When I was a kid, I can remember thinking that my 9 month
school year seemed to take 3 years to get through. Everything seemed so slow, time often stood
still or crept by at the pace of a snail on a Sunday drive. My parents would always tell me “enjoy it
now, because when you get older it will go by too fast.” Boy, they sure were right on this one, time has been flying by for me. The other day I picked my kids up from
school (I have a 5 year old and a 12 year old).
They both were talking about how fast the school year has gone and it
seems as if they have only been is school for a short time. Hmmm … well that’s strange. I never said that at age 5 or 12. That got me thinking … what is so different
now that my kids seem to think time flies by so quickly? I then realized that we never truly shut
down. In today’s world, there is always
something that is stimulating us. The
television, movies, everything is on demand, computers, internet, phones,
tablets, texting, face-timing … it never ends.
When was the last time you saw a 13 year old without a phone stuck in
his or her hands? God forbid you ask
them to put it down for any length of time.
That goes for us adults as well.
God forbid we miss that email or a Facebook status update. We seem to never shut down and just enjoy the
quiet life.
I was on a short cruise this past weekend with my husband,
celebrating our wedding anniversary. We
try to do a quick getaway every year at this time. This was the first time that my husband did
not bring his computer, which was a complete miracle in itself. Now, of course, he still had his phone and
did occasionally check emails, but, I accept one step at a time! I have to say, it was fantastic! We just completely shut down for the most
part. I realized that I do not do this
enough. Sure, we go on vacations and
cruise fairly often and take the kids with us most of the time. But it really isn’t ever quality time.
So, what’s the moral of my blog? Take the time to savor your moments. There really are not enough of them. Have no regrets. Don’t put things off, you never know what
tomorrow will bring. Here is an example
from my life: Back in 2011, my husband
and I convinced my in-laws that they should go on a cruise with us. They had never cruised, my mother-in-law
thought she might be sea sick the whole time.
It took some work! But, we all
went. My sister-in-law and
brother-in-law joined us as well. We
were on board Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas for a week. We spent a lot of time together; dinners,
shore excursions, playing bingo, just hanging out as a family. It was great.
My husband and I always said “we will have to do that again someday.” Well, we can’t. My husband’s father passed away a few months
ago. That was certainly not in the
plans. One thing my husband’s mother
said after the service was “I’m so glad we went on that cruise with you.” We were very glad too.
Those bucket list plans, those “I will go one day” trips … try not to
put them off. And when you do go, savor
the moments and cherish your memories.
One day, they might be all you have left. Create as many as you can!
Happy Savoring!
Kathy Freer
CruiseOne Freer & Associates
888-882-5793
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