Spring Cleaning ...

There's something about Spring cleaning that symbolizes a fresh start.  Getting rid of all the old, broken down, unnecessary things that clutter our lives.  Who needs that cord from something you can't even remember what it goes to, or all those boxes from Costco that may just be perfect for something "someday".  Many times our lives become cluttered with old, broken down unnecessary emotional things as well, drama, an unkind spoken word or deed.  When you harbor ill feelings, they can weigh very heavily, and can do damage to our well-being, our health and relationships.  Purging these things makes us stronger and our soul more resilient.  Today, what did I do for my mind? my body? my spirit? my relationships? my creativity and passion? ... Love that "To Do" list ;-)

Big Bad Bully ...

I really have a hard time with bullies.  Watching a child pick on another child will really set me off.  My kids can tell you of a time when we lived across from a ball diamond and a kid was being cruel to my son. I marched right over there and picked the kid up by the scruff of his neck and drug him over and sat him down on my front porch.  I know today you couldn't do that because the neglectful parent will sue you.  On several occasions, I drug the kid home to their parent and informed them that I was not the playground monitor ;-)  Sure, I can laugh now, but back then it wasn't funny.  Unfortunately, those young bullies often grow up to be adult bullies.  It's so sad to have such low esteem that you have to threaten and belittle someone because of your own insecurities.  Adult bullies are cowards that live behind a facade of strength, when actually they are usually miserable people and remember "Misery loves company". 

The Giver ...

I am a giver.  I don't know why I am that way, but I am.  Giving makes me feel good.  I can't even look at something I like without wondering "who could benefit from that"?  I'm quite sure I inherited that quality from my Grandmother. You couldn't be in her house for five minutes without her offering you something to eat.  When you left, she would send you with a parting gift of sorts, usually a box of oatmeal cream pies or a bag of Cheetos ;-)  I sure do miss that lady.  She was the epitome of class.  Now, when the kids come by to visit, I catch myself offering things to them in the same manner.  I've really won the lottery being in a relationship with someone who is a giver just like me.  It's not easy giving to a giver without them wanting to give back ;-) (That's almost a tongue twister ;-)  It sure is a welcomed change though, being with someone who "gets it".  I am truly blessed!

Keep it simple ...

The older I get, the less I need.  When we were kids, we couldn't wait for the JC Penney Wish Book to come out.  We would spend hours browsing page by page, circling everything we wanted for Christmas.  When we are teenagers and receive our first paycheck, we dream of all the things we will be able to buy with it.  When we are adults, our wants seem to grow even larger, a bigger house, a nicer car.  The list goes on.  When and where does it end?  It becomes a way of  life, and before long you're trying to "keep up with the Jones's".  I guess because, from the beginning, I worked to provide for my family.  Although we did enjoy a few luxuries from time to time, I never really felt I could afford the materialistic finer things in life.  Now that I probably could, I have absolutely no desire to.  Luckily, the man in my life is on the exact same page.  The things we enjoy now are small in comparison, an ice cream cone, an estate sale, plants for the garden just to name a few.  Sometimes they are completely free, going for a ride, swinging on the patio swing, snuggled up watching a movie or even window shopping.  Living a simple lifestyle is like winning the mental lottery.  Less stress, no drama.  It's about appreciating what you have.  Keep it simple!

Happiness ...

What makes you happy?  There are many things that add joy to my life.  At the top of the list are of course my loved ones.  I couldn't imagine life without my kids, my other half and my family.  Oh yes, and my grand-puppies.  Let's not forget all of life's little comforts, a roof over my head, electricity, food in my belly, a cup of hot coffee every morning.  All of those things make us feel good and can put a smile on our face, but true happiness lies much deeper than that. It comes from within, and it takes work!    Happiness is a choice.  We've all heard the saying "if life gives you lemons, make lemonade" ;-) That couldn't be more true!  The next time you're feeling down, start naming all of your blessings one by one and I guarantee you'll be able to turn that frown upside down :-) The more you consciously think "Happy", it will become a welcomed way of life.

None for me ... Thanks

Food ... It's hard to believe something that can bring us so much pleasure can also cause us so much grief.  Do you eat to live or do you eat because it tastes good?  Every time you turn around there's another reason why you shouldn't eat something.   Too many calories.  Too much fat.  High in sodium or sugar.  "I'm watching my carbs".  "I need more protein".  The list goes on and on.  I am now at the age where I am aware of my body and what it needs, and I refuse to poison it with the wrong choices, but I also refuse to deprive myself of the simple joys in life.  It's about making better choices.  Everything in moderation.  So, if I occasionally want Chinese take-out or an ice cold Coke, I won't beat myself up over it.  YOLO, right?

Regrets ...

Yesterday was the first day of April.  April Fool's Day.  For me, it also marked the 19th anniversary of becoming a single mother of three.  I'm not a fan of the term "single mom".  Some "mothers", and I use that term conservatively, think that divorce makes them single mothers.  "Single Mother" does not necessarily mean they are raising the kids single-handedly.  Although some would like you to believe so.  Not every divorced father out there is a "deadbeat dad".  There are many who love their children and would pull out all stops for them.  Unfortunately, as with in marriage, many times Mom and Dad can't get along, so it continues post-divorce.    The kids lose their identity and become pawns or weapons in a dangerous game.  Hostile Aggressive Parenting is real folks.  It's ugly.  I've witnessed it first hand.  There are no winners, only losers, the kids.  My perspective was that I divorced my husband, the kids did not divorce their dad. Although sharing the financial responsibility is important, it shouldn't be all about monetary child support or "renting" your kids.  Some women will never be happy.  Child support is just that, support!  Emotional as well as physical.  I fortunately, for the most part, remained cordial with my kids dad.  In my situation, I gave up expecting an even participation and "mothered-up", saw there was a job to be done, and I did it!  Looking back, I survived, the kids survived, so who are the winners again? ;-)