Notes to Self

When you feel like crying, do. When you feel like laughing, laugh. When your heart hurts, pray; when your laptop dies, borrow another. When people use you, love them anyway; when friends can't understand, still return their calls. When Ben&Jerry's New York Cheesecake hits the shelves again, buy the store out as quickly as possible. When your thoughts turn south, take a rain check; when life deals you a bad hand, play it the best you know how.

When your body starts breaking down, fast; when you feel tired, rest. When others tell you how bad fasting is, remember they probably have never fasted themselves. When people smile, return the favor; when you feel the urge, create moments of random kindness. Don't stop dreaming, though people tell you too often "not gonna happen." Work hard and don't fret too much when life throws another curve ball (instead of being surprised, how about you work on being prepared?). Remember to respect yourself, even when others don't. Try not to be too naive, though I know it's hard for you. Let your gullible self out only when you're in the company of safe people, and let your guard down enough for people to see you're human.

When your kids are disappointed, teach them that life is often this way; when you're disappointed with life, remember what you taught your kids. When it hurts to love, keep loving, don't stop. Remember that life is short, you could die tomorrow; so love, love, love and love some more. Don't be stingy; love those that love you and love those that don't; remember that some people don't know what real love is, show them through your actions.

When you get down, remember those that have less than you; when you get depressed, remember to take your Super B Vitamin Complex. When things seem impossible, remember that a good tool box is filled with beauty from ashes; that pain is only wasted if you don't learn from it and grow. Remember Melissa in your prayers, as her son died today; don't take life for granted--it is too precious, too short. That could have been your 10 year old. But no, it was hers. Love on her, even when the days have passed and others have forgotten her pain; remember her.

Whenever you're stranded on an island, remember Castaway; whenever you're stuck in the shadow of the valley of death, remember who your Shepherd is. Whenever you're lost at sea, pray that you'll die quickly before the fish eat you; whenever you're lost in the mountains, hide well so they can't find you. Whenever you think back to what could have been, slap yourself and drink a tall glass of Here and Now; whenever you want to hit something, remember that hitting steel pillars at the gym causes swelling and broken blood vessels. Whenever you think you're fat, you probably are; whenever your nails split, don't peel them back even further.

Whenever you're tempted to do wrong, think of the heritage you'll leave your children; whenever you're tempted to do right, think of the heritage you'll leave your children. Whenever something fabulous happens, write it down; whenever something awful happens, read about all the fabulous things that have happened to you. Whenever someone hurts you, remember the times you've hurt others; whenever someone asks your forgiveness and you don't care to give it; think of all you've been forgiven of. Remember who you are, and if you're not sure, remember how to remember; whenever there is a song in your heart, find the matching notes on the keyboard.

Whenever you are in need, remember where your help comes from; lift your eyes up to the hills.