Seems like I've been confronted with a lot of cockiness lately. This is always interesting to me, because, as humans, we have very little to be cocky about. Our imperfections speak so much louder than anything we excel at as individuals. Yet, every one of us have periods in which we over-inflate our own importance. It's an interesting dynamic, really. I mean, without self confidence, you really can't accomplish much...all your talents and gifts lie dormant and aren't fully realized until you have the confidence to use them. Yet, when we become cocky, we diminish our ability to relate to others in a meaningful way, thereby limiting the impact our gifts and talents can have on others. Not only that, cockiness places way too much value on one talent over another, and, results in egocentrism...one of the biggest inhibitors of true dialogic communication. There isn't a human being on earth that possesses all the talents and gifts necessary to be truly superior (perfection is absolutely unattainable, so, the best anyone can strive for is superiority...it's up to that individual to decide how important that goal is)...yet this tends to be what most strive for...superiority-in some form or another. This becomes complicated by the fact that what it means to be "superior" is socially and culturally constructed...based on the values of each culture. This necessarily leads to an incomplete and fragmented notion of what it means to be superior...
Another factor here is that when humans struggle towards this "superiority", one common by product of this is the desire to make others feel inferior (we define ourselves in terms of what we aren't)...So, in order to feel superior, others must be perceived as inferior...this framework leads to inhibiting others in the sharing of their talents and gifts (inferiority can lead to a lack of self confidence...leading to a failure to develop and share your talents and gifts). So, really, cockiness can be seen almost as a sort of social cannibalism...when someone moves beyond self confidence into cockiness, they contribute to the creation and perpetuation of another's sense of inferiority. Certainly they aren't solely responsible for another's sense of self, but, we all impact one another's idea of self. Identity is a communicative negotiation with others.
At any rate, cockiness sucks. It's important to find that healthy balance...which changes at different points in our lives.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Balance
m realizing just how funny the balance is between confidence and egotism. Between humility and insecurity. It's really tough for a human being to remain at a comfortable and productive balance between these polarizations over a period of time. Why in the world is that? I can think of points in my life when I was at that point...that point of balance between these polarizations in which I was at my "best". Something inevitably would happen...life...that would throw me off kilter...and my search for that balance would begin again. If you are too far to the insecure end of the spectrum, and you fail to achieve your best contribution to the world as God intended. When you are too far to the "confident" (over-confident) end of the spectrum, and your self-love gets in the way of your ability to achieve your best possible contribution to the world. Both extremes leave you more open to personal sin of one sort or another. So, what is the key to finding and maintaining that balance over a long period of time? Of being confident and secure in your abilities and talents, but not so over-inflated and involved in these talents and gifts that you become pre-occupied with yourself and not as concerned with your impact on the world? When you consider what impacts your self image...they are necessarily culturally based. What is defined as socially desirable...and your possession of these characteristics or the absence of these characteristics has a big impact on your ability to achieve this balance...and what it takes to maintain it. So, what are the culturally valuable characteristics? Well, in no particular order, they are (as I see them):
* Beauty/Attractiveness
* Intelligence
* Money
* Power
* Charisma
* Acceptance
These are a few that come to mind now. There are more. But, it is interesting to consider how this balance is so fleeting for most of us. Few of us can achieve and maintain this balance throughout our lives. I have yet to meet anyone that has been able to achieve this. In looking back over my life, I can point quite easily to the times when I have achieved this balance, and I can point just as easily to the times when this balance was completely out of my reach. But, for all my reflection and "self awareness"....I can't identify specifically what the conditions were in each instance where I had found the ideal balance between these polarizations. However, I recognize that I am in balance as soon as I'm there. When I'm there..that's when I do my greatest work. It's when I'm the happiest. It's when I feel I am able to contribute the most to the world around me. I'm in sync with the world around me. At any rate...this is another example of our need to find balance...a concept not often considered and very often de-valued in our social structure.
* Beauty/Attractiveness
* Intelligence
* Money
* Power
* Charisma
* Acceptance
These are a few that come to mind now. There are more. But, it is interesting to consider how this balance is so fleeting for most of us. Few of us can achieve and maintain this balance throughout our lives. I have yet to meet anyone that has been able to achieve this. In looking back over my life, I can point quite easily to the times when I have achieved this balance, and I can point just as easily to the times when this balance was completely out of my reach. But, for all my reflection and "self awareness"....I can't identify specifically what the conditions were in each instance where I had found the ideal balance between these polarizations. However, I recognize that I am in balance as soon as I'm there. When I'm there..that's when I do my greatest work. It's when I'm the happiest. It's when I feel I am able to contribute the most to the world around me. I'm in sync with the world around me. At any rate...this is another example of our need to find balance...a concept not often considered and very often de-valued in our social structure.
