recently I came across THIS post, and I can't stop thinking about it. maybe you've heard the story before, but let me refresh your memory... the author writes about preparing for a trip to italy. Yet, upon arriving you realize that all your efforts were in vain. Instead of italy, your plane has landed in holland. surprise! can you even imagine? and yet...
who hasn't ever felt like this? life can be a tricky thing. as soon as you think you have a handle on it, you get thrown a curve ball. i know i've had my fair share of ups and downs. and it is so easy to get consumed by all that is wrong in your life. but this little story helped me put it all in perspective... you have to remember
"if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about holland."what a wonderful, beautiful thought. simple, yet powerful...
it reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:
"happiness is a journey, not a destination. for a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. at last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. this perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. happiness is the way. so treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one."i guess it's my hope that next time I'm down & feeling blue i will remember this story. instead of mourning the things i may miss in italy, i hope that i can learn to appreciate whatever "Hollands" my life brings me & simply enjoy the journey.
-souza
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10 comments:
so true~ thanks for the reminder :)
Thanks for the wonderful thoughts- Have a wonderful day!
I read that same post and it is such a good reminder to make the most of what you've got. I love, love the quote you included by Souza. It seems I'm always saying to myself... "everything will be perfect when..." I really just need to grab the happy moments when they happen instead of waiting for all the ducks to line up!
Your insights are great! I remember the phrase from the song, "It's my turn, it's my turn, it's my turn on earth." Think of how kids often miss their turn in a game because they're pouting about something or other. Your post reminds me to enjoy the turn I have.
What a great post. I often need to remind myself to really love the young stage my kids are in. That someday the car seats, happy meal toys and pull-ups will be gone.
I actually really needed to hear this - crazy weekend so this was good to hear and be reminded. Thank you!
What a great story and quote...I love a good quote especially and inspirational one. Thanks for posting!
When I heard that story for the first time and cried uncontrollably. My oldest son has high functioning autism and so I completely related to planning for Italy and getting Holland. It's such an inspirational story with an important message. Thanks for the reminder.
that was a really great post...it does make you sit up and think and be grateful for what you're doing...when i was a young mom, marty my sister, used to always say how much she loved the baby staage, or the elementary stage etc..she loved every stage she was in, and that taught me to think the same way...
So I posted the story on my blog and added another poem. Thanks for the inspiration.
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