anticipated? You know how you feel when your boss tells you that you've exceeded expectations? Well, PASS IT ON!!!

3. BE PRESENT-
This is my parenting mantra, and I honestly remind myself of it multiple times per week. To me, it means not being glued to the TV, my phone, or my chores (and I STINK at that last one) when I'm playing with Emerson. When I'm with her, I need to be WITH HER, and give her the attention that I would want. I honestly think this is the single most important thing I can give her, and I continue to work at it all the time. Now, this does not mean that I don't try to get things done around here during the day, but when I'm playing with her, I strive to give her my full attention.

4. DEAR GOD, PLEASE GIVE ME THE QUIET IN MY HEART TO HEAR YOUR WORDS AND THE PATIENCE AND GRACE TO LIVE YOUR WILL-
I spent a lot of time thinking on this one over the summer, and created this little prayer to remind myself that I need to let go of the reigns and allow God's will to be done in my life. And remember that sometimes, God's timetable is a bit different than mine.

Here's to a happy, healthy 2010! Happy New Year, everyone!
a.