29 Things I Believe….

Feb 27, 2012

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I had a super-silly post planned for today, but then something happened that’s anything but. One of the most amazing people I’ve ever known passed away this weekend, and I am very, very sad.

I wrote this awhile ago not really knowing why. Now I understand. Gumps…this post is for you. Thank you for inspiring me in every conceivable way. I miss you. Already. So much.

*****

I believe the best way to get the answers you want out of life is to ask a lot of questions.

I believe in working hard to be smart, but that it’s smarter to work hard.

I believe we each control our own destiny, and nobody has the power to change someone who’s determined to self-destruct.

I believe there’s goodness in just about everyone, and in most people? Something great.

I believe in random acts of kindness.

I believe the most rewarding path in life is often circuitous.

I believe in stem cell research, because too many people I care about are either suffering or have died from a curable disease.

I believe the best way to give is to expect nothing in return.

I believe in surrounding myself with talented people, because it’s better to play up than down.

I believe it’s the small things in life that matter the most.

I believe in learning to speak for anyone who feels like they don’t have a voice.

I believe that family and friends are my most valuable possessions.

I believe in second chances, and many more if someone is truly trying to get it right.

I believe in sharing, because the return on investment is priceless.

I believe there’s no such thing as luck, and that life is a series of reactions caused by deliberate choice.

I believe in equality.

I believe in compassion, because even though you may try on someone else’s shoes, you can only walk in your own.

I believe everyone should have the right to marry his or her soul mate.

I believe that life is complicated, and nothing is truly black and white.

I believe the past is a memory, the future unknown, and today is all that really matters.

I believe that positive thinking + positive action = positive results.

I believe insurance is a good back-up plan for future mistakes.

I believe love should be expressed. Openly, honestly, and often.

I believe in charity, because nothing feels better than helping a person in need.

I believe I’ve grown the most as an individual when life has been the hardest.

I believe in paying it forward; you never know when you might need a loan.

I believe in calculated risk.

I believe in laughing at myself; it’s a lot more fun to laugh than cry.

I believe in something bigger than me, because a sunset, the ocean, and the faces of my sleeping children move me in ways that I cannot describe.

Comments

46 responses to “29 Things I Believe….”

Maura

February 27, 2012

Sorry Stacie. This was a great tribute, however. Was this your friend that had brain surgery?

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  No, it’s Scot’s grandfather who passed away. Andre, my friend, was just over at our house today. Besides some lingering side effects, he is doing incredibly well, has an amazing attitude, and is looking forward to getting back to normal. =/
  
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Anonymous

February 27, 2012

Stacie, when Brent called me this morning I was so sad. I am so blessed that I got to meet Gumps when we were back there…I could see how much he loved all of you…and his humor warmed my heart.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Scot and the kiddos.

Love,
Miss

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks for your sweet thought, Missy. He was the best.
  
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Miro

February 27, 2012

I believe you’re a very inspirational person. 🙂
Peace & grace,
~Miro

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks for your kind comment.
  
  Reply
hollybernabe

February 27, 2012

My condolences and sympathy to you and this amazing person’s family.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks Holly. Gumps was my husband’s grandfather. Greatest guy in the world.
  
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Tom Norton

February 27, 2012

Stacie: I also lost a good friend recently. Buzzy was a golfing partner of mine for 20+ years and when he died his wife put a four line obituary in the paper and would not invite any of his golfing buddies to a private ceremony at her home. She thought that as a group we did not care about her husband. So we decided to have our own celebration of Buzzy’s life last Wednesday night. His wife gave one of the guys her husband’s ashes with the instructions “you guys do something with him”. So we did. We got together for drinks and dinner and told stories about Buzzy for over two hours. Then, we gathered our kazoo’s and marched out to the golf course humming “When the Saints Come Marching In” and spread his ashes. We sent him off with a smile and a song. I miss him already.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  That is AWESOME, Tom. I wouldn’t expect any less of you.
  
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Bryan

February 27, 2012

Very, very touching, Stacie. I am moved by your post.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks Bryan. I appreciate the comment.
  
  Reply
Texas Twang Debi

February 27, 2012

Great list Stacie…..sorry for the loss of your friend.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks for the kind thought, Debi.
  
  Reply
Beth Markowski

February 27, 2012

I have a feeling Gumps passed pleased with the life that was had because friends like you were part of it. Another awesome post!

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks Beth. I was a little ambiguous above…Gumps was Scot’s grandfather. =/
  
  Reply
Anonymous

February 27, 2012

I really enjoyed the list. A fitting tribute to someone you care about is to examine what really matters. Often you surprise yourself.

Reply
1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks so much for the thought.
  
  Reply
Amy

February 27, 2012

Once again, I just loved this!! Thanks for sharing your insight and beautiful thoughts!! Sorry about the loss of Scot’s grandfather–I’m sure he was amazing 🙂

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 27, 2012
  
  Thanks for all of your support, Amy, and for your sweet comment. =/
  
  Reply
sundari

February 27, 2012

Hey gr8 post…. i especially liked the line where you have mentioned “I believe love should be expressed. Openly, honestly, and often.”

