A Softball Player, that is!
And in true Bad Mom fashion...I have no pictures. Although, I do want to make it clear that I am blaming my phone for this! In today's technology, I have not had to carry a camera because I had one on my phone...key word there...had.
BUT, what I did want to share doesn't require a picture. It is burned into my memory as one of the highlights of my Mom Career.
Addie wanted to play softball this summer, something bad. She had been outside playing catch and hitting balls to get ready for months. It worked out nice that Brewtus still fetches :)
One of our neighbors and her friend from school plays for one of the other small towns around us and they still had room on the roster, YAY!! We were excited!
What I didn't know, is that it would not be Coach Pitch. I know, I know, she's getting older, blah, blah, blah. But really, how would I know this?! She laughed at me. And also said she has no desire to pitch, there is too much pressure in that job.
Last week, they had a pre-season game. Against Giants. No, the team name was not The Giants. The girls were ginormous. And our girls got crushed. It was really discouraging. The other team was bigger, faster, and way more experienced. We got nervous.
Last night was her first "real" game. The other team was more realistic in size. They were more compatable in ability. And their pitcher, well she threw the ball at an appropriate 11 year old speed.
And guess who got a hit, off the pitcher nonetheless. Oh yeah, that's my Baby Girl.
She watched the first pitch come in and let it go by. As the second pitch came in, I held my breath. She swung. And hit it! Her first "real" game hit off a pitcher. Oh my JOY!!
So, that's it. She's a Softball Player. And she got a great hit. And we couldn't be more proud!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
TCRG~ The Food Garden, 2012
A few things we learned last year during our Maiden Voyage into the Magical, Mythical Realm of Gardening:
1. We need more room.
2. We need a better fence.
3. We need a better variety.
4. We should water more.
5. You just can't have too many tomatoes.
So this year, as we were planning out the garden, it was a meticulous chore. Not a troublesome chore by any means. But it was well thought out with maps and diagrams, time consuming with research on plants that will grow in an overabundance of clay...and a bit overwhelming. Now that it's in, let the plethora of produce appear...POOF! Here's how we learned from above mentioned lessons.
1. We needed more room. Last year the garden was roughly 6' x 8'. Sounds big enough when you hear it. Not nearly big enough when you were looking at it. And not nearly big enough when the cucumbers start climbing the tomatoes and the green beans get lost and kill the red peppers. The funny part is, we had TONS of veggies in there. And for the most part, they did great. With a little more breathing room this year, we will definitely see an increase in happy veggies and they shall reward us with dinner. At least, this is the plan.
2. The main purpose of the fence last year was to keep the dogs out. Our garden is inside our large privacy fence, so large critters, and even smaller critters (like those pesky rabbits!!) are not even an issue. It's the dogs. The dogs are the issue. So Deron, being the wonderful man that he is, has built an impenetrable lining around said garden. Here's to hoping the cats follow suit and stay the crap out of there too!
3. As far as variety, we had plenty of produce last year. The funny part is that everything we grew, was pretty much only stuff that only I would eat. However, I do not need that much natural fiber in my diet, thank you very much! So this year, we tried a few new things. Things we've never, ever, ever tried to grow before. Like cantaloupe. And potatoes. And cabbage. I'm excited. A little nervous. But still excited. If all goes well, we should have enough to eat fresh and enough to last us through the winter. Maybe we went a little overboard, maybe not, either way, we're eatin' good in this neighborhood!
4. Watering goes without saying. But sometimes a girl forgets. And sometimes that girl is punished by unhappy plants that refuse to produce food. Lesson learned. Drinking Party in the Garden, every night, 7ish, come on over, we serve fresh hose water (until I can talk Deron into building me this amazing rain water catcher/waterer thingy I found and absolutely need to have, then we shall serve rain water) and beer.
5. The funny thing about tomatoes, is that I never liked them. Deron doesn't like them. Addie's never liked them. Mariah, eh, not the biggest fan either. So why the crap did I need to plant 13 tomato plants?
