Saturday, March 27, 2010

Deep breath

I have not written anything for some time and I have felt it everyday since my last post. I carry that in my shoulders and it constantly weighs on my mind. A couple of weeks ago, our oldest son away at college called trying to work out things for this coming summer with summer classes, living arrangments, job options, etc. He seemed panicked because he was not sure how it was going to all work and how he was going to pay for all of it. He said he wished he could go back and do things differently. I told him that he was learning from past experiences. I am a planner by nature, so I asked him how difficult it can be to plan around life, which is totally unpredicatable. He thought that would be pretty hard to do. At the end, I told him I would not change one thing in my life after almost 42 years of living it. After we hung up the phone, he sent me a text that made me cry. He thanked me for talking to him and how he felt better and wanted us, his parents, to know how much he really does appreciate us even though he doesn't say it or show it. That was my high for the week.
Recently, I have been dealing with some things with another family member that require more time and effort that have left me strained, stressed, and upset. Those issues were not planned but are here none the less. Emotions have run high with sometimes hurtful words being said. These issues have brought me down.
I had lunch yesterday with a very good friend who listened to what was going on, asked what the plan was, and gave me a hug before we parted. She does not know how much the hug meant to me, knowing that she was there for me. Not because she had to be, but because she chose to be.
The purpose of this post is to remind ourselves that with the good comes the bad and we have to stop and take a deep breath every once in awhile. It is calming and helps replenish what we need to focus on going forward. I can tell you, I have taken many deep breaths lately. Have a great weekend.

Monday, March 8, 2010

A chance

If we are not willing to give ourselves a chance, who will? We cannot be passive in our pursuit to find our purpose in life. As we share our stories and allow others to see where we are headed, we begin to realize we are not alone in our quest. Our hearts are showing us the way. We are compelled to listen. Complacency is not something we can accept when we are making steps to improve our lives. It is a dilusion that tricks us into believing that "this is all there is" or "this is the best it will ever be". We cannot go on living stifled, unfullfilled lives. Our capacity to impact those around us will keep us in awe of our greatness yet to be found. We are afraid to take the chance because we may get hurt or be rejected. On the other hand, we may also love and be accepted. So I ask you again...if you will not give yourself a chance, who will? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Are you willing to take that chance?

Monday, March 1, 2010

Not One More Thing

There is so much that we do during our normal, everyday lives that sometimes we think that we cannot do one more thing. This was brought to my attention by a friend who was feeling like she had had it. We are overwhelmed and tired and want to just stop thinking about everyone else. We forget to think about us, but we need to make sure we take time for us. Not the spouse, not the kids, not the house, not the job (you get the picture). We put everything else in front and we take the backseat. We need to remember that we are no good to the spouse, the kids, the house, or the job if we do not take care of us. Not that we should put us first all of the time because we can't. When we are feeling like there is no room for that one more thing, we need to remind ourselves that it is just a test. Like all tests, they eventually end. How we handle unforseen troubles and stress will determine what else comes before you. Be strong and follow your heart. We are very confident in our passions and beliefs. Our convictions are what drives us to function well in every day life. Because of that, we can handle one more thing...we just may not want to. But we do because we are women who are following this path to being greater than ever imagined.