New Leaves

Years ago, when I was a child, I went to a county fair with my family. While there, I came across a fortune telling both. I asked my dad if I could have my fortune done and he said yes. There were many questions I had, but the question on my mind that day was how many children I was going to have in the future. I asked and the fortune teller responded three. From that point on, I was convinced I would have three children.

When I got married, my husband and I discussed having three children and he was agreeable. However, after we had the second boy he shared, he didn’t think we could manage another child. I was disappointed, but I knew it was important to have a willing participant for another child. After many years with two boys, I became pregnant with our third child, another boy. The news of our third child was a surprise. However, once our third son arrived, we realized that having a third boy was just what our family needed.

Maybe because of my fortune telling experience or perhaps another reason, I’ve always had a fondness for the number three. Actually, I love all the odd numbers: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, which I assume is because I have always felt a bit odd myself. When I share I have three boys the response is far more interesting than having two. People’s eyes will widen, they nod their heads, and generally look quite impressed that my husband and I have been able to stay alive. Three, in this case, is more impressive than two.

As I get older I see how the number three has more significance. For example, I see my life journey in thirds. The first thirty years were about discovering who I was and what I wanted out of life. The next thirty years were about living the life I had chosen, and the last thirty years I hope will be about reflecting and giving back in life. I’ve always envisioned living until the age of 90 and if I do, I will have three thirty-year periods of my life.

The number three has significance across religions (Buddhism: The Three Jewels), science and mathematics (three dimensions in space: length, height and width), and human communication and culture (third time’s the charm and three strikes you’re out). The more you look, the more you can see the number three’s importance.

One of my most useful ways of using the number three is the concept of life balance. For each stage of my life, first, second or last thirty years, I have a focus on priorities that makes the period of time more enjoyable and productive. I learned early on that having more than three focuses at a time is challenging for me. I do better having less to focus on and three things at time works best. This doesn’t mean I don’t have more than three focuses at a time, but it does mean I try to do well in three main things. Let me explain what I mean.

First thirty years: Family, Friendships and Education

These are the things I remember focusing on in my early years. You may note that education is at the bottom of my focus, which was true at that time. If I could had done things over I would have placed education higher on the list.

Second Thirty Years: Family, Career, and Health

The second thirty years were busy. Caring for a family and having a career at the same time was consuming. Keeping my health a priority was difficult due to stress and demands. Sadly, friendships, self-care, and hobbies moved farther down the list.

Third Thirty Years: Health, Family, and Friendships

The next thirty years will be a dramatic change for me. Health will rise to the top spot because good health affects everything. My health priority means working out 5 to 7 days a week, cooking my meals, and making sure my medical checkups are on time. It also means making my mental health a priority. Family is always important and being older, with more time available, means my friendships can take a greater position. Woven into all of these priorities would be hobbies (Pilates for health) and interests (volunteering for friendships).

According to numerology, the number three represents self-expression and creativity. People influenced by the number three are often imaginative, spontaneous, and have a natural gift for communication and liking the number three may explain why I write my blog. Whatever the reason, my love for the number three will stay.

If the number three hasn’t been an influence in your life, let me give you three quotes to convince you otherwise.

If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.

Laurence J. Peter

To succeed in life you need three things: a wishbone, a funny bone, and a backbone.

Reba McEntire

In three words I can sum up what I’ve learned in life, it goes on.

Robert Frost.

Take care, stay well, and find joy.