Life is too short... take time to enjoy it!

[peabody58]

Dear Dis friends and lurkers. I'd like to share the following thoughts with you and hope that they may strike a positive cord with some of you.

2010 was a watershed wake-up call for for me. I lost 6 friends and fellow workers due to auto accidents and sudden heart attacks. They were all younger or close to my age (53) and had families, hopes and dreams for the future. A remember close conversations during many back shift work days were the focus of discussion was 'I'm going to ...later...', or 'I'll do that maybe next year'. We'll for these friends there is no next year or later. We never know when our time will come, and that was a most sobering realization for me. Although I had the best intentions, IMO my home/work life balance was out of proportion for way too long. My family never lacked for the required basics, and we did have quality time; but in retro spec, there was always a sense of something missing.

DW and I vowed to stop putting mini-vacations off, stop worrying so much about preparing for the future, and to start really enjoying our health and blessings by just doing it. In March we joined DVC and have already had several great trips, reunited with my DB for a week at SSR, have 2 more family vacations planned, and are getting in better shape everyday. We are still on track to be debt free in 3 years, still building for retirement, but we are doing it with a totally different mental approach.

Just last night we decided to add a cruise to our May OKW vacation (separate thread), and are even more excited about the building of memories, reuniting with family and enjoying life.

Disney and DVC has helped open up a new and refreshing approach to living our lives. While I'm not advocating throwing caution to the wind or irresponsible spending; I do believe many of us are 'out of balance' with what's important in life. There is room in our budgets, schedules and priorities to make important and beneficial changes which will reap a 1000 fold return in the quality and length of our short short lives.

Enjoy 2011!!

 

[Jennasis]

Believe you me, if we had the money we'd do it (DVC). And while I agree with you that you never know when your number's up, we still need to be responsible with our lives and our finances etc. You may not be able to "take it with you" but you also don't want to leave those behind with a big problem because you lived life to the fullest (the general YOU, not you OP).

Since we can't afford big trips or DVC, DH and I make sure to spend quality time at home together each and every day. I make sure to stay in touch with my loved ones and make the most of the time I do have with what I have.

Happy 2011!

 

[eliza61]

For me, it's about "simplifying" my life.

I'm trying to stop putting so much emphasis on "stuff". Will my world end if I don't get to target and buy tide for $11.00 bucks?

I can't remember the last time I spent a Sunday at home without "running" some place. when I was a kid, nothing was open on a Sunday. The world did not end if I can't get to the bank.

The second thing I'm trying to do is "unplug" once a week. No wonder I walk around some times in a funky cloud. The nanosecond I wake up, I turn on the news and from 5 am until I fall asleep its murder, mayhem, dire predictions and politics.

I just returned from vacation where not once did we turn on world news tonight and I can't believe the difference in my attitude.

 

[GoldieSaysMeep]

Unfortunately, that's not an option for most people. Most people have to work almost nonstop just to pay the bills.

 

[HeatherC]

OP. I am so with you on this! My personal mantra is "Carpe Diem"...seize the day!

Yes, we all have responsibilities in life. But I think people can also have a tendency to view things in life as not in their control....like mortgages and bills.

We all get to make choices everyday. I think it is important to make the most of everyone and really enjoy life to the fullest. And that doesn't have to mean spending a cent. Taking a walk with your spouse or kids. Calling a friend to see how they are doing. Hugging a pet.

All these little things make memories and we should all try to cherish them.

I would much rather "do" than "have". Time spent making the most of every day is far more important to me than having the latest and greatest.

It's all about priorities I think. And when tragedy strikes, it is certainly a wake up call.

So sorry for all your losses and wishing you wonderful times with all your new plans!

 

[DisneyScraps]

I think there needs to be balance.

I am someone that thinks that life is too short to be unhappy.

I like your sentiments just wish I was in the place where the DVC and lots of trips were an option

Lisa

 

[Pakey]

As an individual who has been fighting cancer for the past 5 years, I know very well how short and valuable life is. I was diagnosed when I was 49. I do not expect to live long enough to enjoy all of the money I put into retirement. However, I still put it away because I enjoy the dream that I will live to retirement.

