Plans have changed today and I’m not sharing my 10 things list this week, instead I want to offer you a challenge. This morning I was informed that a friend of mine passed away suddenly. It was another reminder how fleeting that life can be and that we can never truly know when our time is over. I cried, I was angry and now a few hours later I want to take action. While we can’t prevent death we can treat each other with kindness and compassion. We can take care of our health and encourage others to do the same. So, I challenge you to take a long hard look at this list and even if you pick only one thing on it, believe that one thing will make a difference is someones life. There are so many ways to connect with your family and friends these are just a few that I have been and will be putting into practice in my life. Tomorrow is only a promise, make a choice and do it today.
10 Ways to Connect and Make a Difference
10. Once a week pick a friend from your Facebook friends list and send them a personal message. It can be anything, telling them you’ve been thinking about them, share a story with them, tell them how you feel about their friendship, anything! I have gotten messages from people that have made my entire day-even my week. Just make it honest and heartfelt.
9. Call someone that you usually don’t call. I have been slacking in this department, but even last week I connected with a old friend and it felt good. Just pick up the phone!
8. Say you are sorry. Is there something that tugs at the back of your mind? Have you ever said something to a friend or an acquaintance that you regret? Just get it off your chest and move on. I’ve been on both ends of this and it is liberating and life changing. It’s also very hard. It’s also worth it.
7. Make plans with a friend during your busy life. Life ceases to be busy when we die. It’s always going to be busy and chaotic. There is never a right time. Just do it. Once a week or even once a month make plans to meet some friends even if it’s only for an hour.
6. Spend some unplugged time with your kids daily. Just leave the dishes till the morning and watch a movie or play a board game with them. Or just hold them because one day they wil be too big to hold.
5. Support a friend that is trying to lose weight or change their eating habits. It’s tough trying to change your life. Be supportive and try not to sabotage their efforts. That’s what being a friend is all about.
4. Visit your doctor yearly for a check up and encourage others to do the same. Early detection can help save lives. No one wants to be poked and prodded, but consider the alternative. This is especially important if you know your families medical history.
3. Eat better and exercise daily. It is so much easier to connect with people when you have energy. Plus, diet and exercise combined are the number one way to fight disease. Isn’t that worth it? Commit to it today. Baby steps.
2. Take lots of pictures and print them. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people especially now, don’t print their pictures. What if your computer crashes, you lose your camera, or disaster happens? Back up your photos online, on a hard drive and print them. Be in those photos. I know I don’t like having my photo taken much, but if something were to happen I’m sure my kids won’t care about all the landscape photos I took. Take photos, lots of them and share!
1. Be honest with yourself. Do you smoke? Do you drink too much? Do you have too much stress in your life? Own it and control it. You can do it. I am not perfect. I have lots of changes I need to make, but my family is worth it. I’m making a plan and I’m going to stick to it. I took a long hard look at myself today and I can be better. So can you, you are worth the time and the effort.
So, I challenge you today to take a look at yourself and be honest. What can you do to make your life and the lives around you better? Honor someone in your life that left you way too soon and live your best life. I’ll be V-logging about my changes next week. Another thing you should know: It does make a difference to me that you read my posts, that you share them,. I care and I am grateful to have YOU in my life.
Eileen says
I’m sorry for your loss, Milena. What a beautiful tribute to your friend.
Carol Bryant says
I am helping homeless dogs and having a big gala fundraiser to benefit abused and neglected dogs this April. I believe it paying it forward – what a great post reminder this is. Happy new year!
Olivia Douglass says
These are great ideas! Life gets so busy so it is easy to overlook these important aspects of connecting.
Keikilani says
So sorry for your loss. Your list is a great reminder to prioritize your loved ones and even yourself.
Heather Lawrence says
Love that you suggest unplugging! I have found that this is the easiest yet hardest thing to do. I am trying to be more present when I’m with my kids. They don’t need to see me on my phone all the time.
Liz Mays says
I like your ideas. I should really try to spend more quality time with friends this year, even when I’m busy.
Bri says
I am taking a more proactive stance to going to the doctor to get my yearly checkups. Unplugging has been so freeing and relaxing for me.
Censie says
Making plans with friends and family is an important thing to remember to do. I need to do this more often.
LauraFunk says
Oh I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way to turn around a sad day.
Rosey says
I do think there are ways to own stress in your life and rearrange it to be less so. Still, I keep the Excederin handy. 😉
Janeane Davis says
My favorite tip is the one about orient ng and backng up the photos. No one does that any more.
Claudia Krusch says
These are great ideas! Life gets so busy so it is easy to get lost in our lives and forget to connect!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
Those are great ideas! It is important to say sorry when it needs to be said.
Trisha says
These are all excellent tips! I ‘m currently making an effort to spend at least an hour unplugged and playing with kids daily or just watching them interact with each other.