Saturday, January 01, 2011

"Get To" vs "Have To"

As I've shared in the past, I was blessed to be raised by my grandparents and even though they've been gone for many years, they live daily in my thoughts.  One memory in particular has been visiting a lot lately and it brings such joy. 

When I was little, my grandmother always used the words "get to" when she referred to any task in front of her.  She would say things like, "I get to do the laundry today", or "we get to work in the yard this afternoon".  She never used the words have to.  Everything she did, she embraced, she put her whole heart into it.  She had such great passion and I always enjoyed helping her with everything.  Her words made me excited to help.

I found this on the internet, it's the same quote I've had on the chalkboard at 5th Place Cottage for the past year.  I love it.
It was only much later as an adult that I realized that through her words she was instilling in me an enthusiasm for work, and a passion to do the best I could do.  I've often wondered would I have embraced the jobs of my past had she not been such a large part of my childhood?  Because when I reflect, the truth is, I have loved every position I've ever had.  Every single one. 

She did that for me, and it's the sweetest gift I've ever recieved.  It has remained with me throughout my life and is a large part of the reason that I spring out of bed each morning eager for another day at the Shoppe.  She planted those seeds that grew into passion.  What a gift.

That is my wish for all of us this year.
May all of our days be filled with get to(s). 
 Life is too short to have to do anything.

Chase your dreams and embrace it all!

Happy New Year my friends!



P.S. We get to work at the shoppe this weekend, come see us!

18 comments:

FourSistersInACottage said...

HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR LAURIE ANNA!!!!
Your post made me cry and it made me smile....WOW...what wonderful words to live by, sure wish I could have spent a day with your Grandma. Just having you write the memories of her on your blog, to me, is like meeting her.
Hugs to you my new friend, Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)
And I have you on my favorite blogs to read....I am soooooo happy "I GET TO" read so many awesome blogs and meet so many awesome women.....

Lori Lucas said...

She sounds like an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing. Lori L

Sueann said...

What wonderful memories! I like the "get to" attitude. I will have to adopt that myself. What a great idea to ban "have to" from my vocabulary! I love it!
Love is short...time to enjoy each moment!
Hugs and Happy New Year
SueAnn

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Inspiring words to start the New Year!~Hugs, Patti

Carol Bennett said...

I'm so blessed to have a computer and GET TO read LaurieAnna's blog and all about the shop!
Come see me at
http://antiquesanduniques.blogspot.com

Carol in GA

Amy Chalmers said...

Wow, I love the get to, and not the have to. Inspiring grandmother of yours...so wise.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Yes we are so very truly blessed!!!

paperjunk-lc said...

Our minister years ago preached a sermon on "getting to" vs. "having to". Always good to hear a reminder on that subject. I was about to complain to myself on being the one who is always unloading the dishwasher instead I get to have my family at home and they love to hang out with Mom and Dad and eat good food so I get to unload the dishwasher!
Happy New Year to you and the Willie man. Can't wait to see what wonderful things you have in store for us!
Lucinda

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

What a lovely sentiment Laurie Anna! I will be sure to remember that as I begin this new year:)
Wishing you another year of success and happiness!
paula:)

Stephenie from Decorating Addiction said...

What great perspective. I'm going to adopt your grandmother's words. Thank you . . . and Happy New Year!

Debby said...

I love your grandmothers outlook on life.

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Love this!

Happy New Year!
XOXO
Cathy

Cathy Cobblestone said...

Perfectly said! ;-)
Happy New Year!

Cathy Cobblestone

P.S. I got my wonderful bottle rack- I just love it. It arrived two days ago. Can't wait to use it! Thank you for your generousity!

Unknown said...

★ Happy New Year ! ★
May all your dreams come true

Kellie Collis said...

I see you get to be like your wonderful grandmother! All the best for the New Year! Kellie xx

Anonymous said...

What a terrific perspective! Wise, too.

Susan said...

Sweet way to show gratitude for everyday things. I get to be inspired Laurie. Thanks

Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. said...

Hello Laurie Anna, This is my first visit to your lovely blog. This post particularly moved me. I love your grandmother's philosophy on life. What a wonderful gift she passed on to you. I'm going to hold on to this thought. I'm your newest follower. Now I get to know you better!