Midwest Mary

I’m celebrating a big birthday on May 31. This birthday is so big it’s difficult to announce the number aloud.

People say that life goes quickly. I’m not certain about that. Some parts of my life felt as if they would never end. Others are so different from the rest that they feel as if they were more like their own book rather than just a chapter in the whole story.

Life hasn’t always been easy for me. I’ve certainly met a number of challenges, as most of us have. But I’ve also received great blessings, especially when it comes to family and friends. I am rich in people to love with the best children, children-in-law, and grandchildren, as well as, outstanding siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and many circles of great friends. What can be better than that?

Following are a few things I’ve learned through the years. Some are common sense, but I thought I’d share them anyway because it’s my blog and my birthday. 😊

And by the way, since I have reached this point in my life, I decided that I’m not just celebrating on the anniversary of my birth but every day from now on. So, party with me, my friends! I’m so happy to be traveling through life with you!

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70 for 70

1. When someone says or does hurtful things to us, it rarely is about us.
2. Pay attention to where you park your car. It’s frustrating and embarrassing to wander around looking for it later.
3. Hang in there. Today’s troubles will soon be in the past, and then they won’t seem anywhere near as significant as they do now.
4. Put your faith only in God. People, places, and things are flawed and will fail you at some point.
5. Don’t blow up the house because you have ants in the kitchen.
6. Laughter is good medicine. Find the humor around you.
7. When a door closes, make another entrance.
8. The little things in life give us the greatest joy.
9. Take that photo. You may not feel that you look great, but you never know when that is your last opportunity.
10. Exercise for fun.
11. When feeling sorry for yourself, take a moment. And then pick up your feet and move along.
12. Help your friends. Kindness makes us both feel good.
13. Don’t raise issues that have been left to rest. As Saint Mother Theodore Guerin said, “When we stir up dung, it makes a stink.”
14. Don’t strive to look young. It’s impossible in later years. Instead, try to look your best.
15. Mother Earth is generous, but be careful with her gifts. When we hurt her we hurt ourselves.
16. You don’t need to raise the volume while reading English captions on foreign films.
17. If someone says, “Trust me. I know what I’m talking about,” they probably don’t.
18. Drink water. Some people have no clean water to quench their thirst.
19. Care for those who can’t care for themselves.
20. No matter how bad things are at this time, something good is simultaneously happening.
21. We can’t care for other people if we don’t care for ourselves first.
22. People who shout are difficult to hear.
23. Speak to yourself as you would to a friend.
24. We are all connected. What affects one affects us all.
25. Life can change in the blink of an eye.
26. Absorb the unconditional love of pets.
27. The more you’ve been given, the more that is expected from you.
28. Justice promotes peace.
29. Simple, fresh food tastes the best.
30. When someone upsets you, pause, before responding.
31. We’re all a bit quirky. Enjoy the uniqueness in everyone.
32. Giving your troubles to God relieves tremendous amounts of stress.
33. Everything does seem better after a good night’s sleep.
34. Silence provides peace and solutions.
35. Relationships are fragile. One major hurt can sever a life-long connection.
36. Be your own health advocate.
37. Worrying achieves nothing.
38. Share your extras with those who have little.
39. Feeling strong and healthy is fully appreciated after not feeling well.
40. Reasoning with unreasonable people is pointless.
41. Relationships are like dances. The style you and your partner choose makes all the difference.  
42. Speed limits posted on highways are for suggestion only. Go with the flow.
43. People who are hurt, hurt other people.
44. Answers reveal themselves with prayer and patience.
45. Be still and listen.
46. Avoid angry, irritable, and hurtful people. Their bad energy is harmful to your health.
47. Travel expands your mind in countless ways.
48. Most things that appear important now won’t matter later.
49. Go outside. Nature is healing and rejuvenating.
50. Share your love. Everyone needs more.
51. As my brother, John, says, “Just do the next right thing.”
52. Talk to people sitting next to you in church, theaters, and airplanes. You’ll open up all kinds of possibilities.
53. Positivity is uplifting to you and those around you.
54. Try to understand the other point of view. It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong.
55. Remain in the present. It’s all we have.
56. Don’t add to your chronic pain by wearing uncomfortable garments and cramped shoes.
57. Using your talents is an obligation and necessary for personal well-being. Dance, sing, write, play, sew, garden, play a musical instrument, assist, share, teach. . .
58. Live each day as if it is the only day you were given.
59. Caring for your health is a responsibility.
60. Recognize the good in others.
61. Forgive and forget (including yourself). It feels so much better than holding on to that pain.
62. The more you have, the more responsibility you have.
63. Sometimes you’re on one side of the desk. Sometimes you’re on the other. Be kind to whoever is on the other side.
64. The word “but” is not included in an apology.
65. A smile works magic.
66. Don’t worry about wearing something new. No one remembers what you wore the last time they saw you.
67. Stretch.
68. The people you love the most, have the power to hurt or love you the most. The same goes for those who love you.
69. Observing our planet’s creatures is very entertaining.
70. Prayer is powerful.

***Photo by Mary K. Doyle, Garden, Cancun, Mexico.

©2024, Mary K. Doyle