I use this phrase all the time and, and it applies in so many conversations and situations. My Aunt Betty used to say this about doing or not doing something because you are waiting or saving it for the future.

“If you get hit by the Madison Avenue bus, was it worth not wearing that new sweater today and saving it for another time? No. Wear the sweater.”

Exactly.

What would you do if you were not going to wait to take that action?

In these times where life is tenuous at best, we need to, within reason, live. Now I could take that statement to the extreme and eat a pint of Halo Peanut Butter Cup but that might not be smart, not that I have ever done that. Or I could go shoe shopping and I don’t think I need to say any more about that.

Perhaps the best thing to do is to be kind. Be present. Turn your phone off when you are speaking with someone, especially your children. Laugh at yourself when you are trying to do pull ups at the gym and your arms are screaming at number 5 let alone 15 more and the pregnant instructor is just killing it! (love you girl) Make good choices. Hug people who make you happy and hug those that just need a hug.

Get rid of things that do not make you happy. (PS for those of you following, Amelia’s “Exit” has now gotten off at the next exit.)

Call your mother if you are lucky enough to still have her around. Bring her a Dunkin Donuts frozen coffee and sit with her and chat for an hour. You may not have that time forever.

Give. Give of yourself and to those in need, whatever that need may be.  You will not have to look far.

Let’s take this one step further and apply this theory to our pets. We love our pug Izzy and at 11 years old, deaf, and facing her later years, I want to make her happy and comfortable. So, I give her some chicken when I cook it or a handful of shredded mozzarella when we make pizza. Not all the time, as that would be harmful, but a treat? Yes. She is not waiting for that Madison Avenue bus. Izzy is living large, no regrets and no pun intended.

Thank you to all the people who read these posts and share with me their thoughts and feelings. I am honored that you read them, and you enjoy the humor and stories. I will share some recipes again soon. My empty nest is giving me more time to experiment so look out.

And when you see these recipes, do not wait to try them because if you get hit by the Madison Avenue bus….