For two years, I did what I thought I was supposed to do. I posted “authentically” in various online spaces. I hosted a podcast. I wrote for other blogs. I did all of those things, and it was just … not me. Bits and pieces of it were. But the stuff that drained me was not balancing the stuff that invigorated me.
I am Democrat. You are Republican. Peace depends on me.
I am a woman, you are not; peace depends on me.
I am a Christian, you are not; peace depends on me.
In a recent Blue Bloods episode, Danny reveals a family pact the adults all made the day their children were born: We made the choice to bring you into the world. You didn't make the choice, we did. So a bargain was struck that day that you owe us nothing and we owe you everything.
He's right. We owe our children everything. …
Our Life Story is made up in fractions. However, since we forgot everything we learned in third grade math I think sometimes we get stuck and think that PART of our story is going to end up being our WHOLE story. But that's not the case. Basic math tells us that PARTS and WHOLES are very different, and that one piece does not define the whole pie.
You know who shouldn't have to learn how to listen? Grown-ups. We should be in control of ourselves enough to listen, respect, and engage with one another in an appropriate manner. But since we're not a perfect people, that is not always the case.
As we walk through life today, let's remember that most people are making it through the best they can. Give a little grace and a little bigger smile, and move about your day.
I tried all the old tricks - rubbing alcohol to dry it out, burning it off with a wet towel so hot I had to hold it with an oven mitt, cleaning the area multiple times a day. Yet, it prevailed. My so-sweet co-worker even asked me in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, "Is that a tum-ah on your nose?" When I said my nightly prayers, I actually asked for the thing to disappear overnight... welcome back to adolescence, I know.