A Reflection on Innocence
Sitting, watching Ava and Tyler during their weekly swim lesson, I was overcome with a sense of peace. There they were, young, innocent, full of life and energy playing in the water, splashing each other and laughing. So innocent and pure. I began thinking of Julia and watching the three of them huddled over a book, listening as Julia takes them through the adventure that lies within. I began to think about this past weekend, all three of them working on their art and teaching each other about each other's interests. Listening to them talk about what they love, what they're concerned about, what they're interested in and learning from one another about differences in perspectives. There is unquestioning acceptance among them. Unconditional love.
I just want to capture that for them and hold them close...keep the world's troubles at bay...make the world more perfect for them so that they might hold onto this child like sense of peace just a little while longer. As much as I would like my job as a parent to be to change the world to suit my kids, it's not. I know that my role, as a parent, does not lie in orchestrating their circumstances in the world for them, but in preparing them for the world. My job is to fill them with love, help them believe in who they are, give them a strong sense of self. A strong sense of faith. My job is to help them see that they matter in ways that go far beyond their personal experiences in the here and now. My job is to teach them how to navigate the world and remain true to themselves. My job is to help them develop the strength they will need to remain true to themselves in the face of peer pressure, and to help them balance their desire to "fit into" a world that oftentimes contradicts personal values with a desire to maintain their autonomy...help them recognize their defining moments...those moments that clearly define who they are as they stand up for what they see as right in the face of adversity. My job is to help them develop coping skills and the ability to not only overcome adversity, but to excel as individuals as they do it.
As much as I want to protect this innocence right now, I know that in doing that, I would cripple them. So I guess what I will do is remember this sense of peace as I watch the innocence and purity of my children grow and develop into maturity and wisdom. And I'll hope that a part of that innocence and purity remains alive in them as they move through their lives. And maybe, just maybe, in teaching my children to be authentic in their interactions...to be true to themselves despite their circumstances...maybe then together we'll have our own little impact on the world around us.
I just want to capture that for them and hold them close...keep the world's troubles at bay...make the world more perfect for them so that they might hold onto this child like sense of peace just a little while longer. As much as I would like my job as a parent to be to change the world to suit my kids, it's not. I know that my role, as a parent, does not lie in orchestrating their circumstances in the world for them, but in preparing them for the world. My job is to fill them with love, help them believe in who they are, give them a strong sense of self. A strong sense of faith. My job is to help them see that they matter in ways that go far beyond their personal experiences in the here and now. My job is to teach them how to navigate the world and remain true to themselves. My job is to help them develop the strength they will need to remain true to themselves in the face of peer pressure, and to help them balance their desire to "fit into" a world that oftentimes contradicts personal values with a desire to maintain their autonomy...help them recognize their defining moments...those moments that clearly define who they are as they stand up for what they see as right in the face of adversity. My job is to help them develop coping skills and the ability to not only overcome adversity, but to excel as individuals as they do it.
As much as I want to protect this innocence right now, I know that in doing that, I would cripple them. So I guess what I will do is remember this sense of peace as I watch the innocence and purity of my children grow and develop into maturity and wisdom. And I'll hope that a part of that innocence and purity remains alive in them as they move through their lives. And maybe, just maybe, in teaching my children to be authentic in their interactions...to be true to themselves despite their circumstances...maybe then together we'll have our own little impact on the world around us.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Women- True Choice?
I've always struggled with this polarization of women within our society. Why do we insist on defining ourselves in opposition to others? I mean, I understand that a certain amount of that is normal, we all understand ourselves in terms of what we are not, to some degree. But why have we, as women, become so focused on this as a part of our identity? I mean, I used to think the problem with our society was that we were all too heavily reliant on our careers to define who we are. While I still see that as a HUGE issue in our social structure today, I wonder if maybe our focus on what we are not (Kenneth Burke would roll over if he knew the way in which I am butchering his concept), is what causes us to really struggle with supporting one another. Or, at least it's a big factor in this. I don't know. You can look at this from an academic standpoint, and I intend to do that. But, from a personal experience perspective, I find it really frustrating when I hear comments that women make about one another. It's really sad. You hear on shows like Oprah and other such "empowering" venues that we all love and support each other, basically, and we are all so in tune with one another. We're the relational experts, we know how to have good friends. And we do. But we don't seem to know how to be content with who we are, the choices we make and be supportive of the choices others make and who they are. Why?
