Cat's Top 10

The World According to Cat - Cat's Top 10 Guidelines (in no particular order)

1.  Never say "never".  
This was a big one for me to get over.  Don't rule out anything.  You have no clue what lies ahead.  Look at me ... I am married again, and I'm having the best time!

2.  Laugh often, even if it's at yourself.
I do this a lot ... at myself ... it's fun!

3.  No matter what life throws at you, treat it as an adventure.
I learned this from my grandmother.  New job, moving, kids, school, ... what ever is going on in your life, don't worry or stress because you will miss the most amazing things.  Have fun on your new adventure.
 
4.  Make time to play.
I realize there are things that have to be done (I have to go to work so I can pay my bills) but it's important to also find time to do things you enjoy.  Go for a walk at lunch, read a book while you are waiting at the doctor's office, take 30 minutes after dinner to play a video game with your kids (or husband in my case!) ... anything you enjoy doing.

5.  Enjoy the little things.
Fall colors, warm rain, fresh-cut-grass smell.  It's easy to get caught up in the hustle of everyday life.  Make a point to just stop for 5 minutes and look around.

6. Try to learn something new every day.
This one is about keeping the ol' noggin functioning.  I love to do puzzles ... mostly number puzzles, but occasionally I give a crossword a try.  I also like to read and will browse the internet looking for interesting tid-bits.  If you attempt to learn something new every day, it will definitely slow down the cobwebs!

7.  Take care of yourself, but don't deprive yourself.
The hubby and I discuss this all the time.  We want to eat healthier, but he believes that means totally abstaining from foods that he loves, like pizza.  I tell him the key is moderation.  Say it with me now, "I will not eat the ENTIRE pizza!"  And then there's me who just needs to get off her booty every once in a while ... but that's a whole different topic!

8.  Share yourself with others.
Everyone has a gift ... maybe you are handy around the house, maybe you are crafty, maybe you just love to be around others.  No matter the activity, there is always a way to share your talent with others.  Joining a group, volunteering, or just doing something nice for a neighbor or friend will make you and them feel so good.


9.  Be kind.
There really is way too much hate in the world!  "Be excellent to each other.  And party on dudes!" (Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure - 1989)

10.  RELAX!
Life is going to happen, and there's nothing you can do about it!  This one came to me as I was sitting dead stop in traffic ... 45 minutes to go about 2 miles!  Crazy right?  But I knew it was Saturday, I knew what this road could get like, I knew that the traffic lights were not on the same pattern, and yet I choose to go that way home.  Did I curse a lot and wave my hands in the air like some maniac?  Nope ... what would that have accomplished?  I took a few deep breaths and found a good radio station.  Relax!!!