“Stuff I Am Going To Do”

You just have to love Disney and Pixar! I have taken to watching animated films lately. Quite frankly I find them more enjoyable, entertaining and they usually have a nice message. Last night I chose to watch “UP”. 

What a delightful mixture of comedy, adventure and tear invoking drama! It was a great reminder to us all to find a way to stay present in your daily life, slow down and truly savour the small and special moments each day.

The movie revolves around a couple's dream to live at the top of Victoria Falls in South America. As life "happens" the dream keeps being put off. The wife has a scrap book and in the back is a blank section titled "Stuff I Am Going To Do". After she dies her husband is filled with regret to have never been able to fulfill her dream. Adventure ensues as he decides to do it himself. In the end he comes to realize as he looks at the book one more time, that she had filled that section with everyday joys she experienced with him along the way. She had no regrets. 

I am very grateful that I have learned this lesson along the way and put it into practice each and every day. I don’t want to miss all the small things that connect the dots in this journey of life.

We all have dreams and ambitions in life; they are what drive us forward. Having said that, if we don’t get to those dreams we can feel like we failed at the game of life. But, if we enjoy the ride and find gratitude in the small stuff such as our children’s laughter, a good cup of coffee or a beautiful sunset the ride will be just as rewarding as any goal we have set.

I find as I turn fifty I am able to embrace it with joy and no regret because I have savoured all of the joyful moments along the way. Those with regret of not having accomplished their to do list seem to have more trouble embracing aging. 

This quote from one of my favourite author’s sums it up for me:

"It's surprising how much memory is built around things unnoticed at the time. 

~ Barbara Kingsolver"

Have a great day and take time to notice the good moments along the way.