"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother."-- Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
Today I taught Rudyard Kipling's "If" to my seniors. If you haven't read it, it's a poem, and it is amazing.
It is basically the secret to life. And, in teaching it, I realized that life and being successful go back to what our mom's taught us when we were young.
For starters, it's easy to say even if someone is lying to us, we should not lie in return; however, so often that is what people do. Or, if someone hates us, we tend to respond with hate. Or, people grow to be successful and forget where they come from. This goes back to Mom's rules, the first being the Golden Rule. "Treat others as you wish to be treated." Not easy, but if we all lived by this, can you imagine our society? "Don't lie." Again, sometimes it's just easier. I don't know why. But lying never makes anyone feel good. It's horrible. My Mom always said never use the word "hate." "Hate is a strong word." No one, I don't care who we are talking about, likes to be hated. It's a natural instinct to want to be liked. If someone does dislike you, isn't it better to "kill them with kindness?" Again, thanks Mom. Then, Mom always said to "dream." Pretty simple. And, so necessary. But at the same time, one should not be so caught up on his/her dream that it is the ONLY way.
My Mom also taught me to "hold on." Even if today seems like the worst day ever, tomorrow is going to come and it's new and fresh. The possibilities are endless. And, my Mom always talked to me about keeping my cool, watching what comes out my mouth (as I tend to say things before I think), and not being hot headed or arrogant. Who knew? All the lessons to make the world go round do not come from college degrees, high school, or any other "knowledge" source, other than one's mom. Even something as simple as tying your shoe. If you don't you'll fall, but if you fall, "get back up." She knew everything.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss my Mom and all of the wisdom she had. Teaching Kipling's life lessons today was tough as it just kept reminding me that my Mom could have written that poem. She knew everything. At least it seemed. I didn't even touch on the whole "loving unconditionally" concept. Wow. I just pray that I am able to impart such wisdom to my children. If we all lived by the "rules" that our Mom's taught us, our world would be so much better. Lovelier.
My first lesson to everyone is love your mother. Cherish EVERY moment. You don't know how long you will have her. And, believe me, life without her is tough. Not being able to share your children, your first day of class, how you feel today (or yesterday), the purchase of your first house, your college graduation, etc. Call her. Express your love. Your appreciation. Recognize that she has taught you EVERYTHING about life. And, then, listen to your mother.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Lucky...I mean, blessed.
Life is such a turbulent ride. It's so easy to get caught up in living moment to moment, day to day, simply trying to keep the ship afloat and get done all the things "we need to." At each step, stage or level we, as humans, tend to anticipate the "next" one as it is going to be easier, take less of our time, and we are simply going to be able to enjoy it more. All of us know however that each level just brings its own set of demands, needs, and time.
One of those stages is children. While having children is definitely the ultimate gift in life, it is also one of the biggest roller coasters I have ever been on. It constantly amazes me how two little people can go from making me feel elated, emotional, and on top of the world, to not knowing if I'm going to make it (with sanity at least). :) On this ride though I feel we sometimes, as moms, put so much into rearing our children that we forget their daddy. Not intentionally, of course; however being Mommy is so consuming that it just happens.
Well, this week Daddy shined. Three occasions in particular took place this week that made me beam with pride, knowing that Armando is my husband. I was talking about how he had helped me finish frosting sugar cookies so that I could go to the gym in addition to the million other things we had obligated ourselves to that night, and the women I was talking to could not believe that my HUSBAND would finish such a task! Sometimes I take this for granted as it just "happens," but it takes a special man to be willing.
Then, Armando and I had attended Sunday school where we talked about loving one another and the importance of putting others first. I love to just watch Armando's reactions to people talking around him, as well as to listen to his little "uh huh's" and "yes'". He can say so much without saying anything at all. In the car on the way home, he then began to tell me a story that he said he thought about sharing in class, but wondered about its relevancy, so didn't. He shared that his parents told him in 8th grade when he went to a dance he should dance with any girl that asked him, no matter what. He then shared that he didn't particularly like that suggestion at the time, and didn't understand, but said that down the road he saw their point and believed in the lesson. Armando and his parents (family in general) have such a beautiful love for people and are simply kind. It's incredible to watch.
