How do you want to be remembered?

That is a very important question to ask ourselves. People are living longer these days and if we aren't proud now of how we would be remembered if - God forbid - we were to die today, we have time to change it.

Take the time to look at your past. Of course it isn't perfect, no one's is. In looking back have we more than not, tried to do our best? To be good and kind, loving and sweet, giving and thoughtful? All of us want to say yes of course, and I will say you shouldn't deny yourself that, out loud. But look deep into yourself, is that really true? Each of us is human and we have all made mistakes. Now is the time to right those mistakes if at all possible.

In retrospect we remember being hurtful to a friend, maybe we were just having a bad day and we know our friend understands that. But even if they understand that, our words may still have hurt. So take a moment and apologize to them. Even if it was weeks ago, do it now. You will be surprised at how much that will mean to them.

That is on a small scale, a very important scale, but small nonetheless. A lot of us would like to be remember for doing good things on a larger scale. How can we do that? I am thinking my first (hopefully not my last) contribution is going to be this blog. I have had cards made with just my blog address on them, saying by: Tonya - When you need a lift :). That's all. And when I run into people I think might benefit I will hand them out. I only had 250 made, but I am hoping with word of mouth more will read this and benefit from my learning.

There is a way we can do many things that will help us to be remembered in a wonderful way. Volunteer. There has to be something that touches your heart and search your life for time to contribute to that. Here is a web site I found that should help you find something that you have a passion for: http://www.volunteermatch.org/ .

Going through your closet and any other closet your friends will let you get your hands on and donating those clothes to a non-profit shelter for abused women or homeless families is a wonderful place for those in good repair, very wearable, just not for you anymore clothes. For those with nothing, something that is clean and without tears or holes is awesome.

When you are shopping and you find yourself not needing so much at the supermarket this week and realize your not going to spend as much, maybe go back to the canned and boxed food aisle and pick up extra and donate that to a food bank.

Yes, the economic times are tough for us, even the lucky ones that still have jobs and places to lay our heads at night and automobiles to get us around. Even though we have those things, we don't get to go to the movies so much anymore or out to dinner as often. What a shame. Really? Let's think of those that don't know where their next meal is coming from or where they will sleep. We are truly blessed and we need to pass those blessings on to those who have less than us.

Maybe you'll get lucky and get a write up in a local paper, something tangible to be remembered by. But who I want to be remembered by is a small child that is warm (or cool here in Vegas) and dry and fed and safe. No, they won't know my name and be able to reach out to me directly. But if they can say their prayers at night and a thank you for what they have received is in there, then I have been remembered in a most wonderful way.

It doesn't have to be a grandiose performance to be memorable. It has to be from the heart, done with love and truth and like I said they may not know or remember your name, but your thoughts and actions will be remembered in that big book upstairs, where it really matters.

So don't despair, if you feel you haven't been living like you want to be remembered, now is the time to change that. Move forward in a more positive manner, project happiness and faith and giving. It doesn't matter the amount you give but the manner in which you give it.