I find it interesting that once you start sharing a little positive energy, suddenly, you start seeing it all around you.
#whatareyoutalkingabout
I’m on TikTok, but don’t make them. However, I will laugh until I cry watching things that are posted there. I’ve learned about “bones” and “no bones”. I’ve gone on amazing adventures, not always by choice. I’ve heard SO MANY dad jokes. Heck, I’ve learned to play a game called “wack/f*ck”. I am floored by the creativity and excellence that I see on that app, along with the icky side as well. So many right-wing, homophobic, racist, sexist, and just nasty things are said, with people liking that content. I’ve never found myself on that side of the app much, and thankfully so.
#comeonletspissoffsomeconservatives
Stop it.
This morning, as I was getting ready, I stumbled over this:
Rich talks about another man watching a mom and daughter on a train and how the daughter makes that statement that she wishes the train ride was done.
The mom then says, “Never wish away a minute of your life.”
#damn
How many times have we wished for the traffic to disappear, that phone call to go away, the weather to change, whatever it may be? How often have we wished away seconds, minutes, hours, days, or years of our lives? How often to do we wish that time would go faster??
Why?
We deal with crap every day. Whether it’s someone taking your pictures off Facebook, making signs out of them, then using them on your birthday (wow, that was strangely specific) or the person who cut you off on the highway or the obnoxious person being an ass in a public place, every day has that danger of being a crap show. And we waste so much time with our emotional involvement in that kind of stuff.
However, there’s SO MUCH more to look forward to:
- Fresh snow
- Christmas carols
- spring flowers
- cholocate chip cookies
- a warm kitty on your lap
And the list goes on and on. When there is an enormous amount of good in the world, how do we keep ourselves from being drawn in? The best idea I have, walk away. If a conversation starts going south, I excuse myself from it. It helps me keep myself sane. It helps keep me on an even keel, but most of all, it helps me to continue to make that attempt to be the person I want to be. Teaching is hard. Parenting adults, both young and old, is hard. Marriage is hard. If we waste time with trivial things, how will we find the time for the good stuff?
Now, this isn’t to say that I’m able to do this all the time, but if we are talking about wasting our time, I do try to keep that to a minimum. I may not be the best role model, but I can do better, every day.
I love the way this TikTok ends: “You’re awesome!” And if you’ve made it this far, you are awesome. Thank you for stopping by for the read, and keep moving forward.
And if you’ve got any advice on what TikTok should be my first, I’m all ears. Why wouldn’t I do something like this? The worst thing that can happen is my face gets put on another sign, right??
#whateveryousaydude
October 27, 2021 at 5:39 am
Ok…a new philosophy to begin my every day with…”Live your life. Love it. Never wish away a minute of it.” I’m so thankful I read your story this morning. Have an awesome day!
October 27, 2021 at 11:52 am
Hey Debbie, thank you for the kind words! That just made my day. it’s been a struggle to see the positives and this just helped me realize that we’ve only got so much time, why spend it doing anything that doesn’t bring me joy? 🙂
October 27, 2021 at 5:04 pm
I completely agree…embrace our freetime moments with joy! 🙂
October 27, 2021 at 6:01 am
Read Byrd Baylor’s picture book, “I’m in charge of Celebrations.”
October 27, 2021 at 7:44 am
I really appreciate the reminder to focus on what there is to look forward to:) We do spend so much time focusing on wishing things away. I think that has almost become a default. You inspired me to think about things that I’m looking forward to, like the upcoming college basketball season:)
October 27, 2021 at 11:51 am
Heck yes, the up coming basketball season! 🙂 I’m still focusing on the college football season too! I’m always looking for that way of pushing the mindset change. This one just stuck with me a little more than most!
October 27, 2021 at 10:34 pm
Darin, thanks for the uplifting words at the end of my day. I needed to hear that we should not waste our time and find the good in everything. I even read out loud some passages to my husband. Keep on sending out the inspirations.
October 28, 2021 at 10:04 am
I’ll keep trying. Right now, I feel like I’m shouting into the wind, a void, and a black hole all at once. But, things can change. 🙂
October 28, 2021 at 7:53 am
The pandemic life also took me to TT. (I like to call it that as I feel like the app listens to my every word and finds my every keystroke. That’s another conversation.) Like you, I’m amazed by the creators. Also like you, I just watch. Most times I can’t even imagine the production of these crazy clips. The creator you shared is among my favorite. I like the idea of thinking about all there is to look forward to and not wishing moments away. Thanks for the lift!
October 28, 2021 at 10:03 am
We aim to please around here! I’m always happy when others find something to take away from my words! 🙂