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My name is Tanner and here I post stories, reflections, poems, and prayers.
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As I celebrate turning 35, I’ve compiled a list of 35 truths, life lessons, and pieces of wisdom shared by others that I’ve gathered over the years. This collection isn’t organized in any specific order. Over the next 5 posts, I’ll be sharing these insights through a blend of stories, poetry, videos, and handwritten notes.
Part 1: 1-8
Part 2: 9-16
Part 3: 17-24
Part 4: 25 - 29
Let’s get into it …
30. The small things are the big things.
Getting a couple of green lights on a drive home.
A surprise text from a friend you were thinking of the day before.
A stranger complimenting your outfit, but not in a creepy way.
Dinner around the table with family and friends.
Sunshine when it’s supposed to rain.
Cake pops.
The list goes on …
31. Life won’t go the way you think it will go, but …
Here are a few lines from a poem I’ve been performing titled, We Go On:
You and I have more in common than belly buttons and bad morning breath, fears and a future death.
I know you know what it’s like when life doesn’t go the way you want it to go.
When dreams grow distant and prayers aren’t answered the way you thought they should be.
When unexpected problems arise and you’re left empty handed, wondering why.
I know you’ve got questions and dreams, feelings and fears.
Bring them into the light, it’s hard to find your way when you're wrestling in the dark of night.
Open your hands and let those scars show.
Step into the sunlight as you continue to grow.
Let go of balance, let your life find a rhythm and flow,
Don’t you know?
The Tomb is still empty and life is still full,
Hope is alive and good continues to arrive
All of this, it will not go the way you think it will go, but we will keep going.
And as we go on, we open our hands and sing the truth the moves us along:
Praise God, from whom all blessing flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below,
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Life won’t go the way you think it will go, but we go on.
We go on.
32. Move your body and drink water and eat your vegetables and take vitamins and give yoga a try
But also …
33. … Eat the cake!
Life is too short to not eat the cake.
Or ice cream.
Or brownie.
Or cookie.
Or pie.
Or donut.
Or croissant.
Or muffin.
Or cobbler.
Or cinnamon roll.
Or whatever I am forgetting.
Basically, if there is something sweet, save some room.
Or make some room.
34. The end is coming.
There is no easy way to put it.
The end is coming.
All of us have a final breath.
So, what will we do with the time we have?
I guess what I am trying to say is …
Don’t wait to call them.
Don’t wait to say I love you.
Don’t wait to forgive.
Don’t wait to care.
Don’t wait to make the change.
Don’t wait to send the text.
Don’t wait to tell them what they mean to you.
Don’t let go right away, hold the hug for another second.
Don’t wait for tomorrow, because tomorrow isn’t promised.
35. It’s going to be okay.
What makes me think this is true?
Hope.
Hope gives us perspective, allowing us to see that what is will not always be. Hope points us back to the truth, reminding us that Christ will come again and that this isn’t the end.
Hope isn’t ignorant. It sees the pain, hurt, tragedy, wrong, injustice, and grief and moves towards it. It meets it with a certainty that no matter how terrible things are it’s going to be okay. Hope says, “it isn’t supposed to be this way.” Hope says, “change is coming.” Hope says, “i hate this for you.” Hope says, “it’s going to be okay.” Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But one day.
BONUS
Here are a few that didn’t make the top 35.
- The internet isn’t real life.
It just isn’t.
Get off your phone and go have dinner with a friend.
Watch a sunset. Write a poem. Pick up kickboxing.
Run a half marathon and put the sticker on your car.
Go to Wal-Mart and people watch.
Volunteer.
- The sunrise and sunset are free.
Don’t miss them.
- Say grace and give thanks and say thanks and give grace.
- Breakfast food.
- If someone has something in their teeth, tell them.
- Give your attention to what you love, not what you hate.
- If you cut your own wood you warm yourself twice.
- You are never too busy to be kind.
- Just because life doesn’t look the way you thought it would doesn’t mean you’re being punished or that you’ve been forgotten.
- “It could be worse,” is not a helpful sentence.
- Something about saving money and Roth IRAs and asking for help so that you can retire.
- Before you move on, look back.
- Not every thought in your head is true.
- Give the compliment. Accept the compliment.
- A falling knife has no handle.
- Sometimes a step back is actually a step forward.
And sometimes a step forward feels like a step back.
Your turn.
What did I miss?
Let’s hear some truths, life lessons, and pieces of wisdom shared by others that I’ve gathered over the years.
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God’s word heals our mental health. I've tried many types of therapy, and I believe this statement with all my heart. It's the undeniable cure for me.
This was a wonderful series! Thank you so much for sharing!