For 1, I planted that many so that in the event some don't make it, we've got a few back ups.
For 2, Grandpa Gus loves tomatoes and I planted 2 specifically for him, everything produced on these 2 plants all belongs to Grandpa, don't touch!
For 3, do you know how many things I can can with a tomato base?! Sam's Club makes a fortune off this family in terms of Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Salsa, Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, Tomato Juice, etc. I shall attempt all of these "canned goods" this year and report back.
1. We need more room.
2. We need a better fence.
3. We need a better variety.
4. We should water more.
5. You just can't have too many tomatoes.
So this year, as we were planning out the garden, it was a meticulous chore. Not a troublesome chore by any means. But it was well thought out with maps and diagrams, time consuming with research on plants that will grow in an overabundance of clay...and a bit overwhelming. Now that it's in, let the plethora of produce appear...POOF! Here's how we learned from above mentioned lessons.
1. We needed more room. Last year the garden was roughly 6' x 8'. Sounds big enough when you hear it. Not nearly big enough when you were looking at it. And not nearly big enough when the cucumbers start climbing the tomatoes and the green beans get lost and kill the red peppers. The funny part is, we had TONS of veggies in there. And for the most part, they did great. With a little more breathing room this year, we will definitely see an increase in happy veggies and they shall reward us with dinner. At least, this is the plan.
2. The main purpose of the fence last year was to keep the dogs out. Our garden is inside our large privacy fence, so large critters, and even smaller critters (like those pesky rabbits!!) are not even an issue. It's the dogs. The dogs are the issue. So Deron, being the wonderful man that he is, has built an impenetrable lining around said garden. Here's to hoping the cats follow suit and stay the crap out of there too!
3. As far as variety, we had plenty of produce last year. The funny part is that everything we grew, was pretty much only stuff that only I would eat. However, I do not need that much natural fiber in my diet, thank you very much! So this year, we tried a few new things. Things we've never, ever, ever tried to grow before. Like cantaloupe. And potatoes. And cabbage. I'm excited. A little nervous. But still excited. If all goes well, we should have enough to eat fresh and enough to last us through the winter. Maybe we went a little overboard, maybe not, either way, we're eatin' good in this neighborhood!
4. Watering goes without saying. But sometimes a girl forgets. And sometimes that girl is punished by unhappy plants that refuse to produce food. Lesson learned. Drinking Party in the Garden, every night, 7ish, come on over, we serve fresh hose water (until I can talk Deron into building me this amazing rain water catcher/waterer thingy I found and absolutely need to have, then we shall serve rain water) and beer.
5. The funny thing about tomatoes, is that I never liked them. Deron doesn't like them. Addie's never liked them. Mariah, eh, not the biggest fan either. So why the crap did I need to plant 13 tomato plants?
For 1, I planted that many so that in the event some don't make it, we've got a few back ups.
For 2, Grandpa Gus loves tomatoes and I planted 2 specifically for him, everything produced on these 2 plants all belongs to Grandpa, don't touch!
For 3, do you know how many things I can can with a tomato base?! Sam's Club makes a fortune off this family in terms of Tomato Sauce, Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Salsa, Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, Tomato Juice, etc. I shall attempt all of these "canned goods" this year and report back.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Mother's Day, and Daughters
Mother's Day is a day to celebrate Mothers. And also a day to celebrate Daughters. And Sons too, but I don't have any that walk on 2 feet, so we are only celebrating Daughters.
I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother.
And I have an amazing Step-Mother.
And I have an incredible pseudo Mother-In-Law.
And I have Sisters who are Moms.
And I have an impressive collection of Aunts.
And quite a few other women who have touched my life, and taught me how to be a Mother.
I kind of feel like I'm bragging here, and I am! I have a whole slew of folks who have taught me about parenting.
Sometimes I feel like I am letting them down, and not being the best Mom I can be. And then I cry about it, and then I remember, that I saw all of them do that too. And it's ok, and I'm normal. And a Good Mom.
What got me thinking of these wonderful Mom Moments is my girls. And my love for them. And promises. They are not little girls anymore. I have little women, young adults, budding members of society!
