Never, Sometimes, Always...

Never pretend to be something you're not.  Never lie, never steal, never cheat.  Never tell a secret that's been trusted to you.  Never part ways as enemies, you never know when today will be your last..  Never hold back on laughter.  Never be ashamed of who you are or of what you believe in.  Never be embarrassed about your family; they love you more than anyone else in this world, warts and all.  Never disrespect people of lower social standing.  Never be embarrassed by your job, your home, your car, your clothes; you are more lucky than so many to have these things.  Never forget that a smile is free of charge.  Never stop hoping, you never know what's just around the corner.  Never work too hard - nobody lies on their death bed wishing they'd accomplished more in their jobs.  Never stop exploring the world we live in.  Never forget that having a family is the most precious gift.  Never smoke. Never stop dreaming.  Never forget who you are or where you've come from, it's helped mould you into who you are today. 

Sometimes you have to give more than you believed you could in order to receive. Sometimes your decisions break your heart a little, or maybe a lot. Sometimes you can't get your own way. Sometimes, in life, you are faced with making decisions that are difficult to make. Sometimes it's better to shut up about something things. Sometimes it's better to shout it from the roof tops.  Sometimes one thing is worth fighting for more than anything else. Sometimes you have to just be grateful for what we already have.  Sometimes it's good to forget the house work and go on a picnic, or for an ice-cream and a walk on the beach.  Sometimes it's the most wonderful feeling in the world knowing you have a trip planned - travel!  Sometimes it's important to be cautious over who you choose to befriend.  Sometimes go on dates, to remember why you fell in love with your partner in the first place.  Sometimes the results you'd bargained on aren't the ones you get.  Sometimes you have to learn not to be selfish.  Sometimes it does you the world of good to have a good old cry.  Sometimes it's good to remember that negative feelings are not worth the effort. Sometimes it's good to remember that worse things have happened. Sometimes it's good to know that the future isn't in our hands.  Sometimes kids let you down.

But always... Always you have to be your best; to give your best. Always be true to yourself and to those that you love the most. Always love unconditionally and always trust completely. Always love too much.  Always live life looking on the bright side. Always take note of the little 'I love yous'. Always cherish the gift of love. Always remember the warmth of a hand in yours, especially that of  child.  Always do your best, give your best and be your best.  Always remember that the only way to keep a secret is not to share it with anyone.  Always accept compliments graciously (I'm learning).  Always be respectful.  Always plan ahead.  Always have a good will in place, you never know when it's your time.  Always be prepared.  Always accept boundaries.  Always kiss and cuddle too much.  Always treasure special moments shared with your children.  Always remember that time passes by too quickly, especially with children.  Always remember to smile at strangers.  Always stand your ground.  Always appreciate quiet time.  Always remember the wine and chocolate solve a multitude of problems.  Always be proud of who you are.  Always trust your gut; your instinct is your best friend.  Always believe in yourself. And always, always remember that you only get one shot and that you always have to give it your best.

Sue X

PS.  I wrote this more than a year ago, but never posted it for some reason.  Re-read it and I obviously like it more now then I did back then...