Just A Thought

Just A Thought

Just A Thought

Just A Thought

        

Happy Fourth of July!!

Just A Thought

                        

What Would You Say To Your Younger Self?

                               

I came across this picture earlier this evening and I had to admit, it really made me think. What would I say to my younger self?? What wisdom or truth could I share with the younger me?  I've learned so much the past few years, how could I possibly sum that up in two words??

As I reflect on my youth, the pain, struggles and all the uncertainty, two words naturally come to the front of my mind. The same two words that have echoed in my womanhood. My note would simply say, "Be Brave!" Simple, yet so profound.

Even though I am proud of my accomplishments and all the many blessings the good Lord has given me, I can't help but wonder what could have been. Where would I be if I would have moved forward with bravery instead of fear? How would things be different?

My younger self was so fearful and consequently I led a life filled with "safe choices." But safe choices aren't always the "right choices." Bravery is what allows you to make a leap of faith when it doesn't make sense. Bravery allows you to walk the road less travelled, to be a leader instead of a follower.

I worried too much about what others would think. I didn't want to rock the boat. I was so scared of taking risks. But time has had her way and things have changed. Life truly has been the best teacher and experience is the invaluable lesson. Fear really does kill more dreams than failure.

So once again, I would tell my younger self to be brave. Live a life you can be proud of. That doesn't mean you won't make mistakes because you will! That doesn't mean you won't mess up because you certainly will do that as well. Just be brave enough to try!!

Wedding Season

I have been thinking a lot on this topic recently. In the past four weeks, I have gone to four weddings!! Believe me, by the end of the fourth week my family and I were exhausted, but in a good way. I am so happy for those couples starting their new journeys together and marriage is just that...a journey.

I recently spoke with a friend regarding marriage and problems that may arise. I was open and honest about my experiences with my husband. We've been through so much in just 7 years of marriage. There were times I was so high on love my feet dared not to touch the ground. There were other times our love for each other did not seem strong enough to carry us through. I am  not a quitter but there were times divorce seemed like the reasonable next step.

I have come to understand that marriage is not only a journey where two people continue onward together. Marriage is truly an avenue to self discovery. I'm pretty sure you're wondering what I mean by that. Marriage is the true reflector of self. As you continue on with your mate, you see yourself through their eyes. You see your flaws and you see your splendor, the good and the bad.



Marriage is also a great teacher. From day one, you're enrolled in " Idiosyncrasies 101." This is where you learn everything about your spouse. From the obvious to the not so obvious. Things that just don't come up when you're dating but shine bright when you're married. You'll learn a lot about a person when you share the same space with them for a  prolonged period of time. "Wow, I didn't know you made that sound when you sleep." But this course is tricky!! Midway through it shifts focus from them to you!

To be honest, there's a lot about myself that is still undiscovered but there's also a lot about my self that I've learned from being married. I've learned what kind of wife and mother that I am, where I fall short and where I do a pretty good job. I've seen areas about my personality that I once viewed as strengths, when I was an independent women, be so destructive to my partner. I've learned the power of compromise, love, and when to let go. Not every decision needs to be yours, it's okay to meet in the middle sometimes. Not every battle needs to be fought and true love really does conquer all!!

Just A Thought