TO MY DAUGHTERS:
I Promise:
*To Remember what it's like at 11 & 17. And to not start my sentences with, "When I was your age..." The world has changed from when I was your age. And I know that. And I will remember with my heart, and my head, and not my fear.
*To be Present. When you look out into the crowd at your softball game, band concert, horse show, college graduation, you WILL see me. And you will see me beaming with all the pride and love that I have for you. I'll be there. And I'll make your Dad leave the bull horn at home, except at your weddings.
*To not be your Momager. To not try to control and run your life to the nittiest, grittiest detail. To not plan your days. To not plan your activities. To let you decide what you want to do. And support you while you figure that out. And also teach you the importance of sticking with something.
*To teach you the value of Service. Every single living being on the face of the planet needs help from time to time. I promise to show you WHY we help them. And I promise to show you HOW to help them. And I promise to show you it's ok to accept that help from others as well.
*To teach you to be Independent Thinkers. To show you that Women can and should be strong. To help and let you find, and follow, your own passions and dreams. To show you how to define yourself by YOU. Not what others expect of you. And how to grow into a wonderfully strong and capable You.
*To love your Dad. And show you what a crazy, loving, forever relationship looks like. To show you how it feels to love a good man, just like him. Someone who embraces all that you are, because you are wonderful. And to show you how to give that person the love and respect they deserve in return.
*To listen. Listen about anything. Boys, friends, school, bus, work, anything. I have 2 ears for a reason. And I have years of wisdom to share if you want me to speak. But I don't have to. I will listen, whenever, wherever, however you need me to. And I'll tell you this secret...I really enjoy this one, let's do it more!
*To show you that SMART is where it's at. To not let others get you down for being smart, or wearing glasses, or having freckles, or not wearing the cool name brand , or any other silly reason that they come up with. Let them be jealous. Being smart will never go out of style. Embrace your Inner Nerd and let her lead you to success.
*To show you how to be a friend. A Dog may be Man's Best Friend (and totally proven with your Dad and The Brew), but a Diamond will never be a girls best friend. Girls need Girlfriends. Real friends, good friends, are trusting and loyal and just as squirrely as you. Friends are there through thick and thin, good times and bad, happy times and sad. You will watch some go, some just come in for a short time to teach us something. But a good true friend, will have your back forever...when you are a good friend in return.
*To show you the importance of Sisters. This goes a little hand in hand with Friends, but not really. Sisters are the friends you are born with. In this case, the friend you got stuck with. Sisters are Forever Friends. And the absolute best friend you can ask for. Who else knows you better? Who else understands your parents? Who else knows exactly what you are going through? Sisters are Sisters. Have a Sister, Have a Friend.
And don't you ever, ever forget, that no matter where your road has taken you, no matter what has happened on that road, no matter how you got onto that road...that road will always have a path that leads back home. The door at home, will always be open. And I'll always be there, behind that door, to welcome you, and love you and support you and comfort you.
I have been blessed with a wonderful Mother.
And I have an amazing Step-Mother.
And I have an incredible pseudo Mother-In-Law.
And I have Sisters who are Moms.
And I have an impressive collection of Aunts.
And quite a few other women who have touched my life, and taught me how to be a Mother.
I kind of feel like I'm bragging here, and I am! I have a whole slew of folks who have taught me about parenting.
Sometimes I feel like I am letting them down, and not being the best Mom I can be. And then I cry about it, and then I remember, that I saw all of them do that too. And it's ok, and I'm normal. And a Good Mom.
What got me thinking of these wonderful Mom Moments is my girls. And my love for them. And promises. They are not little girls anymore. I have little women, young adults, budding members of society!
TO MY DAUGHTERS:
I Promise:
*To Remember what it's like at 11 & 17. And to not start my sentences with, "When I was your age..." The world has changed from when I was your age. And I know that. And I will remember with my heart, and my head, and not my fear.
