Outside

Ever wonder what it would be like to stand outside of your life and look back into it? Would you be happy with what you observe? Would your decisions be different if you could step away for a minute to examine the impact of what you are about to do?

There are moments in time when we are really happy with who we are and what we have accomplished. And that's a good thing! There are times when one additional word of encouragement from someone else would have made all the difference in the world to you and those around you. There are times when not saying something would have been the better choice.

And then there are the "silly" things---would I wear that color now knowing how ridiculous I looked. Would I have smiled just a little longer to create interest in that someone special? Would I have gone back to school to better educate myself in something I really loved? Would I have taken that special vacation before I got sick if I could have known about the impending illness?

How many friends would I have had if I had tried just a little harder? Is my spouse or significant other truly getting the "best" I can offer or do they end up being "last" because I can place them there without fear? Do I truly believe in a "higher being" or do I simply "mouth" the words and follow what ever is safe? What sacrifices have I really made?

Have I given my best or is my best yet to come? What truly is my value system? Do I live it or just talk about it? Have I spent any time recently spreading "joy" to others? Do I always expect something in return?

When you step back and outside it provides a new meaning to what you have become. The great part is that you have time to reconsider your thoughts, your actions and where now you should be heading. Every once in awhile, we should all step outside ourselves, take stock and renew all that is good and work on all that needs some adjusting. We, truly are the "captains" of our personal ship.