Today, I am celebrating being on this earth for 82 years! Having had open heart surgery in 2015, I call this span of my life my “Extended Visa!” It hasn’t all been easy, (whose life has been?) My commitment at this point is to share the things I learned over the years, hoping that a piece of information, another perspective, might help someone’s road be less bumpy. Here are my “Sandy Thoughts” from a life of over 8 decades:
(In no order of importance) (1) Choose to live in love over fear. Only one side of the coin can be up at a time. (2:) Choose love; nothing else ever works or brings you peace. (3) Listening, Kindness and Empathy are three keys to being a loving person. Be with a person and really listen. A moment of kindness can give someone the fuel to keep going. Ask yourself how someone else might feel. (4) Because you don’t know anyone’s reality, don’t judge anyone. Ever! (5) If you have judged someone, forgive them right now. Each of us is doing the best we can, clogged up by past abuses and scars. (6) Build bridges instead of walls between yourself and others. Tell your truth, don’t hide feelings, and stand up for yourself. People who live behind walls are very afraid and lonely. (7) Love yourself so you can love others. Despite all the harm done to you, you are still standing. You’d have done better if you knew better. Love the light that is you!
(8) Value the people you value; hug them dearly, tell them they matter to you, call them! Your elderly friends are in a world of loneliness as friends die, family are busy with their lives, and their bodies begin to decay. A splash of love is a ginormous wave for those who somehow invested in your life. (9) Choose people who can “see you” for your friends, (10) Let God guide you and nurture you as you tack back and forth through the seas of life. (11) Enjoy the ride; it may not be as long as you would wish, (12) Life is the question, LOVE IS the answer!
Thank you for blessing me with your love and for allowing me to love you back by sharing my wisdom with all of you. Here’s to 83—for you and for me!
Please share with family and friends.
Scott A. McDaniel photo