Very rightly said….

Thanks
Sundari

Reply
1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 28, 2012
  
  Thanks Sundari. =)
  
  Reply
Susan Lanam

February 28, 2012

My thoughts are with you
Beautifully said 😊

Reply
1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 28, 2012
  
  Thanks, Susan. I appreciate all of your support.
  
  Reply
Beth

February 28, 2012

So sorry for you loss, Stacie.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 28, 2012
  
  Thanks, Beth. =/
  
  Reply
Elizabeth Suarez

February 28, 2012

Once again, what a beautiful post. So needed in today’s world. I applaud your bravery for sharing this information with the world. May your friend rest in peace. Best to you during these difficult times.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 28, 2012
  
  Thanks Elizabeth. I really appreciate your thoughtful, kind comments.
  
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annewoodman

February 28, 2012

Shoot. I typed something and lost it. Stacie, so sorry for your loss. Your husband’s grandfather was very fortunate to have people around him who loved him. And aren’t we fortunate to have grandmothers and grandfathers who lived long enough that we got to know them as adults?

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 28, 2012
  
  It’s really amazing. He would have been 90 this May and lived life on his terms until the end. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Anne.
  
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M Lyn

February 28, 2012

Let’s see. Came across a journal exercise yesterday with this prompt. Write down three beliefs and then write a case for the exact opposite to improve seeing things from a different perspective. Thinking.

Now, on to your gorgeous list. I am so envious that you could write your beliefs down. Grateful that now I can create my own list since it’s bringing up my own. I’ve always been an idea developer and piggy back or copy in my own way someone else’s idea. Thank you so much.

I am so sorry to hear about Scott’s grandfather passing. Grandfathers, when they are good, are invaluable in a person’s life.

So, so happy to hear how well you friend is doing after brain surgery. I have been praying for him. Thanks for the update.

Thank you so much for sharing and writing so well.

M

Reply
1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 28, 2012
  
  Thank YOU Lyn, for such a kind, thoughtful comment.
  
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Darcy Isla

February 29, 2012

I agree with all this, although the wording of the ‘speaking for those without a voice’ point jarrs with me a little. I think it is important to get right to the root and help those who feel this way to enable themselves to speak out, rather than assume authority for them. Obviously there are cases in which the person prefers this kind of help, but I think as a general rule it’s best to strive to ‘enable’.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  February 29, 2012
  
  When I wrote this I had people who lack the confidence to speak for themselves in mind, specifically those who have been abused and feel like they don’t have a voice.
  
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theamberlight

February 29, 2012

Wanted you to know I have been thinking of you and sending you all energy of support and acceptance. Do not ever forget, Gumps is ALWAYS with you…all of you. He is a part of your spirit, of your energy. He can never be separtedd from you. When you need him, ask, then listen and watch. You will hear and see the guidance you need, just when you need it. Much love! AmberLena

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  March 1, 2012
  
  AmberLena, You know, even your gravatar is peaceful and spiritual. Thanks so much for your comforting words. You truly have a gift.
  
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cristycarringtonlewis

February 29, 2012

Thinking about you, Stacie. I’ve held off commenting because I’m so awful at saying the right, emotional think in this kind of forum. But you know I’m thinking of you and your family so much this week!

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  March 1, 2012
  
  You make me laugh which is the absolute right thing. Thanks for the love Bestie!
  
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julie tornabene

February 29, 2012

Stacie.. I am truly enjoying your blogs.. I miss seeing you.. My Dad passed away last summer and I found this quote that has brought me comfort.. wanted to share it with you…

People do not die for us immediately, but remain bathed in a sort of aura of life which bears no relation to true immortality but through which they continue to occupy our thoughts in the same way as when they were alive. It is as though they were traveling abroad. ~Marcel Proust

I think of my Dad traveling often to the those places that he loved… in fact, right now I think he might be in Ireland.. 😉
xo Julie

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  March 1, 2012
  
  Julie, thanks so much for the kind, thoughtful note. I’ll share your Proust quote with my husband. He thinks in a similar way and will like it a lot. I hope you and your family are well. I miss seeing you too. Maybe your Dad and Gumps with cross paths. That would be totally cool!
  
  Reply
sarsm

March 1, 2012

I’m really sorry for your loss.

I think this post says a lot about you – you’ve lost someone really special to you, yet you’ve given us a post full of hope and positivity.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  March 1, 2012
  
  Thanks for the sweet comment… =)
  
  Reply
bronxboy55

March 2, 2012

I’m sure he cherished his time with you, Stacie, as much as you cherished your time with him. Beautiful post.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  March 2, 2012
  
  Thanks Charles. It’s been awhile since you’ve posted…coming to check out your latest thoughts tomorrow. =)
  
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i mayfly

March 8, 2012

I believe your heart and spirit are quite remarkable and I’m glad you were able to express it so elegantly. Thank you.

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1. Stacie Chadwick
  
  March 8, 2012
  
  Thank you for the kind, beautiful comment. =)
  
  Reply