SEVEN THINGS THAT CROSS MY MIND A LOT

My topic for today is to write about the seven things that cross my mind a lot.   I actually spend most of my time thinking, contemplating, and planning, so this seems to be a very appropriate topic.

MY FUTURE:  I think about my future a lot.   I wonder where my life is heading, where I want to be.   Where will I be in five or ten years?  Will I be stuck in a rut or will my life actually have meaning and purpose? 

EDUCATION:   Will I ever go back to school to get another degree?  Will I find the courage to make things happen?  What will I study, and where?  Will my dream of being a graduate of the University of Alabama become a reality or just another item on the list of things “I wish I had done”?

FINANCES:  There was a time when I was so frugal with my money.  But now, I find myself in debt and wonder how or when it will all go away.  When I will be debt free.   Maybe the new “American Dream” involves swimming in debt.   I wish it didn’t feel this way, I wish it weren’t this way.

HIM: I think about the man that in my heart of hearts is “THE ONE”. 

SPIRITUALITY: I used to consider myself religious, but as I have gotten older, I realize that I am actually more spiritual than religious.   My beliefs about the supernatural, the spiritual, the Divine can no longer be confided to just religion.  I believe we are all on a path to the afterlife.   This is probably one of those confessions that will make some of my readers shutter.   However, as I have examined the world, my heart, and constantly evaluate my own convictions, I believe that yes, there is ONE God, but we all take different paths in our approach to the relationship. At least I still have faith.  Many of my friends have lost theirs altogether.

FAMILY:  I think about family.  More specifically, I think of my family of origin.  I think every single day of my grandmother who departed this life much too early.  I think of what life would be like were she still alive.  I wonder if things would be different, if I would be closer to my family.  As it is, in recent months, I have had several conversations via text message with my father, and feel quite a sense of peace in

FRIENDSHIPS:  My friends are on my mind at almost every moment of every day.   Growing up without the experience of many close friendships certainly makes me more keenly aware of just how precious the friendships I have today are.   People come and go from our lives, each one teaching us some sort of lesson.   Sometimes they are there only for a season, but sometimes, they are there for a lifetime.  I’m grateful for all of them, but most of all, I am grateful for those who are there for me day in and day out. And, I think, I hope I am as good a friend to them as they are to me.   Friendship is one of the most sacred things in my life, and I value it with my life.

Here’s my confession:  I think the seven topics I discussed above are in and of themselves confessions.  All seven topics boil down to one simple concept.  I want to have a life that is full of meaning, of purpose and something that, if I am blessed to live a long life, I will look back with more satisfaction than regret.   Yet, if I leave this world tomorrow, I want to know that I’ve made a difference in every area of my life-in my thoughts, in my words, and in my actions.