Wednesday May 31, 2006

PHOENIX PHUNDAMENTALS

I’m told there’s no time left for chit-chat, so I’m going to be succinct.  Here, in random order, are my basic rules for living!  Do with them as you please…

• Say please, thank you, and “how may I help you” as often as humanly possible.
• When in doubt, wash your hands.  Seriously!
• The hardest choice is usually the right choice.
• Never blame God. 
• Nobody else is going to guess or meet your needs–pursue them yourself.
• When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.
• Reserve your trust for those who have earned it.
• Toilet brush–’nuff said.
• Everything you do at home should not necessarily be done in public.
• Life is a masquerade–take the time to look beneath the masks.
• Treat yourself as you would want your child treated.
• Part of guarding your heart is keeping it at a safe distance from anything that might harm it…don’t venture into unsafe territory and gamble that you’ll be able to resist.
• Head & Shoulders, Speed Stick, Dr. Scholl’s Foot Deodorant.  Really.
• Whatever you might be plotting, take a moment to consider the effect it might have on others, then decide whether it’s worth doing or not.
• Accept the mystery of God.
• Dust bunnies are not lethal.  Pick your battles.
• The only person you can change is yourself.
• “I embrace my freckles, I embrace my freckles, I embrace my freckles…”  Sigh.  Okay, so I didn’t even convince myself on that one!
• In general, people aren’t weird or dumb or stupid.  They’re just different than you.  And that’s okay. 
• Wearing your heart on your sleeve can get messy…especially if others are using it for a napkin.
• Dieting is of the devil.  Sadly, so are multiple chins.
• French Fries, however, are a gift from God. 
• You start each day with a limited amount of energy available to you.  Use it wisely.
• If something bothers you and there’s something you can do about it, do it.
• If something bothers you and there’s nothing you can do about it, don’t waste your valuable energy on it.
• Love.  Love those who deserve it and those who don’t.  Love the lovable and the unloveable.  Love when you feel like it and when you don’t.  Love friends and love strangers.  Love yourself.  Love your enemies.  Love life.  Love God.
• Cling to hope with all your might.
• If you feel that God is hurting you, ignoring you, rejecting you, or harming you, question your conclusions–not Him.

That’s it for now…though I’m sure I could come up with a hundred or so more!   Just so you know, I have cherished every moment I’ve been able to spend with you, beloved seniors, and I’m looking forward to every second still ahead!

And you wonderful non-seniors, I can’t wait for next year!

I love you all!