Lastly, Armando and I had the opportunity to go to Vegas together alone for the day, where we planned to go school clothes shopping. While most men would want to go do their own thing and shop for their own clothes, Armando was happy to go into New York and Company with me and not only look at clothes, but he also picked clothes out and ran to switch sizes over and over and over. He wasn't sighing or frustrated or pushing me to go; he was simply in the moment, enjoying our time together and simply being there.
It's just an amazing blessing to have found someone that is so kind-hearted, understanding, and loving. It doesn't matter which way I'm headed (which can be anywhere from one moment to the next); he is there, with a smile, and open arms, ready to help, support, carry, nurture, etc. I have been blessed with this love and this family and saying I'm thankful doesn't even begin to show my gratitude.
One of those stages is children. While having children is definitely the ultimate gift in life, it is also one of the biggest roller coasters I have ever been on. It constantly amazes me how two little people can go from making me feel elated, emotional, and on top of the world, to not knowing if I'm going to make it (with sanity at least). :) On this ride though I feel we sometimes, as moms, put so much into rearing our children that we forget their daddy. Not intentionally, of course; however being Mommy is so consuming that it just happens.
Well, this week Daddy shined. Three occasions in particular took place this week that made me beam with pride, knowing that Armando is my husband. I was talking about how he had helped me finish frosting sugar cookies so that I could go to the gym in addition to the million other things we had obligated ourselves to that night, and the women I was talking to could not believe that my HUSBAND would finish such a task! Sometimes I take this for granted as it just "happens," but it takes a special man to be willing.
Then, Armando and I had attended Sunday school where we talked about loving one another and the importance of putting others first. I love to just watch Armando's reactions to people talking around him, as well as to listen to his little "uh huh's" and "yes'". He can say so much without saying anything at all. In the car on the way home, he then began to tell me a story that he said he thought about sharing in class, but wondered about its relevancy, so didn't. He shared that his parents told him in 8th grade when he went to a dance he should dance with any girl that asked him, no matter what. He then shared that he didn't particularly like that suggestion at the time, and didn't understand, but said that down the road he saw their point and believed in the lesson. Armando and his parents (family in general) have such a beautiful love for people and are simply kind. It's incredible to watch.
Lastly, Armando and I had the opportunity to go to Vegas together alone for the day, where we planned to go school clothes shopping. While most men would want to go do their own thing and shop for their own clothes, Armando was happy to go into New York and Company with me and not only look at clothes, but he also picked clothes out and ran to switch sizes over and over and over. He wasn't sighing or frustrated or pushing me to go; he was simply in the moment, enjoying our time together and simply being there.
It's just an amazing blessing to have found someone that is so kind-hearted, understanding, and loving. It doesn't matter which way I'm headed (which can be anywhere from one moment to the next); he is there, with a smile, and open arms, ready to help, support, carry, nurture, etc. I have been blessed with this love and this family and saying I'm thankful doesn't even begin to show my gratitude.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Welcome to Blogging!
The decision to create a blog was not an instant one. Actually, I would wake up at random points in the night and/or early morning and think about things I would write about if I had a blog. Weird, I know. I actually love the idea of blogging. It is so much more than just writing, or telling one's story. It is creating a history. If something happened to me tomorrow, my kids/husband/friends would have something to look at and remember. This is why I named this blog, "Our Story." Hopefully it will sort of represent the story of our lives.
So, anyway, this morning I woke up thinking about yesterday and the stress I created. And, then I couldn't go back to sleep. I started thinking about what I would blog. If I had one. So, finally I made this one. And here's my first story: I joined TOPS, a weight loss group, about six weeks ago. Going into the program I only needed to lose about 19 pounds. I knew going in that I would not really be able to compete, as most everyone else needed to lose considerably more weight than me. I just wanted the accountability, support, etc. I knew at some point I would gain weight, that I probably would never be the "biggest loser," and then it would just pretty much be hard.
