Happiness is a choice

When the tides shift of summer vacation  and the stress of a new school year starting brings on stressors. I was recently given a letter from my daughter about not understanding her pressures and emotional roller coasters. I was amazed by her ability to share her feelings and be vulnerable to share them with me. She is that comfortable to open up to me. And, for that I'm thankful. The times when she shares her frustration and starts yelling from not being able to cope with life events. I laugh to myself. This is ME!!! When I get overwhelmed, I yell and get mad. Oh what have taught my soon to be teen? When I am mad. My family knows it and they suffer my wrath.
I've decided, I can change. I can choose to be happy. Everyday. Even when I have 2 cranky tweens. An overworked hubby and coach. I can create a space of peace in my home to remind myself that there are little blessings that happen even under the messy house, stocked pile laundry and sinkful of dishes.
The issues of today are miniscule in the big picture of my life. I am not defined by my job, how clean/organized my house may be and having a rock hard body.
In my class last week, all my students talked about their stressors and how it affects their health. Physical demands of having a family, financial impact it takes on the parents and emotional triggers from relationships. This is universal. What makes me thankful, is that I am reminded once again that I am lucky to have these stressors. I am blesses to be the kind of mother I want to be. Love educating others and inspiring them to make an improved version of "them".
I choose to be happy. Life is too short to be complacent with others who don't share your core values. And, I can't please everyone. I can only be the best version of me everyday!

Why you gotta be so rude?

I'm completely singing the song Rude in my head by MAGIC. And, I laugh because my cousin dedicated it to her husband. Apparently, their 20 year old got engaged and Dad wasn't nice to the young man that asked for permission to marry his daughter (Lol). There's always a story behind someone's actions.

There was an incident that occurred to me and my daughter where in an older woman was completely rude to my daughter at the community we live in. And, I was so upset that I had to approach this woman. She was on her high horse that my child was not following rules. And, my response to her was she didn't have to be rude about it. She disagreed. So, I naturally did when someone tries to attack my cub. I go into Mama bear mode. And, I suggest to her that she could be a better example to children. This pear shaped lady is obviously unhappy and has to transfer her hate toward my child. It was also obvious she was racist because of remark when I walked away.
We breed racism and hatred in homes. It is a learned behavior and not genetic. For example: Watch a small child play with another child. They don't judge another child based on their color, eyes, hair color or body shape. I used this as a teachable moment for my kids.

Our behavior inside and outside of the home is a reflection of us. We are taught by Christ to step back when we are emotional and act in the name of Christ. I pray for this lady. Who needs it. She preys on a child to make herself feel better. It is in forgiveness we are resurrected. It is showing my child that I will protector her as long as I am alive. I am her Mama Bear!

Against the current

I'm not of this generation. And, I'm glad I am not. I was brought in a different world. There was value in life, respect for the elder and compassion for humanity. I feel a heavy burden for this new generation being brought into this world of materialism and violence.
The news is depressing. I remember being 6 months pregnant with my oldest when 9-11 occured live. I felt like I was in a movie. And, I prayed to my Almighty savior because I knew my child was up against a current. The values that I was brought up in was something I would share with my unborn child. And, now I see with more fervent belief what a necessity it will become for her as she starts junior high.
I am shocked by the stories I hear of how kids these days behave and yet not surprised. How is it possible that we have the expectation that our children behave responsible, respectfully and honorably if they are not taught these positive traits early in life? Don't we as a society owe it to the children to be better examples? And, I say yes!!!! Not just for our children and our children's children.
Be mindful of your thoughts which turn into your words which then lead to your actions. It is a challenge I ask of each one of you. Everyday! Catch yourself thinking positive and choose to be happy. Inspite of any challenges. Let's see how your day, your life, your family, our community can be transformed into a better world. One day at a time.