Imperfect Me

Recently, I read someone else's blog and I was appalled by what I read. It seems this person thinks so highly of herself that she gives you tips to "be just like her"!!! She may not come right out and say it that way, but, believe me, that is exactly what she is intimating. I am here to tell you now, dear reader, I hope I have never suggested anyone be like me. Why would anyone want to be like someone else? We all struggle with self doubt and insecurities. I find it more enriching to be around people who know they are flawed and, yet, work daily at being better or more enlightened. When we share thoughts and ideas, we come away with a new perspective that can add to our life's journey.
I had originally titled this entry "Imperfect You" and decided to change it. I have no right to label anyone with that title, so I changed it to "Imperfect Me". Now that is something I can claim and own. I stand before you with all my bumps, warts and imperfections. I don't want anyone to be like me. I challenge you to strive to be the best YOU, you can be, bumps, warts and imperfections included!
I am grateful for me...work in progress.

Define Peace

Too often, I think people spend a large part of their lives seeking what they think is happiness. During this constant hunt, they miss the possible contentment that may be standing right in front of them. What a sad mistake. Perhaps, rather than saying we want to "be happy", maybe we need to seek peace instead. Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. Rather, it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your
heart. I am not saying achieving peace is easy, I just think it may be a more realistic goal. It is one I am working on daily.
I am thankful.

Attitude of Gratitude

November brings thoughts of great meals, family gatherings and holiday hustle. For many, families are far flung and this is a rare time to sit down together at Thanksgiving and share both food and thoughts. We are lucky enough to be a family that shares a meal most every night of the week together. This is a double edged sword. When you do something regularly, it loses some of its magic and specialness. It becomes the norm and you really don't give it much thought. It can become another "have to" in your day. I am the one planning the menus, shopping for ingredients and cooking the dinners. All of this is far from special or exciting. What I must remind myself is that, in each of these meals, we all take away a little more than just nourishment for our bodies. We listen to each other, share our day, both good and bad. With little ones, sometimes the sharing takes on a noise level that makes you wince from its volume, but we must remember they are just like us, they just want to be heard.
I am grateful.

Ever Changing

Here is the reason my life never gets stale. These three creatures infuse it with laughter, fun & joy. Maddy is getting pretty big for her six year old britches, as they say. She is often sassy and gives us the "whatever" eye roll. Then she turns around and kisses me on the nose and tells me she loves me! Jack is all boy with a feisty temper at times and then asks to be hugged when he gets really upset! Abbey, the sponge, is repeating and reacting to everyone around her. She clearly knows what she wants and rarely takes "no" for an answer. She also loves pumpkin spice lattes and playing on the iPhone ~ at almost three!
They wear me out and keep me young, all at the same time.

Role Models

Whether we realize it or not, kids are constantly watching and modeling themselves after us. They want to be like us, good or bad. Role modeling can be a very effective parenting tool. We don't need to look only at the negative things they model, but also the positive. I love these pictures I took this morning of Pa building a house and Jack building an airplane (with a little help from Pa!) He just wanted to use tools, cut, nail and measure like he's seen Pa do dozens of times.

What we must face is that being a positive role model takes fore-thought and self control on the part of the adult. A lot is said and written about disciplining children. We must also put equal emphasis on disciplining ourselves. Little eyes see all! Little ears hear everything!

Passion

When most people hear the word "passion", I think they think of sex. Actually, passion is defined as a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything. I have met many people in my life and I can honestly say, the ones I remember the most are the ones who had a passion for something. They are interesting to be around. They create energy and excitement. They are out of the ordinary. Let's face it, most people are just that, ordinary. While there is nothing wrong with ordinary, it is not how I want to be remembered. I want to have had a passion for things that people can sense when they are around me. I want to feel more, good and bad, rather than just float through life. I see people who, I think, lack passion for anything. They are neither happy or sad; they just are. If I become a person who no longer gets really angry or really excited about things, I will know I have lost my passion for living. I can't think of a worse fate.

Good Advice

Do something silly, that makes you laugh, EVERY DAY!!!