I’ve been traveling a long time with my past and It hasn’t been easy to keep lugging all those suitcases around everywhere I go! I’ve come to realize that not everyone I started out with, will end the journey with me. Just recently, this reminder has been made crystal clear for me. I guess that I never stopped to understand; just how short life really is! I’ve learned that the only ONE that I can really count on to be there from start to finish is The Lord. And as I’ve grown older, the more comforting that has become.
I’ve also learned that survivor’s guilt is very real, and wondered why I’ve been left behind. What am I supposed to do? Does God have a plan for my life? Is it my responsibility to discover the opportunities He has for me? I know the answers. I have been given a gift in this reality check, and with all that knowledge I’ve come to some new conclusions… You don’t need permission to grow or to unpack or just leave those old suitcases behind and move on and you don’t ever have to feel guilty for living your life authentically your way.
When I started this blog, I titled it “The One Thing I know For Sure” and periodically I’ve shared daily, weekly and sometimes just monthly, depending upon my schedule. Sometimes, I’ve come here to share my snippets of self-proclaimed wisdom. And all that I feel that I’ve learned throughout this journey that I’ve been on. For after all, you hopefully can’t live over a half a century without learning a few lessons right? So now here I am again sharing some more “stuff”….
I’ve learned that God does not punish you for your past sins. He just forgives. WE punish our selves by not letting go.
I’ve learned that Letting go is like getting a third lung! You can finally really breathe again!
Ive learned that no amount of guilt can change the past.
Ive learned that it’s just as hard to let go sometimes as it is to hold on.
I’ve learned that it is okay to love & forgive someone, without wanting to spend time with them.
I’ve learned that silence is sometimes the best response.
I’ve learned that we never stop caring, nor can we force others to care.
I’ve learned to not look back because I will only trip on where I AM going!
I’ve learned that when you realize your kids are a lot like you, you will never really know if the ambivalent feelings you’re feeling are more pride or fear!
I’ve also learned that a mom is only happiest as her unhappiest child.
I’ve learned that a spiritual man is pretty darn hot!
I’ve learned that Loyalty rules, and that forgiveness trumps anything I thought I ever really wanted.
I’ve learned that a negative mind will never give you a positive life.
I’ve learned that I have spent too much time in the past, not enough in the present and that one of my biggest flaws is that I always have to have something to look forward to!
I have learned that “Though honey is a very good thing, that there is something about right before you taste the honey, that is almost as good as when you do!” (Winnie The Pooh) ©
And I’ve learned that the less suitcases you carry with you through life, the faster you can get to what comes next!
Diane Reed 2015 ©
You know what I’ve learned in this life, Di ? The only thing I know for sure is that I really have a lot more to learn…, even at this late date. Hugs !
This speaks to me. Thank you for writing such heartfelt words😊❤️
It means a lot hearing that! Thank you for sharing!
Xoxo
“…we never stop caring…”
Oh how bittersweet.
Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!
😊
What absolutely amazing lessons you have summed up here! Save this forever – your wisdom is just beautiful. xo
Liz,
What an amazingly sweet comment to wake up to! I have been wandering around your blog and feel you should have thousands of followers! Your writing is addictive!
xoxo
I am so humbled by your words. Wising you a beautiful Sunday! xx
Great lessons 🙂
http://reasyume.com
Thanks! Don’t know how I missed this but I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment.
Beautiful post. I needed a reminder today to let go of some suitcases. xx
Teacups,
Thank you for sharing! It means so much!
xoxo
Reblogged this on joyful2beeblogs and commented:
Coastalmom’s blog is so beautifully written and has so much wisdom about life that I had to share it with you on my blogsite.
Joyful,
What a nice gift! Thank you for your reblog!
xoxo
I only reblog the posts I really like. You are welcome.
Such beautiful wisdom. I have a son who finally at 31 has found a wonderful woman, whom he loves; has a decent job, (though he is ashamed that he isn’t doing something different) but he is on the road to happiness. I feel such a relief and joy for him. Your words hit home so beautifully. God bless you my online friend. Hugs!
Can’t tell you how much I love this! I have worked on accepting God’s grace and not punishing myself for my past sins… so it was comforting to know I’m not the only one who has struggled there! And yes, yes, yes to all of the rest 🙂
Kate,
Sorry, I’m just getting back here. So touched by your words. Thank you. Glad they helped.
xoxo
…and the process just keeps unwinding, right, D ??? Hugs to you ! 🙂
Like a rubberband Paul! 😊
Love the thoughts about ridding those suitcases – a point that I could take on.
Thanks
Elizabeth! Hugs! Thank you for sharing!
xoxo
You are exactly what I needed today…Thank you so much for your insights and much needed inspiration!
Asklotta
I love your name! Thank you for taking the time to read and comment and follow! Your words mean so much!
xoxo
Ah Dear Diane, You share the truth, and it is a great feeling when we learn these things. Yet we often need the reminders, as I do need them. Thanks. I wrote about Letting Go when I learned to do just that many years ago.
Thank you!! What an inspiring comment!
xoxo
I agree with Pooh bear.. It’s like the first bite of a pizza fresh from the oven … Yes, we learn, else life keeps showing us the same lesson til we do …Great post !
Thank you Peter!
xoxo
Thank you for such wonderfully inspirational words! Your expressions here are beautiful 🙂
Thank you Kelly,
That means a lot💖
You’re most welcome xoxo
What wisdom here! I can relate to them all, especially “a mom is only as happy as her unhappiest child.” I hope I said that right.
Underlying it all is the theme of God’s grace, what I appreciate most about His character, next to Love
Thank you Marian! I know God’s grace is pretty great!
xoxo
You took the words right out of my …computer. I agree totally. Two great minds!!
I am in tears! ……
Tears are the best compliments! Thank you Donna!
Hugs!
xoxo
Look how much you’ve learned my friend. Don’t look back. Keep walking forward and you will notice the miles you’ve put on as you continue on that path to positivity. xo 🙂
Thank you Deb!
I’m trying!! 🙂
xoxo