Things are not important - experiences are what matter.
- Laura S Walker State Park
Make the time to do the important things. What are the important things?
Think about what means the most to you. How would you feel if that thing was no longer there? Could you just get another one?
Ah - there is the key. With material things, we can always get another one. But the people and the experience can't be replaced.
When people ask me why I love camping "in the dirt and bugs", experience is why I love it.
No electronics in sight.
Watching my friend Justine enjoying the sunset as her son fishes. Taking my daughter kayaking.
The stillness by the water in the morning.
The stillness by the water in the morning.
- Laura Walker State Park
Chatting by the fire as a cool breeze blows, sipping a glass of chilled chardonnay.
- Laura Walker State Park
My daughter - so proud of her little camper.
- Laura Walker State Park
Roasting the perfect marshmallow.
- Laura Walker State Park
Quietly spending time with my mom.
- Mom Laura Walker State Park
The kids fishing for Lilly pads.
- Fishing at Laura Walker
One thing that struck me recently while cleaning out my dad's office was that all these things - small mementos, things he collected, art work....he wasn't able to take anything with him. He's moved on to another place and all he can take with him is love, his experiences and the journey.
I came across a quote in a book about "the dash" that fits perfectly. The dash is that space between the date of someone's birth and death.
"For it matters not how much we own; the cars or the house...the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard....are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more, and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile....Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while." - Linda Ellis
