How many times have you uttered the phrase, “if only . . .” When I was working, I would say, “if only I had more time so that I could exercise more and eat healthier.” Now that I’m caring for my Mom and doing volunteer work, I say, “if only I had more work to do so that I didn’t feel my mind was going to waste.” If only this, if only that, my life would be better.
Would it really? I recently celebrated a birthday and it’s around this time that I like to reflect back on the past year and look ahead to the next one. I learned a valuable lesson this time. The two people that I love most in the world, my Mom and my husband, gave me some wonderful cards. Reading them made me stop and think and realize how truly blessed I am.
My Mom’s card:
“On your birthday, I’m not going to offer you any wisdom about life. You’re doing just fine.
And I won’t remind you to be happy, because you already have a gift for finding happiness and sharing it.
All I want is to give you a few simple words to carry in your heart –
I love you, believe in you, and I just can’t imagine anyone ever having a daughter more wonderful than you.”
My dear husband’s card,
“You will always be the love of my life.”
I cried when I read both cards. How often do we all get wrapped up in the mundane details and annoyances of life and we forget what is truly important? Love and gratitude are what’s important. They are in the here and now.
Love and gratitude are my themes for this next year of my life.
What “if only. . .” can you leave behind and start truly living? Have you told your loved ones that you loved them lately? Have you thanked someone for being there for you?
Photo is courtesy of Aussie Gall’s Flickr Photostream, under Creative Commons Licensing.
Steve Rebus
October 30, 2013
Such a beautiful post Nancy!
Happy Birthday too!! 😀
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Nancy Loderick
October 30, 2013
Dear brother Steve,
I’m so glad you liked this post. Thank you for the birthday wishes too. 🙂
Nancy
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sdalton43
October 30, 2013
Happy birthday, Nancy! Thanks for reminding us of what is really important in life.
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Nancy Loderick
October 30, 2013
Hi Steve,
Thank you for the birthday wishes. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. This was one of my favorite ones to write.
Nancy
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Sharon Rawlette
October 30, 2013
Love and gratitude. It’s so easy not to make time for them, but they are really what makes life worth living. I appreciate the reminder very much.
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Nancy Loderick
October 30, 2013
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your comment. We all need reminders sometimes about these simple things.
Nancy
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Judi Brady
October 30, 2013
So ,so true! Remembering my blessings daily so improves the quality of life! Thanks for reminding us!
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Nancy Loderick
October 30, 2013
Hi Judi,
Yes, it is amazing how something so simple as practicing gratitude can do such wonders!
Nancy
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Professor VJ Duke
October 30, 2013
Very special cards!
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Nancy Loderick
October 31, 2013
Hey Professor,
Yes, they were and from some very special people!
Nancy
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Ralph
October 31, 2013
A lovely post. Happy Birthday Nancy 😀 Ralph xox 😀
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Nancy Loderick
October 31, 2013
Thanks dear friend Ralph 🙂
Nancy
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louisamayalcatt
October 31, 2013
Beautiful cards, happy birthday, xo, LMA
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Nancy Loderick
October 31, 2013
Thanks Louisa! 🙂
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CBurns
October 31, 2013
Happy birthday! I’m going to try & leave “if only I knew then what I know now” behind. Its pointless & brings me down. How could I know something I didn’t know? Lol we humans are hilarious. Thanks for sharing!
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Nancy Loderick
October 31, 2013
Hi,
Yes, I am guilty of the “if only I knew then what I knew now.” I catch myself saying this several times a day.
It’s time to stop that….easier said than done.
N
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alexpapakon
November 1, 2013
Happy birthday Nancy, my best wishes and thanks for the lovely spot!
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Nancy Loderick
November 1, 2013
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the kind birthday wishes!
Nancy
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alexpapakon
November 2, 2013
Be always creative!
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Nancy Loderick
November 2, 2013
Hi Alex,
So true. I have found that it is possible (and fun) to be creative in whatever I’m doing. It sure makes life more interesting.
Nancy
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Ken Loderick
November 1, 2013
What a nice blog! I’m flattered that my birthday card touched you so much! I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with my dear wife!
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Nancy Loderick
November 1, 2013
Hi Mr. Ken,
I am glad you enjoyed this post. 🙂
Nancy
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nelsonRN
November 27, 2013
Thank you for this beautiful life reminder.
Belated happy birthday!
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Nancy Loderick
November 27, 2013
Hi Nelson,
You are more than welcome. Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Nancy
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Miss Lou
December 12, 2013
Happy Belated Birthday!
Quite right…. Rather than if Only, how about.. How awesome……
Like you said, being grateful for all that we do have and then sharing some of that joy not only with the people that we love, but also with those that are suffering or seem to lack that joy in their lives.
A kind word can make so much of a difference to a persons entire day!
Thanks for sharing
Miss Lou
xx
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Nancy Loderick
December 12, 2013
Hi Miss Lou,
Thanks so much for your comment. You are so right about the kind word. I try to live my life this way, with a kind word for everyone, even those who try my patience. 🙂
I always try to say something nice to the cashiers or to the people around me in a check out line. I have found that it makes my shopping experience a lot more pleasant, as well as help pass the time.
Nancy
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Miss Lou
December 13, 2013
😀 I’m also a bit of a random people chatterer… lol
ML
x
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