While I have definitely changed my vacation attitude, I could afford to make that change. I already owned DVC long before that. Now my husband and I go on big vacations; we use DVC for time with our adult children. I would not do this if I couldn't afford it; being financially healthy is important too.

While I enjoy my vacations, the biggest changes I made in my life (and ultimately more rewarding) are the smaller everyday changes. I made a bucket list of things I was going to change about my life and I have stuck with it. My husband and I go on a date once a week. I have a better relationship with our adult children. I watch less television. I got a dog. I quit being in a hurry (I never drive over the speed limit, no matter how tempting). I work less hours. I quit stressing over having a perfect and uber clean home.

The biggest change has been my effort to listen to people. Really listen. What a difference. My relationships with friends, family and my staff at work are so much better. And it didn't cost a dime.

 

[Robinrs]

Yes, enjoying life is important but wasting money is not my idea of living life to the fullest and any form of vacation club or time share is in my opinion, a waste of money.

I'm about your age and I've buried half my family, including a child in my lifetime. We all should learn to smell the roses and enjoy it. One man's junk is another man's treasure, though. Enjoy!

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

Life is short & I believe we should live each day as if it were our last.

We always took vacations while our kiddos were growing up. Might not be a fancy one but really it didn't matter. We enjoyed the being together if it were camping at the lake or sledding in New Mexico or visiting the beach. We spent $ that we saved for that reason & don't regret a penny we spent on those fun budget vacations.

This last year we had part of family decide to up & move out of the country for no good reason at all. Heartbreaker was that 3 of our grandkids, ages 3 to 7 that left. Thankfully we had about 6 months before they left. We packed those days with zoo & museum trips, 4 wheeler rides, sleep overs, camping, catching fish, baking cookies & lots of memories. Wasn't fancy stuff with big price tags just normal things & fun times & memories.

What I guess I'm trying to say is it isn't the big spending that makes us happy anyway. It is the things you do together & the memories you make that live forever in our hearts.

 

[Handbag Lady]

and this is the reason we are planning a trip to Belize this year.


And by planning, I mean going crazy trying to find how to fly there for less than $1200 each. We have a travel fund, but we're frugal, too.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Oh how I wish, OP.

It isn't in the cards for us right now to do those sorts of things. However, we spend a lot of time doing free things playing board games and going on picnics (when it's nice out.) And my DH and I go on a date each week, nowhere expensive, sometimes Taco Bell if we don't have a coupon for someplace better, but trips like that are only a dream for us and many. My Dh and I have never even been on a honeymoon, we will be married 18 years this year. We did get away a couple years ago for 2 nights when we went to a wedding, but that is our only nights ever away from the kids. No babysitter plus no funds for that. It is a nice thought, but just not realistic for many.

However, I agree with you in enjoying the days you have. My DH works very long hours. which is why our Sundays are spent at home most of them time cause usually he is home or working from home and we get him to ourselves. We have had some very young people we know pass away this year and it makes you stop and reflect. But you know, if I died today I would die happy. Sure, I would miss never getting that vacation just the 2 of us among other things, but even wihtout much money to do things, we spend time together and you can't replace that.

Like I said, I don't disagree with you, but the vacation and spending part, it just isn't possible for many. I do agree to with wanting to do mroe then have. I do No Buy and always say if I am spening on doing things I am not as upset as when we spend to have things. Thankfully even my teenager gets this.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

OP if you could adopt me, I promise to follow all the new "life is too short" attitude. The last few years, DH and I have been doing that to an extent, but now we need to pay the piper back...

The bathroom needs a remodel, DS's tuition is going way up for H.S., DD's college is scholarship for most part but we are putting the owed amount she is borrowing in an account to give to her at graduation, and our health insurance won't pay for the dental implants poor DD needs, and my medicare covers nothing, just nothing...

Other than that I totally agree!!!! We will do some "light" traveling this year! But way less than what was even considered a few weeks ago. Seems like each day a new "struggle" comes our way.


