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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Older and Wiser


No, this isn't the long-awaited conference report. I need some time to process and assimilate events. :)

Here's my personal list of ways I'm older and wiser:

1) Comfort (as in sneakers) trumps making a fashion statement. Don't leave home without them, especially if you're attending a writers conference.

2) A guy on the check-out line turned to me and Mom and said, "I'm just standing here. I might as well load your groceries on the belt." Twenty years ago, I might have said, "Thanks, but I can manage." Today, I say, "Thanks, how kind of you." Why throw my back out from all that bending and twisting?

3) I've learned the value of teamwork instead of insisting, "I can do it on my own."

4) Moaning about how much I still don't know about writing has given way to thanking God how far He's brought me.

5) Traveling light has always been a foreign concept to me. I'd take my entire wardrobe if I could. Now, that I have to haul the luggage into my trunk, I see the wisdom of carting less stuff.

What have you learned over the years that has made life easier?

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20 comments:

  1. Marja Verschoor-MeijersAugust 17, 2011 at 2:46 AM

    Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us Susan, great list! Traveling Light is the name of our non profit :)
    I am learning that I can delegate certain tasks, I don't have to be in control all the time.

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  2. Jessica NelsonAugust 17, 2011 at 7:25 AM

    To be more flexibl. :-)

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  3. Linda O'ConnellAugust 17, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    Susan,
    I am with you especially on number four. I've learned to sit back and wait.

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  4. Jeanette LevellieAugust 17, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Great thoughts, Suze.

    I have learned that what people think of me isn't important--it's how I treat them.

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  5. Karen LangeAugust 17, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Good list. I've learned to stress less about certain situations and what people think of me. As for packing light - haven't quite gotten that one down yet. Just ask Jeff. :)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  6. Rhonda SchrockAugust 17, 2011 at 11:49 AM

    I'm learning, too, that what others think doesn't really matter. This is huge for me. Trying to learn Karen's lesson of "stressing less." That one will keep me busy for awhile. :)

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  7. Rosslyn ElliottAugust 17, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    Ha! I have trouble with packing light, too.

    Here's my chief lesson of the last couple of years. Nothing matters as much as faith and family. If something in my life starts to mess with those two priorities, I need to do some serious thinking about whether it can stay.

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  8. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    Hi Marja -

    Of course! Now that you mention it, I recall seeing "Traveling Light" on your other blog.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  9. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Hi Jess -

    My former pastor once said, "When you go on the mission field, take a flashlight, flip-flops, and flexibility."

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    Hi Linda -

    Yes, it's an attitude that looks at the positive side of things.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  11. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    Hi Jen -

    Now, there's a devotional in the making!

    At the risk of dating myself (but knowing you like kitties), you're the cat's meow. :)

    Hugs,
    Susan

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  12. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Hi Karen -

    I try to remember that my first priority is to please the Lord.

    The traveling light...I'm getting there too, but sometimes can't resist packing extra stuff "just in case."

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  13. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Hi Rhonda -

    Knowing what needs correcting is half the battle. I didn't even recognize the stress triggers for a long time. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  14. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 17, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    Hi Rosslyn -

    Good word! Time with the Lord and family is critical.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  15. Kathi Oram PetersonAugust 17, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    What a great list. I'm still learning, but I'd say I don't worry so much about things I can do nothing about.

    Great post!

    Kathi

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  16. jean FischerAugust 19, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    Great post, Susan. I've learned, and am still learning, to take life one day at a time; sometimes one hour, or one minute at a time. Blessings!

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  17. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 19, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Hi Kathi -

    Thanks! I'm sure my list will grow as time goes by. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  18. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 19, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Hi Jean -

    You're so right. We worry way too much.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  19. UnknownAugust 20, 2011 at 11:38 PM

    Great list! A gem that I have learned is to concentrate on God's opionion of me and not other people's opinion. I still have to work at it daily.

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  20. Susan J. ReinhardtAugust 21, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Hi Alisa -

    Oh, good one!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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