Well, in the beginning, I surprised myself with results. The first week I dropped eight pounds! Then, I slowly took a few off here and there, totaling 16 pounds thus far. And then, yesterday came. I gained 1/2 pound. I had to stand up in front of a group of people and say, "I'm up." I literally almost cried.
I knew this day would come. Science said. Logic said. But then when it came, it was earth shattering. I felt like the biggest loser, not literally, unfortunately. But, why? Why does this number on a scale even matter? Shouldn't it matter that I'm healthy? That I can interact with my kids, run around, play on playground equipment, and just have fun? What do the other women in this group feel like? Why are we all so plagued?
Funny thing is that I don't judge others. Honestly, I see so many people as absolutely beautiful and I see them with so many qualities to offer and simply embrace life. The number on their scale does not effect me at all. And, unfortunately, statistics say that their number probably eats them alive, as does mine. Logic tells me we are so much more. I know what healthy is. I know what happy is. And, yet, 1/2 pound up on a scale made me feel for a moment as if I were such a failure. And, honestly I'll probably reach my goal and still not be content with the number, simply because it's not a number issue.
I guess my point is this. It's about being healthy. Feeling good. It's not a number on a scale. And, the more I say it, maybe the more it will help. I feel sad for the stress that we put on ourselves, that most people do not even see. I know my husband loves me just the way I am. And, my kids. And, my friends. And yet, I'm my own punching bag.
Ultimately, I guess I need to remember, "Honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20
This is the one body we get. Love it. Take care of it. Nurture it and hope it helps you tell, your story.
Welcome to my blog. Welcome to the middle (or so) of the story of my (our) life.
So, anyway, this morning I woke up thinking about yesterday and the stress I created. And, then I couldn't go back to sleep. I started thinking about what I would blog. If I had one. So, finally I made this one. And here's my first story: I joined TOPS, a weight loss group, about six weeks ago. Going into the program I only needed to lose about 19 pounds. I knew going in that I would not really be able to compete, as most everyone else needed to lose considerably more weight than me. I just wanted the accountability, support, etc. I knew at some point I would gain weight, that I probably would never be the "biggest loser," and then it would just pretty much be hard.
Well, in the beginning, I surprised myself with results. The first week I dropped eight pounds! Then, I slowly took a few off here and there, totaling 16 pounds thus far. And then, yesterday came. I gained 1/2 pound. I had to stand up in front of a group of people and say, "I'm up." I literally almost cried.
I knew this day would come. Science said. Logic said. But then when it came, it was earth shattering. I felt like the biggest loser, not literally, unfortunately. But, why? Why does this number on a scale even matter? Shouldn't it matter that I'm healthy? That I can interact with my kids, run around, play on playground equipment, and just have fun? What do the other women in this group feel like? Why are we all so plagued?
Funny thing is that I don't judge others. Honestly, I see so many people as absolutely beautiful and I see them with so many qualities to offer and simply embrace life. The number on their scale does not effect me at all. And, unfortunately, statistics say that their number probably eats them alive, as does mine. Logic tells me we are so much more. I know what healthy is. I know what happy is. And, yet, 1/2 pound up on a scale made me feel for a moment as if I were such a failure. And, honestly I'll probably reach my goal and still not be content with the number, simply because it's not a number issue.
I guess my point is this. It's about being healthy. Feeling good. It's not a number on a scale. And, the more I say it, maybe the more it will help. I feel sad for the stress that we put on ourselves, that most people do not even see. I know my husband loves me just the way I am. And, my kids. And, my friends. And yet, I'm my own punching bag.
Ultimately, I guess I need to remember, "Honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19-20
This is the one body we get. Love it. Take care of it. Nurture it and hope it helps you tell, your story.
Welcome to my blog. Welcome to the middle (or so) of the story of my (our) life.
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