I am glad you are enjoying though!!

 

[lakelandgal70]

OP great post. I have a chronic illness that could possibly put me in a wheelchair and even kill me. But I do not dwell on that but focus on things I can do and creating memories with my DH is big on my list. We have many trips planned this year and even thinking about going on the Africa Trek during the summer if its still offered. Things I would never even attempt. I want to seize the day! This disease has made me want to do as much as I can and I do not take anything for granted! I would much rather "do" than "have" too as PP posted.

 

[Rora]

For me, it's about "simplifying" my life.

I'm trying to stop putting so much emphasis on "stuff". Will my world end if I don't get to target and buy tide for $11.00 bucks?

I can't remember the last time I spent a Sunday at home without "running" some place. when I was a kid, nothing was open on a Sunday. The world did not end if I can't get to the bank.

The second thing I'm trying to do is "unplug" once a week. No wonder I walk around some times in a funky cloud. The nanosecond I wake up, I turn on the news and from 5 am until I fall asleep its murder, mayhem, dire predictions and politics.

I just returned from vacation where not once did we turn on world news tonight and I can't believe the difference in my attitude.

This whole post sums up my resolution for 2011. I'm going to simplify and cut out all the unnecessary stuff from my life-- extra weight, excessive spending, stress, etc.

OP- I like where you're going with your post but there are plenty of things people can enjoy without spending lots of money. DH and I cannot afford a cruise and probably won't be able to afford one for awhile but we love going for a walk in the park, or having theme nights (hey, maybe a beach night is in order!) where we make special food, watch themed movies, etc.

To all vowing to make a change, best of luck! And let's all start enjoying life!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

OP great post. I have a chronic illness that could possibly put me in a wheelchair and even kill me. But I do not dwell on that but focus on things I can do and creating memories with my DH is big on my list. We have many trips planned this year and even thinking about going on the Africa Trek during the summer if its still offered. Things I would never even attempt. I want to seize the day! This disease has made me want to do as much as I can and I do not take anything for granted! I would much rather "do" than "have" too as PP posted.

Prayers and a for a change in your health status... Miracles (or new Medicine) whatever you believe do happen...

 

[lakelandgal70]

Prayers and a for a change in your health status... Miracles (or new Medicine) whatever you believe do happen...

Wow Thank you. I didn't post that to get prayers but definatley will take them. Thanks for your kindness.

 

[njmom47]

I turned 50 last year, and feel the same...I am suddenly concerned about my health and want to be around to enjoy my family for a long long time to come. So...I am on it! I am finally begnning to take care of myself (somehow we end up last on the list) to make sure!

 

[jodifla]

I'm with you OP!

To me, life is all about the experiences, and not about having the "stuff." I also don't have an irrational fear of a small amount of debt or credit cards, so I've been able to take advantages of great opportunities.

 

[Robinrs]

OP great post. I have a chronic illness that could possibly put me in a wheelchair and even kill me. But I do not dwell on that but focus on things I can do and creating memories with my DH is big on my list. We have many trips planned this year and even thinking about going on the Africa Trek during the summer if its still offered. Things I would never even attempt. I want to seize the day! This disease has made me want to do as much as I can and I do not take anything for granted! I would much rather "do" than "have" too as PP posted.

Last year this time I was laughing and playing Wii Fit with my favorite aunt. I lost her to cancer in July.

I never even contemplated life without her. She grew up in the same home with me, like a sister.

She planned several trips last year, visiting family and doing things she never did before. We found out when she got back that she had known her diagnosis before she left.

She was happy and funny till the day she died.

She truly seized the day!

 

[lakelandgal70]

Last year this time I was laughing and playing Wii Fit with my favorite aunt. I lost her to cancer in July.

I never even contemplated life without her. She grew up in the same home with me, like a sister.

She planned several trips last year, visiting family and doing things she never did before. We found out when she got back that she had known her diagnosis before she left.

She was happy and funny till the day she died.

She truly seized the day!

What a great story and thanks for sharing that. Sorry for you loss. She sounded like a wonderful person!