*To be Present. When you look out into the crowd at your softball game, band concert, horse show, college graduation, you WILL see me. And you will see me beaming with all the pride and love that I have for you. I'll be there. And I'll make your Dad leave the bull horn at home, except at your weddings.
*To not be your Momager. To not try to control and run your life to the nittiest, grittiest detail. To not plan your days. To not plan your activities. To let you decide what you want to do. And support you while you figure that out. And also teach you the importance of sticking with something.
*To teach you the value of Service. Every single living being on the face of the planet needs help from time to time. I promise to show you WHY we help them. And I promise to show you HOW to help them. And I promise to show you it's ok to accept that help from others as well.
*To teach you to be Independent Thinkers. To show you that Women can and should be strong. To help and let you find, and follow, your own passions and dreams. To show you how to define yourself by YOU. Not what others expect of you. And how to grow into a wonderfully strong and capable You.
*To love your Dad. And show you what a crazy, loving, forever relationship looks like. To show you how it feels to love a good man, just like him. Someone who embraces all that you are, because you are wonderful. And to show you how to give that person the love and respect they deserve in return.
*To listen. Listen about anything. Boys, friends, school, bus, work, anything. I have 2 ears for a reason. And I have years of wisdom to share if you want me to speak. But I don't have to. I will listen, whenever, wherever, however you need me to. And I'll tell you this secret...I really enjoy this one, let's do it more!
*To show you that SMART is where it's at. To not let others get you down for being smart, or wearing glasses, or having freckles, or not wearing the cool name brand , or any other silly reason that they come up with. Let them be jealous. Being smart will never go out of style. Embrace your Inner Nerd and let her lead you to success.
*To show you how to be a friend. A Dog may be Man's Best Friend (and totally proven with your Dad and The Brew), but a Diamond will never be a girls best friend. Girls need Girlfriends. Real friends, good friends, are trusting and loyal and just as squirrely as you. Friends are there through thick and thin, good times and bad, happy times and sad. You will watch some go, some just come in for a short time to teach us something. But a good true friend, will have your back forever...when you are a good friend in return.
*To show you the importance of Sisters. This goes a little hand in hand with Friends, but not really. Sisters are the friends you are born with. In this case, the friend you got stuck with. Sisters are Forever Friends. And the absolute best friend you can ask for. Who else knows you better? Who else understands your parents? Who else knows exactly what you are going through? Sisters are Sisters. Have a Sister, Have a Friend.
And don't you ever, ever forget, that no matter where your road has taken you, no matter what has happened on that road, no matter how you got onto that road...that road will always have a path that leads back home. The door at home, will always be open. And I'll always be there, behind that door, to welcome you, and love you and support you and comfort you.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Prom 2012
Just a few pics from Prom. No lengthy, drawn out story behind anything, just wanted to share. Mariah looked absolutely beautiful (and Drake didn't look too shabby either), and had a great time.
I totally stole these pics from his FB, cause my camera on my phone sucks, and he's obviously more organized and prompt on the photo posting than I. Well played Drake, well played.
Ry brings out that stick once in a while, you know the stick I'm talking about. The "Oh My Gosh The Kids Are Growing Up Right Before My Eyes" stick. It got pulled out Saturday night. What a wonderful, smart, beautiful, intelligent, whitty, and true to herself girl I got me. Love her!
Monday, April 30, 2012
TCRG Returns ~ The Fountain
Remember last summer when we were working on cleaning up the yard?
And there was a fountain. It was hidden beneath all the weeds and overgrowth.
And it was gross.
We started the clean up last year, cleaning the weeds away, trimming back the overgrown bush that wanted to be a tree, moving the rocks out of the flower bed, etc. It started to look real nice.
So this year, we've stepped it up a notch. Monday night, we spent a lot of time outside. Moved all the rest of the river rocks, cleared away all the weeds, and started cleaning out the actual pond. GROSS! Now don't get me wrong, I'm ok with getting dirty, I'm ok with foul smells...I'm a Mom, and I live in the country, it happens. But seriously!
