finding joy in a fragile life

"Life is fragile. We're not guaranteed a tomorrow so give it everything you've got." - Tim Cook

I've spent a lot of my life missing out on the moment because I was always trying to be prepared for what was coming up next. Whether it was a rainy day or an unexpected glitch in the matrix or whatever surprise was in store for me, I wanted to be ready for it.

 The thing is, I don't want to live like that anymore. Today's One Word Blog LinkUp words for the week are "Fragile" and "Joy". Both of these link together when I think of the time I have been wasting. Life is fragile - there are no guarantees, the future that I am always trying to anticipate can be taken away in a moment. I am missing out on so much by sacrificing the "now" for the "one day".

 I have been guilty in the past of slogging through life - going to work and putting in the 9 - 5 grind and then trudging home to the family feeling a little weary, worn and tired. I've resented the years that my husband was working from home because he got to work on his own terms and not fight the traffic to and from the office or put up with the petty politics that come with most jobs.

 It's taken me many long years to figure out that I don't have to put up with these things either...... the kids are off our hands, the house is paid for and the bills aren't overwhelming. It's time to shake the dust of my mojo and get out there and get a little more joy in my life before it's too late or it's taken away from me. I don't have to wait until I retire to find some "me" time, I don't have to wait until my ship comes in before I can stop and smell the roses (how's that for mixing some metaphors?) and I don't have to wait until all my ducks are in a row before I cut myself some slack. No, this little chickie is about to embark on a new stage of life where joy and being happy have a front row seat for a change.

Joy is a word that evokes lightness and happiness - seizing life with both hands and dancing with it! I have this picture in my head of me dancing the Watusi - I don't even really know what that means because it was before my time, but it brings to mind all those 60's movies of people shaking their hips and laughing and having some good, old fashioned fun. That sums up the word "joy" for me.

midlife blog ~ cresting the hill

So, I am dedicating my midlife to giving it all I've got - being joyful and happy and fulfilled. I plan on taking the time to do things that make me smile rather than sucking it up and putting all that off until some mystical date in the future. Now is my time and I'm Watusi-ing my way into it!

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18 comments

  1. Janine Huldie6 May 2015 at 20:43

    I love this and so want to Watusi into my mid-life, as well now!! ;)

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:06

      Hi Janine - we'll Watusi together and feel like we're in one of those beach movies :)

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  2. Unknown6 May 2015 at 22:58

    Watusi away Leanne! :) I love your new midlife attitude and completely agree - it's time to really start enjoying life. We're not going to get any younger than we are today ... so we'd better start the music and do that Watusi now while we still can. Great post! :)

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:07

      Thanks Marcia - and thanks again for letting me join in the fun!

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  3. Unknown6 May 2015 at 23:45

    Thank you for the reminder Leanne. I've found myself slogging through life a bit lately and not appreciating the gifts around me. Time to snap out of it and get my groove back! I'll keep you posted . . .
    Kimberly
    http://FiftyJewels.com

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:07

      Sounds great Kimberley - looking at the beautiful place where you live, you couldn't stay in a slump for too long!

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  4. Rena7 May 2015 at 01:00

    Wouldn't it be terrific if we could have figured all of this out in our 20's! I think that you only learn these things by experiencing enough of life to know what we want and what we do! Midlife is the perfect time...maybe it's a trade off for menopause!

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:08

      Nice thought Rena - "a trade off for menopause" I really like that!

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  5. Unknown7 May 2015 at 01:55

    Yes! While we can't forgo all responsibilities, it's also so important to live and enjoy life. I'm glad you are taking your path and what makes you happy into your hands. I hope you find things that bring you great joy! Stopping by from the #1Word challenge.

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:09

      I'm a great one for being responsible Bev (it's been my mantra for 50 years!) but being happy is really nice too - hopefully I'll get the balance right.

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  6. Lisa Witherspoon7 May 2015 at 05:18

    Good for you!!! We should all Watusi a little more! :-)

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:10

      Lisa you can join Janine and me at the beach party while we shake our tail feathers!

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  7. Adela7 May 2015 at 05:28

    The nice thing about getting older is the freedom to be silly.

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    1. Leanne7 May 2015 at 08:11

      Exactly Adela! Nothing like finding your groove when no-one else cares and you can just be yourself.

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  8. Deborah Weber7 May 2015 at 11:23

    Here's to Watusi-ing your way into a permanent state of joy! :-)

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    1. Leanne8 May 2015 at 16:33

      Thanks Deb - I'm looking forward to just that!

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  9. My New Happy7 May 2015 at 14:18

    I'm right there with you Leanne! I've spent way too much time worrying my life away.

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    1. Leanne8 May 2015 at 16:34

      Yep Lana - I'm trying to change a life time of behaviour one day at a time - worry really is a waste of the moment.

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