Tragedy and loss have a way of putting life in perspective. It seems as if I now live life with a little more intentionality. This year as I turned 50, I took a moment to reflect on whether I was living out my beliefs. Well, all I can say is I’m still working on some of them. These principle belifs may not all be PC, popular, researched, or even in line with society; they are simply mine. Here are just a few Charlieisms I think are important and that I’m striving to live out. (Charlie is the nickname my uncle gave me when I was about 5 – it stuck.)

• Live like you are dying. Simply live each day as if it is your last. Take advantage of every opportunity. Take the adventure, climb the mountain, go on the dive, go do whatever it is you’ve always wanted to do.
• Give generously as if you can’t take it with you. The reality is that you can’t take it with you. Why not share what we have with others. Be a blessing. You never know how far a little generosity will go. Remember the five loaves and two fish.
• Love like there is no tomorrow. Do not be afraid to say the positive things that are on your heart. You never know what tomorrow holds so don’t miss that opportunity to say, “I love you”, “I miss you”, “I forgive you”, “I’m sorry”, “I’m scared” or “I think you are amazing”. You just never know what someone may say back. You never know when you will no longer be able to say those things.
• Look for miracles, they are all around you every day. Life is not just coincidental. God put that miracle, angel, or person in your life for a reason. Look and listen to what He is trying to say. You don’t want to miss the blessing.
• Be the hands, feet and mouth of Jesus. If not you, then who?
• Eat the cake and drink the wine. Why not?
• Worry more about the condition of your heart than the condition of your body.
• Quit living in fear and worrying. Just be in the moment and enjoy it.
• Don’t save the china, silver and crystal for a special occasions. Today is special. Use it to eat pizza and drink beer.
• Finally, when it comes to naysayers and negative people, simply choose to not give a flip.