Is this our fault? Or are we set up that way in society? Are social expectations of us in our various roles too contradictory? Some research suggests that this is so. In fact, my thesis alludes to this. It was one of the more interesting data points in my study. It really seems that we are in a situation where we need to cut one part of who we are and what we need to do in order to excel at another part. So, how do we handle this? Alone, we cut others down for making different choices. Alone, we struggle with what is acceptable and oftentimes part of legitimating where we come out in that struggle is putting down where another woman comes out, IF its different from where we are. It seems like we should know better. It seems like with all that we learned about organizing for social change under the feminist movement, and the power of pulling together, we'd be able to affect real social change where we are not having to cut each other down and we have true choice.
For instance, the stay at home mom/working mom polarization. It is truly sad the way in which I've heard women talk to each other or about each other in this debate. The fact that it is a debate tells me we have so much more work to do. We do not have real choice. When you stay at home, many women (and I know, men are another whole aspect to this issue, but I am talking about women here), will put you down as lazy or not wanting to work or not motivated, passionate, willing or able to contribute, among other things. When you work, many times women who are at home actually accuse you of not loving your kids enough, not prioritizing your kids in your life, being too mony hungry, materialistic, among other things. I've heard really hurtful comments made on both ends of this "debate" (which I hate to frame it is, as it sets up and actually perpetuates this polarization), and it saddens and angers me. I've actually heard one Mom who is at home chastise working Moms and then, in a later conversation, wonder why we as women judge one another. We don't even recognize this when we do it.
So, how do we change this? What about society needs to change? What about us needs to change? More to come later...Ava's crying and the kids are restless...time to re-enter my day...
I hope I always remember
It seems like recently I have been confronted with exceptionally grumpy women in their sixties. It's weird, because, I normally don't run into this...in fact, most often, women I meet of all ages are pleasant, for the most part. But lately, I have met some really judgmental and bitter people, and for whatever reason, they happen to be women in her sixties. I realize that I have no way of understanding their perspective and what has lead them to this point in their lives. And, I can certainly attest to the fact that we are all different people with different experiences and perspectives, and sometimes, we're just not in a good place. Perhaps that's what I am running into right now...whatever it is, it's caused me to take pause and think about my own life.
It seems as if these women I have run into have either forgotten or chosen to ignore the needs and priorities of the people around them who are at different stages in their lives. Perhaps they look around and think that they did it better when they had kids that age. Perhaps they never had kids and can't understand parents today. Maybe it's a combination of all of these or some other reason entirely that I can't understand because I'm not in their position. Whatever it is, it's disturbing to see women of one age judging and, in many cases, mistreating women in a different stage of life. This is just one example of the ways in which women seem to have trouble offering true support to one another in our social structure. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've got great friends and feel very fortunate to have them. I get a source of comfort and understanding from my female friends that I need. And, quite honestly, they all rock. But somewhere beyond friendship, I don't see a real strong social support system for women of one another. And it appears to be playing out across generations even...we seem to compare ourselves to others and wonder what we do better or what we don't do well enough rather than simply acknowledging different talents and gifts, and celebrating those. I realize much of this has to do with our social positioning...it's pretty difficult to support one another outside of personal friendships in a social system that discourages women from organizing together in meaningful and powerful ways.
Anyway, I'm now rambling off a bit and I really just want to say that I truly hope I never forget what it's like to be a young mom raising her kids in a society that seems to be working against my values and beliefs. I hope when I'm that woman in her sixties, I can smile a knowing smile and offer support and understanding to that young mom, secure in the knowledge that I did the best I could with what I had and what I knew, and trust that the same is true of the young mom I am encountering.