In this pond, we spent a good hour pulling out each of the rocks and washing them off. We scooped out all the old water, leaves, and mud, scrubbed the algae and mold off the sides of the tank, rinsed, scooped, rinsed, scooped, rinsed, and scooped once more before filling with fresh water. It's lovely. D even got the pump working again, so it's truly a fountain now with a soothing babbling brooke sound. Give it a few more "touch up" times and she'll be shining like the top of the Chrysler Building!
But, of course, no good deed goes unpunished. Guess what happened.
You guessed it folks, ANOTHER FREAKING RASH!!! This time, Dr. Google has diagnosed a case of Chiggers. Originally, we thought Pond Mites, although I am not even sure there is a thing as Pond Mites, but it sure made sense at the time. Good thing Dr. Google says these will clear up on their own with a little cortizone to help with the itching.
So, the lesson in this edition of TCRG...don't clean your fountains or ponds. Just kidding :) Maybe not dive into nasty water infested with the unknown without proper protection.
And there was a fountain. It was hidden beneath all the weeds and overgrowth.
And it was gross.
 |
| Remember? Here it is in it's less glory filled days. |
 |
| See, you can almost see the little pond |
In this pond, we spent a good hour pulling out each of the rocks and washing them off. We scooped out all the old water, leaves, and mud, scrubbed the algae and mold off the sides of the tank, rinsed, scooped, rinsed, scooped, rinsed, and scooped once more before filling with fresh water. It's lovely. D even got the pump working again, so it's truly a fountain now with a soothing babbling brooke sound. Give it a few more "touch up" times and she'll be shining like the top of the Chrysler Building!
But, of course, no good deed goes unpunished. Guess what happened.
So, the lesson in this edition of TCRG...don't clean your fountains or ponds. Just kidding :) Maybe not dive into nasty water infested with the unknown without proper protection.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
'Ol Girl
It's no secret that we love our dogs. Our 'Ol Girl, KV has been getting on in age, and aging not so gracefully.
I know I've talked about before, "How will I know?" And people always say, "She'll tell you."
Let me say to those people, it doesn't work that way. Dogs are voiceless. They can't "tell you".
Sure they can act different, and their mannerisms can change, they hint at it, but they don't "tell you".
They can't "tell you" anything. Not with clear intentions anyways.
So when it comes to that time, it's all on you.
And it's the most excruciating decision I will ever make.
KV was only in our lives for a short time, really, only 2 years. She was an old lady living in the shelter. She just needed a place to live out the rest of her days with some dignity, and to be loved. And did we ever love her!
She is the sweetest girl, the best friend, and the perfect addition at the perfect time.
When she first came, we read that Sheltie's do not like to have thier faces touched, to be careful as they will sometimes nip or snap if hands are on or near their face. Not our girl, her favorite thing was to have her long nose stroked and her eyes rubbed. She would fall asleep if you rubbed her 'eyebrows' just right.
Pure Sweetness wrapped in tumors and fur.
Not going to spend a lot of time on this as it breaks my heart all over again every time I talk about it.
Friday, April 20, 2012 was KV's last day with us.
I do have to say a special THANK YOU to my love, Deron. He took care of everything so all I had to do was be with her. To give her special treats, play ball one last time, and hold her beautiful face until she lay peacefully in the arms of God.
We brought her home and laid her to rest, near the same fence she paced 'barking' at passing cars, squirrels, and tossed softballs. Addie made it nice for her.
There is a beautiful RED plant yet to be found that will be perfect, we'll know it when we see it, just like KV.
The Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
I know I've talked about before, "How will I know?" And people always say, "She'll tell you."
Let me say to those people, it doesn't work that way. Dogs are voiceless. They can't "tell you".
Sure they can act different, and their mannerisms can change, they hint at it, but they don't "tell you".
They can't "tell you" anything. Not with clear intentions anyways.
So when it comes to that time, it's all on you.
And it's the most excruciating decision I will ever make.
KV was only in our lives for a short time, really, only 2 years. She was an old lady living in the shelter. She just needed a place to live out the rest of her days with some dignity, and to be loved. And did we ever love her!
