10 Things I Believe...and Then Some

In a world of uncertainty it's easy to questions the things I know and believe. Though the last five years have been a difficult season that I had to walk through - here are 10 things that I believe:

1. I believe it is impossible to feel secure that there will be a tomorrow. Life is a blink and then it's gone. You can't prepare...you can't plan for it...you just have to live it. Every single day!
2. I believe grief and loss give way to life and peace eventually - you just have to wait it out.
3. I believe sometimes we need to distance ourselves from our closest loved ones and friend in order to get to the next level of life with them together. In order to not hurt them, or drain them...we have to save the relationship through gentle distance until it's time to close the gap.
4. I believe my grandchildren are the reward for surviving our childrens' teenage years! Through the dark times it's tempting to throw in the towel and give in to the chaos of parenthood - to just sit and drown in the waves of loneliness, fussing and loss of identity. Those times pass and change. Hang in there - it is totally worth it!
5. I believe people come in and out of my life for a reason and a season and then leave. It's difficult to let go and my ego has led me to hang on for dear life when I know the season has passed. Recognize that the lesson to be learned was learned and move along so they can move along.
6. I believe that being kissed on the hand with soft warm lips is the most romantic gesture.
7.  I believe lipstick is an amazing anti-depressant for me! It's hard to frown with pretty red lipstick!
8. I believe fireflies are the most amazing creature...ever.
9. I believe in God!
10. I believe love is a choice...an attitude...a job...a duty...a responsibility...and a blessing to give and receive. Keep doing it - every day. Begin with yourself first and then spread it around!

Okay - 5 More:

1. I believe God gave me the most loving woman to share my life with. From the time our cells were formed, as we held each other in the womb...we were meant for each other. While naturally concepted (is that a word?) fraternal twins are rare - identical twins are a fluke of nature. We have lived a life-time of different emotions about us - for us and against us...but she is mine - I am hers.
2. I believe that (sadly) my tolerance for bullshit, injustice, whining/complaining, laziness, discrimination, wallowing in your own misery, and compassion has gotten lower as I have gotten older.
3. I believe only I can determine if I have achieved the level of success that I wanted.
4. I believe I was loved by my parents, loved deeper than I will ever be loved again, loved in a way I will miss until my last breath. The true love of a parent will stay with you (me) forever - when it is gone a little piece of you (me) dies.
5. I believe 'tump' is a word!

Peace!