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Because Just in Case
July 16, 2022

I was chatting with the young woman at the check-out desk at my dentist’s office. Each of the three or four times I’ve talked with her, I liked her. She seemed like a kindred spirit. She asked me, “Are you off to do something fun for the rest of the day?”

It was late afternoon and I told her, “I’ve already done something fun.” (I had just come from participating in a volunteer project and lunch with two dear friends whom I hadn’t seen in a while). I continued, “I make sure I do something fun every day.” I shrugged my shoulders, “Because, just in case.”

She said, “I like that! I may adopt that for myself.” See? Kindred spirits.

And then I told her about the time BF and I were in the midst of a major remodeling project and I was sick of it and told him as I crawled into bed one night, exhausted and over it, “If I die tonight, write my epitaph, “She lay here pissed.”

So Many Sad Stories

Recently, I’ve come upon an abundance of stories about active, healthy humans whose lives have ended abruptly. People a decade younger than me who are, suddenly and without warning, gone from this Earth. Parents, partners, friends, and co-workers, gone. These reminders rest hard. 

You’d think, as a breast cancer survivor, the notion of living each day to the fullest would never leave my consciousness. My big sister died at age 46. My first husband was 52 when he left to pick up our son at a tennis lesson and died in his car while waiting at a stoplight. My parents, grandparents, and so many friends, were perfectly healthy, living life . . . until they weren’t.

But I do forget. I get bogged down with have-tos and necessities.

Remembering

But not this week. Not today. Right here, right now, I’m drinking in the reminders. Making sure I do something fun every day. Because, just in case. 

Coffee at Cafe Euclid With my Yoga Buddies
Lunch, After Coffee, After Yoga. Fun x 3

So, my prayer to the Universe is this: may I wake up each morning, remembering to do something fun. To say yes to joy. To appreciate meals, each bite of dessert, and every sip of a wonderful glass of wine. May I notice the flowers and puppies on my walks. May I be grateful for every workout, yoga class, and my yoga community. For every opportunity to make, be, or enjoy a friend. For every good night’s sleep and good book I read. 

My focus for this year is following joy. May I not forget-–even for a single day–-to do something fun. To make chores fun by blasting music and dancing. To watch the videos of the grandkids–again. 

Because, just in case. 

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2 Comments

  1. Such a great reminder! I’ve started noting the small stuff on a calendar…just in case I forget the things that brought me joy?

    Reply
  2. Debi, you are glowing, radiant example of living joyfully. Your Presence and your writing is such a delightfully felt experience–I am grateful to call you friend, and thankful for the fun I get to have with you!

    Reply

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Debi Dixon

Debi Dixon

The Universe is guiding me on an incredible adventure: my Plan B. I write here to share bits of my Odyssey, hopefully to inspire, encourage, or extend the virtual hand of friendship.

When I quit teaching in 2014, I could never have imagined the growth I would experience through travel, writing, reading, therapy, and introspection.

I believe human connection and compassion will go a long way toward our healing, and the best way to connect and feel compassion for one another is through the sharing of our stories.

Thank you for joining me here. I appreciate you and may we grow together.

Inspirational Quote

“You must give up the life you planned in order to have the life that is waiting for you.”
~Joseph Campbell

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