pri·or·i·ty
- the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important; a thing that is regarded as more important than another.
Maybe you are one of those people who never struggled with priorities in life at any time in your life. Kudos to you. You are in a small group of dedicated, organized folks who do the right thing at the right time. You know what needs done when...and why! You understand priorities.
The rest of us had had to grow up before that all came together (or I hope it all came together).
Take finances, for example. I often wonder how much cash I'd have on hand if I'd started socking it away from the first day of work. But there was so much fun stuff that required money! Cruises were a yearly occurrence when I couldn't really afford it, but I'd scrimp and save to make that happen...and occasionally, suffer the consequences of my travels in the form of scraping by for months afterwards.
The sad thing about that misstep is that the thing I really enjoyed about the travel was the folks I was with at the time. My friends and I had just as many great times at the local lake...we didn't have to cart those jokes and pranks off to the Bahamas or South America. They worked stateside!
I could have put those mighty bucks to better use, for me -- or someone else, if I was dead set on being broke (which, I think I was...for a while). In fact, I think one of those most important signs of growth in a person is when they realize that giving of yourself is a priority. You can't go through life wearing a catcher's mitt.
Expounding on this notion of a lack of priorities...no point, really. All I can say is thank God that people DO mature. And if you don't, you're not allowed to be a geezer. We don't want that kind of negativity in our tribe.
- If you wave your hand at impulse buys...
- If you have a firm grasp on your own life plans...
- If you value the people in your close circle...
- If you give of yourself and spread a little good vibes on a regular basis...
YOU MIGHT BE A GEEZER. FINALLY.
Priorities, people. It makes life...livable.
Check out some of the fine bloggers
participating this month's challenge by
accessing the master list on the
Blogging from A-to-Z April Challenge website.
I'm one of those insufferable people who have always had firm priorities. Guess I was a geezer before my time!
ReplyDeleteI think mine kicked in at 26 or 27...heck, I even remember the day... :-)
Delete"If you have a firm grasp on your own life plans..."
ReplyDeleteI have plans but life doesn't always cooperate.
But you roll with it...I can tell...
DeleteI knew I was a geezer before I read thru your posts, and now I have third-party proof! Thanks for the confirmation [I think?]
ReplyDelete=)
Keepin' it real, Dena...keepin' it real. :-)
DeleteIf only I could have now all that money I spent frivolously in the past. But then I might not have had as much fun over the years. I'm not sure that I've ever had a firm grasp on my future or anything else. These days don't even seem to have that many priorities.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out / Battle of the Bands
I disagree! The fact that you blog and follow through with things like the A-to-Z tells me you have priorities. You don't have to have a lot of priorities to qualify.
DeleteI don't know that I would call it so much a priority as a certain sense of guilt if I were not to post. I'm biding my time with my blog.
DeleteWell, we've never been that great at saving money and love to travel, so I guess I don't qualify for geezerdom in this case. ☺ That said, we are debt-free, which is a huge improvement from our younger years. We realize how fortunate we are and donate to worthwhile causes on a regular basis. You're right - it is important to help others. But, please don't ever regret taking those cruises and living life to the fullest. Those memories are priceless!
ReplyDeleteTruthfully, I do not regret those times at all.
DeleteHOWEVER>>>I'm a late-night-lying-in-bed-life-reviewer...something has to keep me up, questioning everything I ever did in my whole life...
My oldest son is exactly the same, poor guy.
Life is too short to question past life decisions. What's done is done, IMO. As the old hippie anthem says: "Let's Live For Today" ☺
DeleteBoy, I guess this makes me a geezer and hubby a youngster. LOL!!
ReplyDeleteDB McNicol, author
A to Z Microfiction: Parachute
Balance!
DeleteI'm a bit half and half on this one. I definitely value the people in my close circle and give when I can help others. I have a semi solid idea of where I want to be but it is still a work in progress :)
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
I may re-prioritize a little too often...
DeleteDo I have a problem with priorities?
ReplyDeleteI think not but I may be wrong
Ha ha ha
DeleteOn the bright side, at least you got the cruises that made YOU scrimp and save... I'm happy getting the rare lake visit...
ReplyDeleteThe lake visit can be awesome! And you've got dog walks down to a science/mini-vacation opportunity.
DeleteI'm pretty good about sticking to my priorities, but I deserve the occasional reward for being so good. A Kate Spade bag is calling my name at the moment. Will I place the order? We'll see.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hey, Groupon just tempted me with a Kate Spade bag...I'm holding firm so far...
DeleteI do all of these and even have bought a “Crap” list. List crap you need to get done, how much it will cost and time frame to get it done. I have a few of those lists....hahahaaa. I value my friends, family. And m happy to help people when I can. I also try to always say hello and be nice to anyone I see like the deli counter person or the grocery check out lady.
ReplyDelete