The Finer Things in Life

Who thought that basketball - fourth grade basketball - would fall under a headline like "The Finer Things in Life...."

I have had the privilege of witnessing my daughter's growth - both on and off the court - for the past several months. There is nothing more satisfying than watching your child sharpen her skills. Develop confidence. Experience the value of being a member of a team - a tribe, if you will. Exuding passion that most adults cannot fathom. It's been truly refreshing and inspiring.

Her tenacious spirit is contagious. She keeps me grounded - reminds me what the finer things in life truly are.

Perfection in the Way of Progress

Your time is limited so don’t waste it living someone else's life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Steve Jobs

Desperate Why

Remember my 2012 Reflections? The overarching theme of what is important in life. Well, I had a face-to-face with that reality again this week. This time it wasn't my story. It was a story that my friend shared with me - one written beautifully by one of her friends who has learned what the meaning of life truly is.

"What is your DESPERATE why?"

In a flash my eyes welled up as I felt a jolt of pain in my chest.
 
Want to know my desperate why?

These four men are my why. Jeff and I got caught up in the rat race in the last two years. Which took us away from what mattered, family. We spent very little time together, no enjoying life and very little laughter. Instead, we were separated...like when you throw something into a fan. Split and tattered into a million pieces. It almost broke us down, enough to rip our little family apart. Thank God we woke up.

Now, we are committed more than ever before to simplify our lives. We reminded one another about the reason we decided to build a life together to begin with. Truth is, success is never defined by "things" or "money". True success is finding joy and honoring love. Savoring every moment that we are on this earth. Waking every morning with thoughts of gratitude. Gratitude for the love you have, not for the things you have.

Now, this does not mean we will not continue to put our strength behind our work, this just means that our priorities shifted. They are where they should be. And although we still have our work cut out for us, we are now present every step of the way. And that my friends, is priceless.

I urge you to ask yourself these questions:

Do you know your "Desperate Why"?
Are you stuck on the wrong path?
Is fear of change holding you back?
Are you more concerned with what might be said about you if you shift your path instead of what's right for you and your family?

It is never too late to make a positive change in your life.

Thank you, Denise, for sharing. And, thank you - Anna Cummins - for being bold enough to share your hard life lessons.

www.theevilwiener.com 

Unkowingly Profound

Sidney's basketball team has been on a bit of a losing streak. They play well, but they fizzle at the end of the game. By the 4th quarter, will and stamina are not considered equal.

Prior to suiting up for Saturday's game Sidney issued a very profound statement. "Mom, I need a win." Tired of losing. In desperate need of seeing the fruits of her labor. A win is needed. Indeed it is, Sidney.

Her team won and she left me with a statement that addresses an ongoing pain of mine. I, too, am in need of a win. It will happen - it's just never fast enough.

2012 Reflections

It's that time of year. Not a time to project what the new year will bring, what resolutions I will make and break, but rather to reflect what I have experienced. 2012 has proven to be a rebuilding year. Personally and professionally. Rebuilding certainly brings challenge. But, it also can yield reward.



I've learned...when one door closes, another one opens. But, walk cautiously because you don't know what is on the other side until you are through it.

I've learned...my circle is small. Tight. And, that's the way I like it.

I've learned...even "food poisoning" can be funny in the company of good friends and it never gets old talking about it.

I've learned...fourth grade homework is work - even with a college degree.

I've learned...you can find friends in unlikely places - embracing a new relationship while exposing potential vulnerabilities leads to rich experiences.

I've learned...my heart is in service. Not the rat race.

I've learned...setting a goal and achieving it is quite possibly one of the most rewarding feelings a person can have.

I've learned...my kids are flipping hysterical and not a day goes by that they haven't made me laugh.

I've learned...while time heals, it's never fast enough.

I've learned...you only go around once. Make the most of it. Carpe Diem.

I've learned...self control is easier said than done. Especially while being a spectator at my kids' games.

I've learned...sunshine can be found in any situation. Sometimes you just have to dig to uncover it.

I've learned...there's nothing "half" about a half marathon.

Here's to 2013. May it be filled with health and happiness.

Empty

My heart is heavy and has been since the Sandy Hook shooting. Tragedy does not seem to do this incident justice. Its unimaginable. Unfathomable. Incomprehensible.

I've heard the news recounted time and time again. I've seen the faces of these innocent little people whose lives were taken. I been overwhelmed with imagery of utter pain. And, I can't help but to wonder how would I react? What would I do? How could I go on?

These families have gaping holes - physically and emotionally. My heart, prayers and thoughts are with them all.

Levity

There are a few things that absolutely calm me. My kids humor - intentional or unintentional - is always a welcome change from the rat race that I have found to be my reality. I can walk through the door with a day's worth of baggage and stress and I hear Ashton say, "Mommy's home" and it all melts away. At least for a moment.

This week has been extra comedic.

Sidney's contract to (not with) her brother - which I am sure he could not read - stating that his signature indebted him to her if a ransom was not paid. Of course he signed on the line. He can write his name - why wouldn't he sign?

Ashton's newly found love for engineering - crafting a pulley system that lowers down objects that he's too lazy to carry down the stairs. Said pulley system is made from a finger knitted scarf that is about 12 feet long - Sidney's summer camp project.

The declaration of "life being a disappointment" by the nine year old who feels the need to give the six year old a hearty dose of reality.

A "student of the week" picture with the principal, certificate and pennant tucked away in a backpack waiting to be uncovered. When asked why Ashton didn't come forward with the news, he simply responded, "I wanted to surprise you Mommy."

Sidney asking me how much money I make and actually expecting a response.

...this is what makes my world go round - and keeps a smile on my face.