I met Carrie Sharpe in a Facebook group several months ago. She is supportive and always has great advice for moms. She wrote a blog in late summer about focusing on what really matters, which resonated with me. So I asked her to write a guest blog for this group for the holidays to remind us all about what matters during this time of the year (and during the rest of the year too). It’s a great reminder for all of us.
Some things matter and some things don’t.
What doesn’t matter is differing opinions. Preferences. Unachieved expectations. Unrealistic standards. What doesn’t matter is all the little things we fuss over on any given day.
It doesn’t matter what kind of car you drive. It doesn’t matter which way the toilet paper goes on the roll, or whether a spouse leaves clothes on the floor. It doesn’t matter if your to-do list is finished. It doesn’t matter if everyone agrees about what kind of TV show is acceptable or what movie you let your kids watch. It doesn’t matter if you have one pair of shoes or a million designer shoes.
It doesn’t matter if your parents drive you crazy. It doesn’t matter if your brother handles a situation differently than you would. It doesn’t matter if your friend visits as often as you think she should. It doesn’t matter if your coworker has annoying habits at the office or doesn’t call you back as quickly as you’d like.
It doesn’t matter whether you think leggings aren’t pants. Or are.
It doesn’t matter if you get expensive Christmas gifts. Or not.
It doesn’t matter if you love the music at church. Or can’t stand it.
Some things just don’t matter.
What matters is our relationships. What matters is whether those we love know how much we love them. Are we on good terms? Have we resolved conflict? Have we said the things that need to be said? Have we opened our hearts and met the needs of others?
Do we appreciate each other?
Did we make a real effort?
Do we accept responsibility?
Have we forgiven each other?
Life is short and some things matter… like your marriage, your relationships with your children and family, and your friendships.
Make your relationships right.
Communicate.
Connect.
Appreciate each other, forgive each other, and dish out grace in huge portions while you can.
If you have a less-than-stellar relationship with someone, make it right TODAY.
Tomorrow is not promised, and at the end of it all, some things matter and some things don’t. Move past the things that don’t.
Say what needs to be said.
We only get one chance at this life.
Take a moment over the holidays to say what needs to be said and appreciate family and friends. Focus on what matters.
Carrie Sharpe is a Communication Consultant and Speaker at He says, She says. She has been married to her husband, Ryan, for over nineteen years. They have five children, including twin daughters. During their marriage they have experienced everything from financial strain to miscarriages to the life-threatening illness of their son, Maverick. Carrie describes that experience in her signature talk, “Trusting God With Our Maverick.”
Carrie believes that the foundation of every great relationship is effective communication, so she loves to help people overcome communication challenges and strengthen their relationships. She coaches clients in public speaking, marriage and family communication, workplace communication, and pageant interview skills.
Carrie earned her degree in Political Science and Psychology from Lake Superior State University. She homeschools her children full-time, and she runs her communication business from home. Carrie also has over twenty-five years of pageant experience– competing in them, judging them, emceeing them, and coaching contestants in interview skills. She is a Huffington Post Contributor and has been quoted in a variety of publications. Carrie has spoken across the United States and Canada about marriage, relationships, and communication skills.
Website: https://www.RYANCARRIESHARPE.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ryancarriesharpe
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/The_Sharpes
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ryancarriesharpe
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/carriesharpe
