Thursday, April 12, 2018

I often wonder if I lose touch with my true self while trying to be someone I'm not. Pretending to be someone other than yourself or picking an invisible mask out of the drawer next to your disgruntled pile of socks isn't necessarily the desire to be an entirely different person, but the sad truth is that sometimes it's just easier to put on a front and smile your way through awkward moments. I believe we can all agree that talking with someone who continually expresses negativity is not exactly a fun friend. If you feel like they are slowly sucking the life out of you each time your worlds collide, it is tempting to pretend to be someone else. When you flip the script, I have discovered that most people don't really want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth when they ask how you are doing. Finding a quick, short answer is often the expectation. Honesty and the courage to be genuine are attributes I strive to attain on a daily basis. I have been blessed with some amazing friends who sincerely mean it when they ask about you. They want the details and are willing to listen and spend the time having a heartfelt conversation. They are breaths of fresh air and I find comfort in their reminder that maybe I really am a tasty seven layer dip. I think Jason Mraz said it best- "We had to learn, how to bend without the world caving in I had to learn what I got, and what I'm not And who I am." I won't give up · Remembering Kurt Vonnegut, who died on this day in 2007. #MotherNight #OOPquote #quoteoftheday #Repost @outofprint with @insta.save.repost • • •


from Instagram

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France * I didn't understand unconditional love until I was in charge of caring for another soul. If I was married and/or had children of my own, it may not have felt so significant- but in bringing Mia home I also brought home a feeling that was new to me. I didn't want to fail her and I wanted to make sure she knew she was loved. She became my world. I adore my niece and nephews, but know they are not my full responsibility. They have amazing parents and, to be honest, my job as their aunt is easy. I love and spoil them and then give them back. I've been blessed to watch them grow and am delighted by every soccer goal, LAX goal, Eagle Scout project, creative stories written in fun notebooks, rollercoaster rides, pictures of a beautifully dressed young woman and her dance dates, Ronald McDonald races for Gavin, piano recitals, hip hop dance recitals, and carefully crafted potions made by the mischievous caboose of my lucky 7. I'm a lucky lady. I guess it all comes down to family. I consider Mia and Beckerman family. Some of my closest friends fit the mold. All I know is my soul felt important when Mia became family and the feeling came back when we brought Beckerman home. To be surrounded by family, both human and furry, awakens my soul and makes my heart smile.


from Instagram