Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

I was speaking to a dear friend on the phone the other day about life, motherhood and everything else you could think of. It was amazing (although we had lost touch with each other for 15 or more years) that we both had experienced many of the same trials in life, especially as moms. I know this isn't possible...but I wish when we are going through really tough times in our lives with ourselves or our kids, that we could share it with each other. That way... maybe we could share ideas on how to survive or better yet, help solve the problem. We don't do that however to very many people though, for fear that they will judge us or our children. But I have to admit there have been so many times when I thought I had to be the only person that has ever struggled in this area or the only mom that ever had this struggle with a child. Only to find out years later that you weren't the only one and actually more often than not, there are a lot of people out there who are struggling in the same areas or with the same problems. That feeling of being alone is quiet devastating and I believe potentially very dangerous.

I guess this is why I started this blog. When I have done my motivational speaking in the past, I realize that one of the reasons that my audience likes me (at least that is what they tell me) is because I talk about real life struggles and trials. I am very honest about what has happened to me and what steps I have had to go through, to not only survive it but learn and grow and be able to eventually thrive each day. I am more than honest about my weakness and insecurities.

I have conquered many things in my life but still struggle in some areas, so daily I have to remind myself of this truth. I have it typed out and put on my mirror.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” 

I actually have memorized it but still I look at it each day, say it out loud and realize that I do so much better on the days that I remember this truth in my mind and heart. It was originally by Marianne Williamson but I think there has been a few different versions out there.

Life is hard and I think ( I KNOW ) it is actually suppose to be at times, because that is when the greatest lessons take place.( if we learn them! )

"The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but for deliverance from fear."  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

A CHALLENGE...

I think every night before we go to bed, we should look at ourselves in the mirror and ask these questions?

"Did I make today better than yesterday?"  "Do I truly understand who I am and my value?" And " Am I happy, truly happy? " ( if not, why?)

Yes, self evaluation is important, otherwise we just get caught up in the BUSY things of our days and maybe forget these important principles. So read this poem again, remember who you are and get out there and make tomorrow a better day than today!  

P.S. Moms, we need to remember everyday ( I am still working on this one ) that if we like who we are and what we see in the mirror, that our children are more likely to do the same. Example is the best teacher!

"Work and live to serve others, to leave the world a little better than you found it and garner for yourself as much peace of mind as you can. This is happiness."   ~ David Sarnoff