I was talking with an old friend from college the other day. Catching up. Gasping at the age of each other's kids. Surprised we are old enough to have children starting high school in the fall. Filling in the whats, whens and how ya doings for the last few years we've missed.
She knew me as I was graduating from college and packing up and heading to law school a few hours away. That's the girl she remembers. And she seemed perplexed and uneasy at the direction my life has taken. "So what's your plan?" she said.
My plan is live in the moment. As much as possible. To be a good mother and wife. To pursue things I love. To show my daughters that happiness resides within ourselves and can't be bought, made by someone else, measured on a scale or reflected by the size of one's bank account. My plan is to keep a balance between work and play. To love deeply. To listen closely. To act kindly.
To only take on things if they pass my gut check . . . does it feel right? Or is this something that someone else thinks I should do and doesn't really sit well with me?
This plan has worked supremely well for me since my college days. And I'm going to stick with it.
That's my plan.
-dana
35 comments:
Right on! That is beautiful and I sure wish there were more like you. Thank you for sharing that.
Couldn't have said it better myself Dana. Bravo!!!
Perfection stated wonderfully.
How sweet it is to read what I am finally doing for myself, too.
Live in the moment, follow the gut, find the happiness within and let it shine outward.
I knew you were a smart cookie. Very smart.
Keep on living in the moment and laugh a bit, too.
Sounds like a great plan.
You go girl!
I retired from law 8 years ago when my first son was born, and I'm supremely happy. I had a doctor's appointment today; my doctor was lamenting that her six month old baby is in daycare 9 hours of the day. It broke my heart to think about it. Could we have a lot more material things if I worked? For sure. But I'm thankful every day that my husband and I agree for me to be home.
That is a wonderful plan. Also, gives me something to ponder.
Wholeheartedly agree! The best plan and wish I could verbalise this to people who don't understand my 'career' choice.
I love your plan. It is what I plan as well. Except when people ask me - what is your plan...or when are you going back to work? That's when I start to doubt myself and my instincts. I'm so glad you posted this....keeps me in check with what I believe to be most important!
Exactly!!
Wonderful post! I love the plan!
Beautiful! I hope to continue on this plan as well for many years! :O)
As it should be...
Rock on girlie...rock on!:)
You go girl! And sidenote.... do you keep bees? Because if you do, I'm inviting myself over for a field trip to learn about it. It's on my bucket list!
Yay, you! I never went back to work after my first was born 31 1/2 (yes, that blows me away) years ago and it was the best thing I could have done with my life. Was it really hard sometimes?? Yes. And we ate a lot of peanut butter and kraft mac n cheeze. I heard a lot of questions about when was I going back to work, what was I going to do, etc., etc. I did my thing, raised my kids to be such great caring-citizens-of-the-planet adults, I'm living my life in spite of society's expectations and achievement scales, teaching love and peace and enjoyment of the wonderful gifts we have been given, striving each day to find the joy. My kids have thanked me numerous times for being home, for having family dinners every night, for making them toe a line. They never knew what a financial struggle it was, and are always amazed when I tell them how we did Xmas on no money, and birthday parties, how I made doll clothes and kid clothes for them, because store bought was way too much money, etc., etc. Again: Yay, you! You speak my language! (as you know!)
Love your plan! It's been my motto for many years - to live in the moment. To take on things that pass the gut check. Live on instinct. I love how well you're doing with your plan! (no matter what anyone else thinks) Good for you, my friend.
I like your plan!
And it is indeed the best plan for you and your family. If only more parents had this kind of plan where spouses and children and the most important in our lives. They need us and we so need them.
That is an excellent plan and the one I have adhered to for the last 20 years in my own life. You are a great example of a loving mother. Keep it up, girl. You are awesome.
Such a wise plan. xo
A wonderful plan. And not always easy to follow. :)
I like your plan, and I admire your lack of defensiveness in the face of a question like that.
Very nicely said.
YOur 'plan' sounds perfect to me. Enjoy it. Time flies when you are having fun!
Love your post, Dana! I "retired" from law 8 yrs ago to stay home with our 3 boys. Best choice I ever made!! People also asked me what my plan was and I responded, "I'm on Plan A right now, I'm staying home. I don't need a Plan B."
Beautifully said, Dana! You are doing the most important thing in the entire world right now - raising happy, precious children! There is no greater "job" you could have ever undertaken!
Blessings,
Dianne
www.sweetjourneyhome.com
Bravo. You are good people. Your plan is just as it should be.
A great plan you have there!
love it, Dana…still wishing we were neighbors...
You are seriously the most beautiful, caring person I know. Three cheers for knowing your priorities and sticking to them. ❤❤❤
I am behind you 100% on your wonderful plans.
Devoted reader of your blog.
I think this is your best post EVER.
Beautifully written.
You know yourself and it is reflected in your plan.
i saved this, dana, to read more than once. i love your intentions. they are my own. xo
And that is as good a mission statement as I have ever read! Amen.
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