Firsts and Lasts

Hmmm, I want you to do something for me. Compare these two lists, and tell me which one's your favorite.

List #1:

First car

First time meeting someone you look up to

First exam aced

First paycheck

First house

First fire of the winter

First robin of spring

First date

List #2:

Last paycheck

Last day at your dream job

Last ice-cream of the year

Last cookie on the plate

Last dollar in the checking account

Last goodby to your grandmum who passed away

Last time you won at your favorite game

Last breath you breathe

I would be willing to bet that you chose "List 1" as your favorite. Obviously, that second list is rot, and wouldn't come close to trumping something like your first paycheck. You could call that second list downright depressing. Incidentally, depression is a BIG problem for us as people.

Today's question of the day; are we feeding depression? As your friends, children, and family grow up/move up in this world, how are YOU describing it?

I'm leaving for college tomorrow. I've been blessed with a family who hasn't brought out the negatives. In fact, questions like "Are you ready?!" and "Are you excited?!" pop up way more frequently. I also have the choice of perspective. Instead of saying "Last night in my bed until December" and "Last time baking with my sister until December", I'm going to choose to look at the "firsts". It's my first time living semi on-my-own, and it's my first time going to a college to pursue my goal of becoming a writer.

Perspective is everything, so remember that as you or someone you know gets ready to start a new part of their life. Celebrate the "firsts" with them and don't put the emphasis on the "lasts"!

Y'all have a good day, and find someone to cheer up!

Austin