Thursday 24 October 2013

Reflection

So, here I am, 30 years old. When I was a kid, that was old! And now, that's me. And honestly? I feel the same way I did 10 years ago.....a little fluffier, and a little more sleepy maybe. ;) But, the same.

30 days ago, I started "30 good deeds by 30" And wow. It's been an amazing 30 days. When I first decided to do this, it was a fun way to pass thirty days until my birthday. But it became more than that. Day by day, I would do these nice things for people, and for myself. And as the days went on, I noticed all of the amazing opportunities I was seeing to do something that might just turn another person's day around. It didn't take any money, took very little time, but in a second you can put a smile on someones face. That made me happy. It's not because I'm amazing, or inspiring. It's because I'm human.

I noticed it changing the people around me, too. My mom has started randomly paying for the person in line behind her at the drive thru. My daughter, is being a better friend to kids at school. That makes me happy.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is this; if you really pay attention, there are about a million chances in any given day, to do good. See some trash? Pick it up. Hold the door open for someone. Let someone in front of you in line at the grocery store. See a donation box? It could be for anything, drop your loose change in there. Just smile! This is a huge one. I went out one day, and made it a point to smile at every single person I passed, it was amazing to see the transformation in some people. It doesn't matter what your mood, seeing someone smile at you, it changes you. You can't help but smile back, and when you do, even if it's only for 10 seconds, you feel lighter, happier, relaxed. Just a smile.

Life is short, and what are we here for? To do something good, and special with this gift we've been given. Why not share that? Why not make people happy, and make yourself happy in the process? We can all make a difference. I know that sounds cheesy, but I believe it. In just 30 days, I have become more relaxed, happier, and much less hard on myself.

I hope you have all enjoyed my updates, and haven't found me too annoying. :p
Thanks so much for the encouragement, the last 30 days have been amazing!

Thursday 3 October 2013

Good deed day 9

So, as most of you know, I have been doing good deeds everyday, as a "30 good deeds by my 30th birthday" thing. I have really enjoyed it thus far, and I have gotten so much out of it already. So today, my good deed is this blog post. I want to give shout outs to the most important people in my life.

Rob, sometimes I wonder if you know how much I love you. I wonder if you know how truly wonderful I think you are. We have had a rough year, but we are still here. United, together, in love. And I know it won't always be easy, but I will still be here. When I see you with our children, and the way they look at you, I thank God for you. When I look at my life 50 years from now, it's you who I want at my side.

My children, wow. You are all 3 amazing. I used to think about what being a mother would be like, and it's not anything like I expected. It's better. It's challenging, and frustrating at times, and I know I make mistakes, but loving you 3 will be the most amazing gift I have ever been given. You are all growing up so fast, and I wish I could bottle your childhood, and never let it go, but watching you grow, and the things that you say and do....you leave me in awe everyday. Never, ever forget how much I love you, and always will.

Mom, what can I say? You are amazing. You give so much to everyone, and never ask for anything. You are a warm, caring, and generous person, and never get the credit you deserve. It wasn't until I had children, that I realized all of the sacrifices you made for us growing up. Things that would have never occurred to me. Spending our last $5.00 so that I could have the latest issue of "Bop" Loving me enough to insist on walking me to school until I was in 9th grade. Obviously at the time, I was horrified, but now...I totally get it. That's how much you wanted me safe. Enough to not care how embarrassed I was, or how upset I would be with you. I understand, because that's the way I feel about my own children. You are my closest friend, and the only person that knows all of my secrets. You are the only person I trust with them. I can only hope, that my relationship with my daughter is as amazing as my relationship with you. I love you.

Dad, you have taught me so much. Whether you know this or not, you are the person who has always pushed me to do better. Talking to you, and listening to the way you explain things, and every mannerism you have, reminds me of myself. I am so much like you, and that makes me proud. Because you make me proud. You are easily the smartest person I know. And you make me think, and question things everyday. You have taught me that you can never be too knowledgeable about anything. Growing up we didn't always see eye to eye, well, actually, we never saw eye to eye. But I always loved you so much, and everything I have done, was to make you proud. I hope I've succeeded.

R.J, I could fill a book with how much I love you. You are seriously everything to me. Sometimes I feel like we have a connection that nobody else could ever understand. You get me like nobody else. And we both have the exact same sense of humour, which is awesome! Many of the best times in my life, involve you. And not too many people can say that growing up, their younger brother was their best friend. But that's what you were, and are to me now. I love talking with you, and I love it when you ask me for advice. And seeing how awesome you are to your niece, and nephews just makes me so happy. And I really hope they are just as close as we are. I love you, little brother.

Tia, and Bobbi, you girls, I just love you both so much. You never hesitate to tell me the hard truth, when I need to hear it. And I love you for that. I love that I don't need to reel in my twisted sense of humour around you both, and that you will be laughing right along with me. I never have as much fun with anyone else. You two got me through the hardest time in my life, and helped me to laugh again, for that I will always be grateful. I know that we don't always see eye to eye, but whether one of us takes a walk to Arby's to cool down, or we put on our headphones to drown the other out, or we just flat out ignore each other. I know we will sort things out, even if it takes a year(right Tia. Lol) And, years from now, we'll still be bitching to each other about anything and everything.

My girls(you know who you are), who knew I could meet some of the most amazing ladies in my life, on a message board? I am still amazed everyday, at how lucky I am to have you all in my life. Not only have you been invaluable when it came to questions about babies/toddlers, but you have also become some of my closest friends. You all mean so much to me, and the support and love that I have felt from you all, time and again, is so wonderful. I thank my lucky stars everyday that I "met" you all.

Obviously I can't include everyone in my life, but I have to say, that even if you're not on this list, you have made an impact on my life. You have helped me become the person I am today, and I love you for that. And I love you for what you bring to my life, even if it's anger/sadness/frustration...you are still challenging me to be a better person, and you are reminding me that everyone has a story, and you never truly know what someone else is going through.