It seems as if these women I have run into have either forgotten or chosen to ignore the needs and priorities of the people around them who are at different stages in their lives. Perhaps they look around and think that they did it better when they had kids that age. Perhaps they never had kids and can't understand parents today. Maybe it's a combination of all of these or some other reason entirely that I can't understand because I'm not in their position. Whatever it is, it's disturbing to see women of one age judging and, in many cases, mistreating women in a different stage of life. This is just one example of the ways in which women seem to have trouble offering true support to one another in our social structure. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've got great friends and feel very fortunate to have them. I get a source of comfort and understanding from my female friends that I need. And, quite honestly, they all rock. But somewhere beyond friendship, I don't see a real strong social support system for women of one another. And it appears to be playing out across generations even...we seem to compare ourselves to others and wonder what we do better or what we don't do well enough rather than simply acknowledging different talents and gifts, and celebrating those. I realize much of this has to do with our social positioning...it's pretty difficult to support one another outside of personal friendships in a social system that discourages women from organizing together in meaningful and powerful ways.
Anyway, I'm now rambling off a bit and I really just want to say that I truly hope I never forget what it's like to be a young mom raising her kids in a society that seems to be working against my values and beliefs. I hope when I'm that woman in her sixties, I can smile a knowing smile and offer support and understanding to that young mom, secure in the knowledge that I did the best I could with what I had and what I knew, and trust that the same is true of the young mom I am encountering.
Keeping up with the Jones'/ Who Manages Ratings?
So lately, I've been wondering about a lot of things...just thoughts circling around my head.
One thing I've wondered about is who the Jones' are. Does anyone know the Jones'? Because, without knowing them, it's kind of hard to justify spending time, money and resources trying to keep up with them. I can honestly say that I know a lot of fantastic people, but I have no desire to keep up with any of them. I'm perfectly content walking my own path and wish them well along their path. So, if I know all these people that are so great and yet not people I want to keep up with, why would the Jones' be worth any time and energy at all? I think most people know this...it's not some new revelation I'm having here, yet it's funny how it can creep in, slowly and often in ways not easily detected. The impact this underlying view has is really pretty far-reaching. It affects/impacts so much of what we do, so many aspects of our lives. We all experience it...there's no way to completely remove this tendency from the human experience, in my opinion. What we need to do is recognize it as a powerful force that we need to identify and control in our lives. Diffuse it. I don't know...just something I'm thinking about...
Something else I've been wondering about lately, as I consider more intensively the media and its impact on my family and the values we are trying to instill in our kids, is who are these people that I have entrusted to ascertain whether a movie or video game is suitable for my kids? What criteria are they using as they determine what rating to put on a movie or video game and do these criteria mesh with my own personal standards? More often than not, I'd have to say no...the amount of sexuality and violence in our media is absolutely astounding, and the impact this has on our children (and us) is without measure. The structure that is created, in part by these images in our media, creates a framework that works against so many of our efforts as parents as we try to instill values that reflect modesty, respect for self and others, personal responsibility and accountability, the ability to communicate to negotiate problems, inner beauty and a sense of self worth based on who our children are as people rather than what the world tells them is important. So, who are these people that are deciding that one movie is appropriate for 17 year olds and another is appropriate for 13 year old. And, what exactly are they evaluating? I think they miss the mark an awful lot. I respect that these ratings are in place to assist us as parents and not do our jobs for us, don't get me wrong. Too often though, it's easy, as parents in a busy world, to be lulled into passivity and let these standards stand on their own. And, let's face it, I don't care how vigilant you are, we're desensitized in a lot of ways, too. We don't often recognize the gravity of these messages either, and, really what that means for us and our view of the world is significant as well. I guess my thought here is less about censorship and more about identifying who the social "gatekeepers" are...are the people we choose to assess the "appropriateness" of material really qualified to do so? Why? What criteria do they need to meet...in other words, why should I trust them?
One thing I've wondered about is who the Jones' are. Does anyone know the Jones'? Because, without knowing them, it's kind of hard to justify spending time, money and resources trying to keep up with them. I can honestly say that I know a lot of fantastic people, but I have no desire to keep up with any of them. I'm perfectly content walking my own path and wish them well along their path. So, if I know all these people that are so great and yet not people I want to keep up with, why would the Jones' be worth any time and energy at all? I think most people know this...it's not some new revelation I'm having here, yet it's funny how it can creep in, slowly and often in ways not easily detected. The impact this underlying view has is really pretty far-reaching. It affects/impacts so much of what we do, so many aspects of our lives. We all experience it...there's no way to completely remove this tendency from the human experience, in my opinion. What we need to do is recognize it as a powerful force that we need to identify and control in our lives. Diffuse it. I don't know...just something I'm thinking about...
