The New Year always heralds reflection and a desire to do things differently. I don't bog myself down with "resolutions" that I may or may not keep but I do take a look at the things that are working for me and the ones that aren't. Then I look at the people I admire the most to see how they "be" the life they lead. Throughout my life my mother has been one of those special people that I completely admire - warts and all. She struggled with an obsessive compulsive personality and still managed to make sure that we were loved uniquely, gave to others generously, let her faith guide her, listened intently, kept confidences sacred, acted to keep relationships with family and friends current and laughed at herself with abandon.
Now in her twilight years and with alzheimer's firmly entrenched she is still top in my mind as the person I most want to emulate as I live my life. My mother, Alda, really lives every moment and she has come up with a simple and easy way to enjoy living.
Living Life the Alda Way...A few easy steps:
1. Greet those special people in your life with a big smile of surprise and complete satisfaction that they have come to visit - even if you don't remember their name.
2. Flirt shamelessly with every cute guy you see - don't let age be a factor. Stop and say hi to them and ask if they know you - chances are they will by your reputation alone. Where my mom lives the physiotherapist is "HOT" and he knows her by NAME.
3. Eat what pleases you and enjoy every mouthful. Be surprised every time someone gives you a "treat" and eat it like it is the very first time you have ever tasted something that delicious.
4. Where a "funky" hat. You will always make someone smile when they see you and it's a great conversation starter.
5. Nap regularly. Snore loudly. Snuggle up to someone and share the LOVE.
6. Be curious. When it says, "Pull" go ahead. If the fire alarm goes off you will have alerted people to your presence and pointed out the weakness in their systems and at the same time you will have found out whose heart is still pumping.
7. Play constantly. If you wander into someone else's room and see their closet open, go ahead and "hide" in there waiting for the first person (probably a nurse) to come into the room and then jump out and say "boo". You will have kept their job interesting while providing your family members with great stories to tell.
8. If you are upset, don't hold back, let others know and let them use their "listening/patience" skills to help you either solve the problem or re-direct. No matter what was said or done, forget and move on.
9. Tell stories that are "true" for you. Keep them guessing what you will come up with next.
10. DANCE every time you hear the music. Grab the closest partner and let your body express the JOY that lives within you.
I am off to see my mom this week and I intend to LIVE life the Alda way. Happy New Year to everyone, may you LIVE your life in every moment that you are blessed with.