She is the sweetest girl, the best friend, and the perfect addition at the perfect time.
When she first came, we read that Sheltie's do not like to have thier faces touched, to be careful as they will sometimes nip or snap if hands are on or near their face. Not our girl, her favorite thing was to have her long nose stroked and her eyes rubbed. She would fall asleep if you rubbed her 'eyebrows' just right.
Pure Sweetness wrapped in tumors and fur.
Not going to spend a lot of time on this as it breaks my heart all over again every time I talk about it.
Friday, April 20, 2012 was KV's last day with us.
I do have to say a special THANK YOU to my love, Deron. He took care of everything so all I had to do was be with her. To give her special treats, play ball one last time, and hold her beautiful face until she lay peacefully in the arms of God.
We brought her home and laid her to rest, near the same fence she paced 'barking' at passing cars, squirrels, and tossed softballs. Addie made it nice for her.
There is a beautiful RED plant yet to be found that will be perfect, we'll know it when we see it, just like KV.
The Rainbow Bridge Poem
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Monday, April 16, 2012
Giving Up Makes One Happy
A few weeks ago, I ready this AMAZING article. It got me thinking, and pondering, and really thinking deep. You know me, the Deep Thinker :) It is amazing though, here are a few of the highlights - and my unsolicited thoughts on them.
Give up on your need to always be right.
There are too many people who just can't handle being wrong. And there is NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING WRONG! But sometimes, folks just can't even handle the thought of being wrong. Even if there are risks. Risks such as ending relationships. Risks such as causing others pain. Risks such as acting like a giant Jackwad. Whatever is powering that overwhelming need to answer someones statement with "No It's Not" needs a swift kick in the STFU button. It's ok to be wrong. It's called a Learning Experience. The article says "Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?" And then I thought, is that really a question!? The need to be right all the time, does not belong on the top of a priority list. This one takes time!
Give up on your need for control.
Definitely something I have learned and (sometimes continue to) struggle with. The me that I am today is nothing like the me I was 10 years ago (in this aspect). It's ok to just relax and let things happen sometimes. As hard as it is, it's ok. YOU can't control anything but YOUrself and YOUr actions. So let go of the need to control situations, events, people, etc around you. YOU CAN'T! It's just not possible. The saying says, "Let Go And Let God". So, do it. God said so.
Give up complaining / Give up the luxury of criticism / Give up labels/ Give up on blame.
Last month we had a training at work, "Living in a Complaint Free World". Hold your sighs, it was AMAZING! And if it was up to me, the entire world would be forced thru this training! The man who put the program together is a Pastor, therefore, works with a lot of people, therefore can give real life examples of what his point is. Since this training, I have been making a conscious effort to stop complaining, as you are encouraged to do. And it's hard! Sometimes you don't even realize how much you do it, but once you pay attention, and stop (or at least cut back because obviously no one is perfect and we don't expect you to be), you realize how much good there is around you! Stop looking for and inviting the bad. The good WILL find you! Positive thinking and working through difficult situations without negative thoughts can work wonders. Try it. And criticism, well...please, don't criticize something you know nothing about, it makes you look like an ass. And if you know all about it, please step up and work to change it. Sitting around complaining and criticizing and placing blame and all that other stuff does nothing, except bring all the people around you down, and I don't want to be around you then.
Give up your resistance to change.
Changing is what makes the You, you were 20 years ago, the You, you are today. Change is good. Change is healthy. Change helps you deal with things and people around you. Change helps you to determine what you really want in your life, and what you don't. Change helps you move on. Personally, I was deathly afraid of change for way too long. I'm still afraid, not deathly, but still afraid. Change can be scary. Change can pose risks. Change can seem like an insurmountable task. But it's worth it. If you don't like something, make a change. And like my good friend MJ says, "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change". Start with the (wo)man in the mirror!
Give up living your life to other people’s expectations.