Something else I've been wondering about lately, as I consider more intensively the media and its impact on my family and the values we are trying to instill in our kids, is who are these people that I have entrusted to ascertain whether a movie or video game is suitable for my kids? What criteria are they using as they determine what rating to put on a movie or video game and do these criteria mesh with my own personal standards? More often than not, I'd have to say no...the amount of sexuality and violence in our media is absolutely astounding, and the impact this has on our children (and us) is without measure. The structure that is created, in part by these images in our media, creates a framework that works against so many of our efforts as parents as we try to instill values that reflect modesty, respect for self and others, personal responsibility and accountability, the ability to communicate to negotiate problems, inner beauty and a sense of self worth based on who our children are as people rather than what the world tells them is important. So, who are these people that are deciding that one movie is appropriate for 17 year olds and another is appropriate for 13 year old. And, what exactly are they evaluating? I think they miss the mark an awful lot. I respect that these ratings are in place to assist us as parents and not do our jobs for us, don't get me wrong. Too often though, it's easy, as parents in a busy world, to be lulled into passivity and let these standards stand on their own. And, let's face it, I don't care how vigilant you are, we're desensitized in a lot of ways, too. We don't often recognize the gravity of these messages either, and, really what that means for us and our view of the world is significant as well. I guess my thought here is less about censorship and more about identifying who the social "gatekeepers" are...are the people we choose to assess the "appropriateness" of material really qualified to do so? Why? What criteria do they need to meet...in other words, why should I trust them?
Thankful
Like many, I've spent a good deal of time reflecting on all the things I am so thankful for these past few days. Something I should do every day, but, don't take the time I should, is to peacefully reflect on my blessings. I will make another mental note to make a concerted effort to do this from this point forward.
I am thankful for our health. We've known many loved and dear friends and family that have struggled with illness in one form or another. When your health fails, there's not much else to think about or focus on...when your body is suffering, it's hard to enjoy any other aspect of life. We are so thankful for the health we have been blessed with as a family, and we pray for those we love that are struggling, that their health be restored.
I am thankful for our faith. There are times I don't feel I am as strong in acting out my faith as I should be as a Catholic, but, I do try, every day, to keep it at the center of my life. There are times this falls naturally into place, and there are times this can be a real struggle. I am so thankful for God's presence in our lives, and for our commitment, as a family, to our faith as we find our way through our life journey together. One thing I pray I never forget is that my number one goal is to help get my husband, my children and myself to heaven.
I am thankful for our jobs. I have been so busy as of late, and, while I have felt guilty innumerable times that I have been busy, I cannot even begin to express the gratitude I have for the education and position I have been afforded to be able to do what I love and contribute to my family's overall well being while remaining the primary care-giver for our young children. This has been an indescribabe blessing for what Jason and I had envisioned for our family. I have been blessed to have the confidence of those around me to take on various assignments and projects, and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn and develop as a professional and an academic through them. I am grateful for those who afford me these opportunities and who entrust me with them. Jason has also been afforded a position that has enabled him to be a very "hands on" father as he is a constant presence in our kids' lives working from home. Though busy during the day, his presence alone is comforting and a source of strength for both me and the kids.
I am thankful for my husband. Jason is the most amazing person I know. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for his unending dedication to our family and the life we are building together. It's not always easy, and, despite this, his belief in our journey and strength is unwavering. Our kiids are so fortunate to have such an amazing father, and I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband!
I am thankful for my children. They, too, are the most amazing people I know. Each one of them blows me away with their talents and gifts. They have shaped my life journey in ways I could never have predicted given their distinct and strong personalities! I have already learned so much from them, and I continue to learn every day. There are times, to be sure, that I get frustrated...one of them picking on another...but, that all seems so miniscule when I look at each of them and see the amazing person they are developing into with each passing minute. I pray that I don't screw them up!!! I ask each day for the guidance and wisdom to help them be the people God meant them to be, and to enable them to contribute to our world in meaningful ways, consistent with who they are as children of God.
I am thankful for my parents. I talk with them multiple times a day, and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome that is for me! I love that I am so close to them, and I am thankful for each day I have with them. They know my children well, and this is one of the biggest blessings I can think of...my children can learn so much from my parents. I am also thankful for my amazing brothers and sisters. We have all met with and fought through adversity in our own ways. We are so amazingly different, yet so undeniably similar...it's really neat to see how we all have found our own ways through life's trials and tribulations...and we've stuck together in ways that just warms my heart. God has truly blessed us.
