Making the most

When it comes to life, I’m one of those live it to the limit kind of folks. I have things I want to do, places I want to go, dreams and aspirations to attain, and the type of person I want to be and become. I can’t get there by sitting on the sidelines – and I can’t get there by running myself ragged either.

Making the most of life and living it to what you consider the fullest is so different for everyone. While I say I like to live it to the limit, I’m not talking about drag racing, bungee jumping or wrestling crocodiles (although I still want to go skydiving someday). My idea of living it to the limit is about doing the things I love, it’s about achieving goals, fulfilling dreams, making a difference and finding the balance between doing too much and not doing enough.

I was taught, probably at a very early age, to be active and to make the most of whatever I was doing. I participated in sports, girl scouts and I showed dogs. I had animals for 4-H and FFA that were my responsibility and I worked part-time, first in my dad’s warehouse, then at horse ranches and restaurants. I had chores and was expected to complete them (and not for money, but because I was a member of a household where we all had our responsibilities). I’m grateful my parents taught us to be responsible and that working hard could help you get to all the places you wanted to go.

I like to think my dad lived his life to the fullest. He found something he loved, and he did it, pretty darn well for a number of years. He was happy doing what he did. He loved sales. That was his thing. He travelled most of his adult life, meeting people and doing what he loved. He also found an organization he was very drawn to, and did what he could to put his best efforts into helping them achieve their goals.

My mom always wanted to travel and see different places. Once she retired, she and my step-dad did just that. They love to cruise, although with the pandemic traveling has been very difficult, especially on a cruise ship. I just found out they purchased a motorhome and are planning to travel that way. Where there is a will to live life to the fullest, there is always a way.

When I first moved to Montana, the snow and cold that first year really got to me. I found myself waking up almost every day in winter completely dreading it simply because of the weather. I complained incessantly, hated going out in the cold and, at that time, stayed indoors watching television, arguing with my teenage daughter and crying, wondering what the heck I’d been thinking to move to such a cold place. I was definitely NOT living life to the fullest and making the most of things.

Fast forward to now, winter doesn’t really phase me. Maybe it’s because I’m older and have learned - in some cases - to just roll with the punches. But I also think it’s because I’ve learned to embrace it and the life I’ve chosen to live, and make the most of here. I’m still not a fan of the extreme cold, but I’ve learned to adapt. Those cold and snowy days are for staying in, enjoying the fire and doing the indoor chores I don’t want to do in the spring and summer when the weather is nicer outside.

When the weather is warmer, I make the most of it by spending time outside, hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching spinning in the shade, and this year, hopefully, taking a trip to Alaska. Not only to take my dad’s ashes to his fishing hole, but to go and learn and take in the beauty of a new place I’ve never seen before.

I think living life to the fullest and making the most of things is a very individual thing. For some it may be sitting on the couch staring at the phone all day, or spending their nights in a bar, or sleeping their days away For me, it’s learning, being in motion, accomplishing things and feeling like I’m doing something meaningful for myself. What I have found is that I can be happy doing any number of things.

For many of you who know me personally, you know that one of my dreams has always been to have my own yarn/craft shop. In March, that dream will start becoming a reality as I start a new little yarn corner in the Montana Heritage House. I’m grateful the Vallers are offering me this opportunity and the space to start small to bring this long-time dream to fruition. I’m excited for this venture, and I’m excited for the possibilities of growth as I make the most of it.

Whatever brings you joy and helps you to make the most of life and helps you to live it to the fullest, I wish you the courage, the strength, and the ability to begin making those things a reality for you. If you haven’t really thought about it, I encourage you to dream, to plan and to move forward into making the most of your life and those around you.