ThOuGhT fOr tHe DaY (post 293)

J. Lamb 2011

Passion rebuilds the world for the youth. It makes all things alive and significant. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson



Follow the lead of our youngest members of society and live life with a passion. It would such a shame to look back on your life when you are old and see that you didn't effect change or you didn't brighten the life of another or that you sat and watched the world go by instead of embracing it fully. Just a thought...;0)

Shine

J. Lamb 2011

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same" ~ Marianne Williamson

I know you must be looking at the day and thinking, wait, its not Friday is it? I know I usually use this type of format on Fridays, I've just been in the dumps a bit lately and thought I'd give a little boost in hopes of it rubbing off on me. 

In years past, I know that I have suffered from low self-esteem. I look back at the decisions I've made over the years and some of them just scream, "I AM PATHETIC AND I THINK NO ONE LIKES ME!" I am not going to sit here and tell you that I don't catch myself thinking about not being good enough occasionally, but I recognize it as destructive and correct it. If you exude light, you will attract others to it. It's strange to think, but very true. I was picked on horribly growing up, made fun of for absolutely everything I couldn't help. I was skinny and awkward and never wanted anything, but for people to like me and include me. It's impossible when you are so young and so easily influenced by your peers to know that your tormentors are the people who are wrong and not you. I developed a really thick skin over the years and by the time high school rolled around, I could pretty much ignore anyone. When I met my now ex-husband, I didn't realize that my deep rooted self-esteem issues showed and I attracted people that weren't that good for me. He was controlling and verbally and physically abusive and spent so many years not knowing why nothing I did was good enough. Until I had had enough.

If you ever catch yourself thinking, why do bad things happen to me?, all the time maybe you should be working on you, not anyone else. My sister has a saying up in her home that says, "The only person you can control is you". I can't control situations, people, or things, but I can control me. Me alone. People describe me as confident in my abilities and I don't know if that's accurate, but I do know who I am. Maybe that's the key. I can control how I act and react to situations and people and concentrate on accepting people for who they are as opposed to trying to control them.

Shine bright and exude that light. Teach that by example to your children and share it with your peers. Love yourself to start and show people how to love you back. I feel better, how about you? ;0D

tHiS iS wHaT i LiKe (post 291)

Sensible Portions Veggie Straws!

Must be Monday because I'm in the liking and sharing type mood! Boy, it's a great one too! Have you tried the snacks from Sensible Portions yet? I'm here to share that their Veggie Straws are simply divine! All Natural, 0g trans fat, No preservatives, and taste great too! In fact, I have a bag on my lap for er...research (snacking mostly) and my kids have begged me several times for some as well. If the kids are bugging me for my snacks, then you know they have to be good! These have no gluten ingredients, but the disclaimer on the back mentions they are manufactured in a facility that processes wheat. My gluten-free eater loves them and has had no reaction at all. Although, I wouldn't necessarily eat a load of them if you are overly sensitive without some caution. (Just an FYI) I pick up 20 oz bags of them at Costco, yum!

Thank you Sensible Portions for a great snacking experience! This is definitely what I like, try them and I'll bet you like them too! ;0D

ThOuGhT fOr ThE dAy (post 290)

"Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." ~C. S. Lewis

And it indeed it is. What's the quickest way to show someone you love them? A hug, a kiss, both signs of affection and both a quick trip to happiness. I know I can't be mad anymore if my little one is curled up on my lap. No matter how annoyed I am with my man, if he hugs me and gives me a kiss I just can't keep it up. Take a second and give a hug away today and give the gift of happiness. Just a thought...;0)

Don't be embarrassed

Yup, that's my girl! ;0)

 A friend told me once that she and her kids were on their way out of Costco with a full cart when her daughter toppled out of the cart and started wailing loudly (she wasn't hurt). "I was so embarrassed!", she complained and I just shook my head. Is there a parenting rule that I am not aware of that states, "The behavior of your children is a direct reflection of you as a parent"? Perhaps I have it all wrong.

I have taught my children from a very young age that they are to respect other people's property and space and that no one person is "better" than another. I have taught them to be respectful of the feelings of others as well. That being said, farting in public seems to be the joke that never gets old. My oldest shouts instead of speaks and sometimes it would be better if we were all deaf...if you know what I mean. They think it's hilarious to make faces and be obnoxious in public as well and does this somehow make me a bad mom? Nope. Personally I think that quite the opposite is true, I think that it shows that I encourage them to be themselves. I think that it shows that I care about their self-esteems and I think that it shows that I encourage them to be creative as well.

Are you being embarrassed because your kid is commenting loudly about the smell in the restroom or are you not comfortable on your own skin? "I refuse to be embarrassed by anything that my kids do. They are individuals and I encourage that." Like I told my friend, my children aren't a reflection of me, I am merely the guide. Guide them and encourage them to be their best and step back and let them. ;0)

TiP fOr TuEsDaY (post 288)

Being realistic.

I'm awesome. (Well, not really) I'm fashionable. (Except when it's hot or I'm tired) I'm a great parent. (My kids watched 4 hours of cartoons on Netflix yesterday...sure, I am) I don't want to come across as having it all together here and I'm really not the expert on anything. I spent some time reading over my past posts and I get the feeling that I come across as a know-it-all. Trust me, that is sooooo not the case! No, I am tired some days, overwhelmed some others, and disorganized most of the time. The days I accomplished cleaning, cooking, and work as well, are miraculous to say the least! I don't want people to think I am some all-accomplished, super-knowledgeable, go-getter awesome Mom. Realistically, I'm out of great ideas and time and honestly that's okay. ;0)

ThOuGhT fOr ThE dAy (post 287)

J. Lamb 2011

"Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live." ~Oscar Wilde

I suppose this mistake in thinking could be easily done. As a parent I spend more time doing everything else for others before I do for me and when I insist upon time for ME it could be considered selfish to some. I assure you it is not. Time for yourself should never be considered selfish. Parenting is an often thankless job, perhaps the beneficiaries of you and your hard work are being selfish by not letting you pursue some time for you. Didn't think of it that way, huh? Never let You be put on the back burner of your own happiness...just a thought. ;0)