This transition into the new year was really hard. My dad's birthday was January 7th. Instead of celebrating with him, i went to the cemetery and laid flowers on the disturbed earth where we buried him 5 months ago. There is no gravestone yet. I suppose that's better, as i know seeing his name etched in stone will be greatly upsetting.
I found this on a blog this week:
Yes. I need to do that. What makes me happy and what do i need to do more of?
Travel. Specifically of the passport stamping kind.
Theater. Specifically of the musical variety.
Shopping. Specifically of the clearance deals.
Reading. Specifically of the women centered fiction genres.
Sunday. Specifically of the feline that is mine.
The boyfriend. Specifically focusing on demonstrating how much i love and appreciate him and his genius ways.
Sheryl Crow asked "If it makes you happy, why the hell are you so sad?" Because you have to actually DO the things that make you happy. Travel costs money, but i love it. It doesn't do any good to want to travel and not actually do it. You can't take your money with you when you leave this earth.
So we're going to Aruba for two weeks in the spring. Aruba was my dad's favorite place in the world-he and my step mom were even declared honorary citizens by the government and were written up in the local newspaper. Even last year, in between rounds of chemo, he fought to be able to go and feared it was his last visit. I know he'd be thrilled for us to experience and share his love of this island, and it is my way of honoring him this first year the island will be without him.
All the while doing more of what makes me happy.
So what do you need to do more of?
16 comments:
You've been through a really rough time and that's hard to get past. I've gone through bad depression too and it's a really difficult thing to change the way your mind works and focus on the good stuff. I'm glad you're going to Aruba! That sounds so fun and maybe it will help you heal.
It sounds like you're finding your way back to what will make you happy. I love that you get to indulge both your passion for travel and pay tribute to your dad at the same time. Great choice and I know you'll have a fantastic time. Until then you can spend your time looking forward to the great trip!
I am so happy you are going to Aruba. It will be a wonderful memory for you and something to share in your heart with your Dad. life is short as we well know so enjoy it. DO is a great word and will help this year be a more positive one for you. sending a warm hug your way! Linda
I am so happy you are going to Aruba. It will be a wonderful memory for you and something to share in your heart with your Dad. life is short as we well know so enjoy it. DO is a great word and will help this year be a more positive one for you. sending a warm hug your way! Linda
I am so glad to hear of your planned trip to Aruba. I hope you will meet people who knew your dad and can share some stories about him with you. You are right about doing something good for yourself - it makes a difference. I find too many days go by when I have forgotten to take the time to be happy. That is one of my goals this year: be happy. Not an easy task when life is kicking you from all sides, is it? My blog is one of my "me" things and I always try to keep it light so that I can go back and see that I DO have a wonderful life even though I can't see it as I live it.
New year, new chances. Glad you are going for it in many different areas!
Your dad was certainly a special man for him to be so missed.
Ann
Aruba will be fantastic! Just what you need! You're absolutely right about needing to DO the things that make you happy - not just know what they are! - and appreciating those people who make us happy is one thing we all need to do more of!
Im absorbing what you say cause I need too but ...you know.
After just spending ten days in Hawaii, I think going to Aruba sounds wonderful. Here are a couple books for you to think about reading: Someone Knows My Name: A Novel by Lawrence Hill, The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister, and A Girl of the Limber Lost by Gene Stratton-Porter. Enjoy!
P.S. War Horse is a good read too!
What a lovely reminder for all of us! I hope Aruba makes you happy!
Enjoy your trip and think positive thoughts of your dad!!! We went to Florida after Christmas to get away a little bit and it was a nice place to relax and enjoy what nature can provide in the way of beautiful beaches, sunsets, and everything else.
Aruba sounds amazing. I need a lot more stuff that make me happy. travel I'm with you on that one. I can't complain though i'mm off the Australia and then St. John VI. I want to do more hiking, that is what I want, but will have to wait for better weather.
Aruba!!!
Good for you. I'm also mad jealous! I cannot wait to see pictures and hear ALL about it!
Have a wonderful time on your trip...
I wanted to thank you for your comment on my cat pillow fabric.. you said you need a fat quarter, I have a piece 12 by 13 left over that could be framed, and if you want to send an e to me with your address I'd be happy to drop it in a letter...love to share!
thanks
sandy
Thanks for the sweet lil note abt my bathroom redo, and my FIL. I got teary reading your post abt laying flowers at his grave. It was SO hard to watch my FIL deteriorate due to cancer, and to watch my husband go thru loosing his father. I can empathize with what you are feeling right now.
Keep your chin up and have a WONDERFUL time in Aruba!!!
P.S. I chuckled out loud when I read your bio! I LOVE that you call yourself a cheap-ass!! hahahaha I sure wish I was!
XO
Andrea
Boy could I use a little Aruba during this [yes, atypically mild but still] long winter in NW Wisconsin! I hope you have a wonderful time.
Personally, if I could do it, I'd be packing my carryon to spend a few weeks in Yorkshire.
...and I meant to thank you for stopping in at Cranberry Morning!♥
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