Is your life yours? Or are you trying to live a life that someone else expects you to live? There are a plethora of people who live their lives according to what someone else (parents, friends, coworkers, clergy, etc) thinks is best for them. This one was especially hard for me to wrap my head around because I did this myself for way to many years. People get so wrapped up in pleasing everybody else, living up to other's expectations, that they lose sight and control (this control is good) of their own lives. Don't forget who YOU are! Don't forget what makes YOU happy, what YOUR goals are, how YOU want to succeed, where YOU want to go. Don't forget about YOU! You have this one life, this one you have right now. Own it. Live it. Make it YOURS!! I got a fortune cookie once, and the fortune is stuck to my computer monitor, it says, "It is impossible to please everybody. Please yourself first."
Visit 15-things-you-should-give-up-in-order-to-be-happy to view the entire article.
Give up on your need to always be right.
There are too many people who just can't handle being wrong. And there is NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING WRONG! But sometimes, folks just can't even handle the thought of being wrong. Even if there are risks. Risks such as ending relationships. Risks such as causing others pain. Risks such as acting like a giant Jackwad. Whatever is powering that overwhelming need to answer someones statement with "No It's Not" needs a swift kick in the STFU button. It's ok to be wrong. It's called a Learning Experience. The article says "Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?" And then I thought, is that really a question!? The need to be right all the time, does not belong on the top of a priority list. This one takes time!
Give up on your need for control.
Definitely something I have learned and (sometimes continue to) struggle with. The me that I am today is nothing like the me I was 10 years ago (in this aspect). It's ok to just relax and let things happen sometimes. As hard as it is, it's ok. YOU can't control anything but YOUrself and YOUr actions. So let go of the need to control situations, events, people, etc around you. YOU CAN'T! It's just not possible. The saying says, "Let Go And Let God". So, do it. God said so.
Give up complaining / Give up the luxury of criticism / Give up labels/ Give up on blame.
Last month we had a training at work, "Living in a Complaint Free World". Hold your sighs, it was AMAZING! And if it was up to me, the entire world would be forced thru this training! The man who put the program together is a Pastor, therefore, works with a lot of people, therefore can give real life examples of what his point is. Since this training, I have been making a conscious effort to stop complaining, as you are encouraged to do. And it's hard! Sometimes you don't even realize how much you do it, but once you pay attention, and stop (or at least cut back because obviously no one is perfect and we don't expect you to be), you realize how much good there is around you! Stop looking for and inviting the bad. The good WILL find you! Positive thinking and working through difficult situations without negative thoughts can work wonders. Try it. And criticism, well...please, don't criticize something you know nothing about, it makes you look like an ass. And if you know all about it, please step up and work to change it. Sitting around complaining and criticizing and placing blame and all that other stuff does nothing, except bring all the people around you down, and I don't want to be around you then.
Give up your resistance to change.
Changing is what makes the You, you were 20 years ago, the You, you are today. Change is good. Change is healthy. Change helps you deal with things and people around you. Change helps you to determine what you really want in your life, and what you don't. Change helps you move on. Personally, I was deathly afraid of change for way too long. I'm still afraid, not deathly, but still afraid. Change can be scary. Change can pose risks. Change can seem like an insurmountable task. But it's worth it. If you don't like something, make a change. And like my good friend MJ says, "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change". Start with the (wo)man in the mirror!
Give up living your life to other people’s expectations.
Is your life yours? Or are you trying to live a life that someone else expects you to live? There are a plethora of people who live their lives according to what someone else (parents, friends, coworkers, clergy, etc) thinks is best for them. This one was especially hard for me to wrap my head around because I did this myself for way to many years. People get so wrapped up in pleasing everybody else, living up to other's expectations, that they lose sight and control (this control is good) of their own lives. Don't forget who YOU are! Don't forget what makes YOU happy, what YOUR goals are, how YOU want to succeed, where YOU want to go. Don't forget about YOU! You have this one life, this one you have right now. Own it. Live it. Make it YOURS!! I got a fortune cookie once, and the fortune is stuck to my computer monitor, it says, "It is impossible to please everybody. Please yourself first."
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