I am thankful for my amazing In-Laws. What a wonderful group of people I married into!!! My mother and father in law are some of the most patient, loving, understanding and supportive people. My brothers and sisters in law are just wonderful people, who are so supportive of our family's journey.
I am so thankful for our friends. Each person, I believe, is put in your life for a reason. Be it to support you and offer you love and comfort, to challenge you to reach new heights, to teach you a lesson (either pleasant or unpleasant), to help you grow or develop in some way...they all are there for a reason. We don't always see it, and we may not always understand it, but, God does. Part of being human is not knowing it all...and, as someone who needs to know it all, this isn't always easy to accept, but there is an indescribable peace in finally doing so.
So, I am thankful. Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!!
I am thankful for our health. We've known many loved and dear friends and family that have struggled with illness in one form or another. When your health fails, there's not much else to think about or focus on...when your body is suffering, it's hard to enjoy any other aspect of life. We are so thankful for the health we have been blessed with as a family, and we pray for those we love that are struggling, that their health be restored.
I am thankful for our faith. There are times I don't feel I am as strong in acting out my faith as I should be as a Catholic, but, I do try, every day, to keep it at the center of my life. There are times this falls naturally into place, and there are times this can be a real struggle. I am so thankful for God's presence in our lives, and for our commitment, as a family, to our faith as we find our way through our life journey together. One thing I pray I never forget is that my number one goal is to help get my husband, my children and myself to heaven.
I am thankful for our jobs. I have been so busy as of late, and, while I have felt guilty innumerable times that I have been busy, I cannot even begin to express the gratitude I have for the education and position I have been afforded to be able to do what I love and contribute to my family's overall well being while remaining the primary care-giver for our young children. This has been an indescribabe blessing for what Jason and I had envisioned for our family. I have been blessed to have the confidence of those around me to take on various assignments and projects, and have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn and develop as a professional and an academic through them. I am grateful for those who afford me these opportunities and who entrust me with them. Jason has also been afforded a position that has enabled him to be a very "hands on" father as he is a constant presence in our kids' lives working from home. Though busy during the day, his presence alone is comforting and a source of strength for both me and the kids.
I am thankful for my husband. Jason is the most amazing person I know. I cannot express the gratitude I feel for his unending dedication to our family and the life we are building together. It's not always easy, and, despite this, his belief in our journey and strength is unwavering. Our kiids are so fortunate to have such an amazing father, and I have been so blessed to have such a wonderful husband!
I am thankful for my children. They, too, are the most amazing people I know. Each one of them blows me away with their talents and gifts. They have shaped my life journey in ways I could never have predicted given their distinct and strong personalities! I have already learned so much from them, and I continue to learn every day. There are times, to be sure, that I get frustrated...one of them picking on another...but, that all seems so miniscule when I look at each of them and see the amazing person they are developing into with each passing minute. I pray that I don't screw them up!!! I ask each day for the guidance and wisdom to help them be the people God meant them to be, and to enable them to contribute to our world in meaningful ways, consistent with who they are as children of God.
I am thankful for my parents. I talk with them multiple times a day, and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome that is for me! I love that I am so close to them, and I am thankful for each day I have with them. They know my children well, and this is one of the biggest blessings I can think of...my children can learn so much from my parents. I am also thankful for my amazing brothers and sisters. We have all met with and fought through adversity in our own ways. We are so amazingly different, yet so undeniably similar...it's really neat to see how we all have found our own ways through life's trials and tribulations...and we've stuck together in ways that just warms my heart. God has truly blessed us.
I am thankful for my amazing In-Laws. What a wonderful group of people I married into!!! My mother and father in law are some of the most patient, loving, understanding and supportive people. My brothers and sisters in law are just wonderful people, who are so supportive of our family's journey.
I am so thankful for our friends. Each person, I believe, is put in your life for a reason. Be it to support you and offer you love and comfort, to challenge you to reach new heights, to teach you a lesson (either pleasant or unpleasant), to help you grow or develop in some way...they all are there for a reason. We don't always see it, and we may not always understand it, but, God does. Part of being human is not knowing it all...and, as someone who needs to know it all, this isn't always easy to accept, but there is an indescribable peace in finally doing so.
So, I am thankful. Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!!
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