Why is it that we care so much about what others think about us? Why is it that even if we don’t respect someone else that our feelings are still hurt when they don’t like us?  Why is it that we can’t focus only on those in our lives that like us for who we are instead of wasting our emotions and energy on people that don’t really matter?

Photo: Gay Mayer

I so want everyone to love me!

Heck, I would love it if most people even simply liked me.  Alas, that is not how the world works.

I have strong opinions and emotions that keep me from being able to simply blend in with those around me.  I don’t mean to be different or not completely accepting of people as I try my best to accept people for who they are.  The problem seems to be that I may be able to accept others for who they are but not agree with  or understand their choices.  And, as I, evidently,  wear my feelings on my sleeve no matter how hard I try not to (and I have been trying ALL my life!), people think that I don’t like them instead of it being the fact that I don’t understand or simply disagree with their choices or views on life.  If I simply don’t know the person yet, my insecurities seem to cause them to think negatively of me.

No matter what the reason for someone not liking me, it still hurts.  It doesn’t matter how old I get, inside I am that insecure teenager who longs to fit in and be liked. I wish that I could figure out how to make a better impression upon people so that they would take the time to get to know the real me!

As I strive to be more accepting and open to others, I hope that my imperfections don’t overshadow what I have to share in a friendship.  I thank God every day for the wonderful people that He has brought into my life who love me and accept me for who I am.  It is for those people that I strive to be an even better friend for they are some of the biggest blessings in my life!

Do you ever feel lost in your own head?

That is how I feel.

It doesn’t matter which way I turn, I seem to run into a dead end.

I can’t seem to find my way home.

A map wouldn’t help me navigate as you must first know where you are in in order to plot your coarse with such a tool.

Sure wish they made a GPS for your mind!

Photo: Giampaolo Macorig

As the day unfolds before us, we have but two choices:

Rejoice in the blessings that we have received or wallow in self-pity.

I choose the former.  Life is too precious to be wasted on the “should-av’s” in life.

WHY is it that we spend so much time worrying about other people???

WHY are we so concerned the choices that others make that have nothing to do with us?

WHY should we be upset about how they are acting, what they are doing with their time, or how they are spending their money?

WHY can’t we just accept others for who they are and support each other as best we can?

If I don’t make the decision to enjoy what God has given me but instead complain about what I am lacking, I am foolish.

If I deplete my energy being a busybody, how has that served me or my family?

As every moment on Earth is a wonderful blessing from God, I am going to try my best to focus on my blessings and be supportive to those around me.

I just gave my 4-1/2 yo a hug.  The cool part?  He kind of laughed and sweetly said, “I love you, too!” as he bopped away with a smile.

Nothing could be better!

~~~

Celebrate the finer things in your life at Finer Things Friday.

I have found myself musing about who I am and who I really want to be a great deal during my life.  Lately, I have been on an quest of sorts to find out who I really want to be.  There are so many aspects of my personality that it is hard to be clear about who exactly I am.  The major roles that I fulfill are wife, lover, mother, friend, homemaker, and homeschool educator.   But, these roles are only a portion of who I am.  What about my emotional and intellectual needs and interests?  Who is it that I really am?  But, better yet, who is it that I really want to be?  I have begun asking myself some questions to help me develop into the best person that I can be.

When do I feel the happiest?  When do I feel the most content?  When do I feel the most fulfilled?  When do I feel the best about myself?  How can I change from the person that I am to the best person that I can be?  I can’t address every facet of my life at once – yet it is a journey of growth and self-discovery.  Therefore, I have to determine which portions of my life can be rather easily adjusted to obtain the largest impact on my happiness and which tasks will take more work and are longer term goals.

I can’t become the person that I really want to be without effort on my part.  Sitting here contemplating the changes that I need to implement is only the beginning.  Now, I must continue along my path with diligence and faith.  Faith that I can be whatever or whoever I set my mind to be.

I hope that you are the person you desire to be.  If you aren’t, only you can make the decision to make small changes in your life to help you come closer to that person.  I would love to walk beside you in your journey to be the best you as I hope you will join me on my path to a better me!

Who is the most important person in your life?  Well, it should be YOU!  Who better to provide you the love that you need and deserve than the person that knows exactly what is needed?  Only you know what portions of your life need attention in order for you to fulfill all of your desires.  Why is it that we put our own needs behind those of the ones we love?  The adage about not being able to take care of someone else if you aren’t taken care of is so true!!  How can we give others something that we don’t have within ourselves to give?  Now, being able to give to those you love is a very worthy and desirable goal, however, shouldn’t you include yourself at the top of that list?

I have been doing a very poor job of taking care of myself like I need to.  I long to be the best person that I can possibly be on the inside and the out.  To this end, I am making a promise to myself – from now on, I am going to take care of me the best way that I know how.  This is going to be a very difficult task as I am very good at “treating” myself in ways that aren’t beneficial for me in the long run (i.e., way too much chocolate and not enough sleep).  As I begin on my journey to a better me, I am going to focus on three areas: my health, implementing and maintaining a schedule, and reading for enjoyment.  As I define how best to travel on this journey, I must remind myself that long term changes don’t happen over night and that I must stay the course even when the travel is difficult.  I look forward to the adventure of becoming the best person that I can be!  The more complete I feel in my life; the more I have to give to my family and friends.  I may never have the perfect body or the most immaculate home or be the best conversationalist, but I will continue to strive to love the woman God has helped me to become!

Remember to take care of yourself and those around you will be blessed by the better you!

Join Mom’s the Word for other ways people are improving their lives on Making Your Home Sing Monday.