Blog Archives
Playing Dress Up
I’ve realized something not so flattering about myself. I have a really hard time taking criticism, especially when it comes to parenting or my kids.
Even a relatively benign comment like, “Hey, do you think he should be listening to his iPod at the dinner table?” makes me feel like this sometimes:
A kitten crying. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
And I’ve realized it’s because while I look like this:
I often feel like this:
dress-up (Photo credit: nuanc)
And I feel a little guilty that I squandered my youth doing this:
Party (Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn_be_back_on_Jan_20th)
When my time would’ve been better spent like this:
Photo credit: edenpictures
And there’s a lot of pressure to be this:
Cover of Super Woman
When some days all I can muster is this:
But what I do have is a whole lot of this:
And a willingness to do this:
So maybe it’ll turn out okay.
Do you ever feel like you’re playing dress up?
Thank you to my friends, family, and this incredible community for all of the love and support. We really don’t have to do it alone!
With a grateful heart,
Becky
P.S.- Very much I love you, Joe L. This is quite an adventure we’re on and I’m thankful everyday for your patience and support.
Paying It Forward, Chopra Style
Photo credit: Donatas Grinius
So I’ve been chugging along with my Deepak Chopra 21-Day Meditation Challenge. I’ve been digging the idea that “everything we want, need, and desire is already within us.” I look forward to sitting quietly in the morning and just listening. I’ve been eager to tap into this pool of unlimited happiness, prosperity, creativity, and love. I could do this meditation thing all day long!
But then on Day 9, Deepak hits me with a curve ball. The meditation is called “Abundance and the Law of Giving” and in it he informs me that if I want an abundant life I have to do 2 things. First, I have to accept life’s goodness. Second, I have to help others achieve an abundant life as well. My abundance will increase in proportion to the amount I give .
The first is doable. I see evidence of good in people and events with increasing frequency. The second, well that’s a little more challenging. You mean to tell me that if I want to be creative and successful and loved, I have to help others get these things first? That I have to leave the comfort of my family room and actually do something for somebody else? I’m no longer the center of my meditation universe? For a moment this challenge started to feel a lot like hard work.
But then I realized that this kind of help is offered to me daily. My kids help me see the world in a new light and amaze me with their ability to forgive. My parents share their experience and demonstrate their unconditional love of my children on a daily basis. My husband adores me and supports all of my creative efforts. He will stop and listen to my newest epiphany right in the middle of the football game, even when the Bears have the ball and it’s third and goal. My girlfriends have walked me through the most difficult moments of my life with a level of compassion that’s astounding. Living examples of life’s goodness surround me!
So today I will be mindful of all who help me along the way and hope to return the favor.
This is my prayer: ”Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” ~Mother Teresa
What will you be mindful of today?
Love,
Becky
