Confessions of a Worrier.......

I must admit, from to time, I tend to worry a bit too much about things (and that's putting it lightly). It's in my genes. I come from a long line of worriers. You name it, and I have worried about it. Following are just a FEW (and I stress "Few") examples:

On a Personal Level...

My Kids/Husband.

Finances.

Relatives.

Job Security.

The Cars.

The House.

The Garden.

The Dog.

My Appearance.

The Weather.

Safety and Security.

Getting Lost.

On a Broader Scale...

World Hunger.

War.

Dictatorships.

Human/Civil Rights.

Natural Disasters/Devastation.

Orphaned Children.

The World Market.

I used to feel that being the consummate worrier that I am, was maybe a good thing. It meant that I took things seriously. That I was cautious and therefore well-informed before going forth. That maybe fear was an asset because it helped me to make better/safer decisions.

Unfortunately, I have also realized that by being so worrisome, it has caused me to miss/forfeit opportunities. To hold back on taking some chances. To stunt my growth in certain areas of my life, and worst of all, to develop an anxiety issue.

Being anxious because of worry is never a good thing, unless you are considering jumping off the roof of a building, etc.

In knowing this about myself, I have made efforts in order to control my worry/anxiety/fear. I have to be constantly mindful of that little voice that enables me to dwell, causes me to lose sleep, and stops me from the spontaneity that is sometimes required in life.

I share this with you, dear reader, because I know that I am not the only one who has a difficult time with these issues. To let you know that I can empathize with you. To hold your hand while walking the fine line between realistic caution and concern, and over exaggerated worry and anxiety.

Peace of Mind comes with being able to balance these emotions, moving forward with confidence and care.

Quotes....

And herein lies the meaning of legacy for the good, for all that follow.

It is what we leave behind that is most important.
It is who we have loved that will last throughout eternity.
It is how we have treated others that will leave the impression of empathy and compassion.
It is the lessons we teach our children and those we mentor, about how to be a positive influence to all of those we encounter, that will be perpetuated.
It is the wisdom and knowledge we accumulate and share, that the generations, moving forward, will then put forth to enlighten future mankind.

All these things give me peace of mind for when my time comes to leave this earth and I move on to the next enlightened path.

Be light. Be love. Be everlasting.

Thoughtful Thoughts.......

Be Aware. Be Sensitive. Be Empathetic.

You do not always know where others are coming from ,where they've been and what road they are traveling on.

Balancing Acts.......

And there has been no more prevalent time in my life for this struggle (within myself) as it has been with my teenagers. It's quite the balancing act, for sure. As a parent you must learn to let them go. Even if it is just bit by bit. Each time you loosen the reigns, they grow a little more. Sometimes, you may find that pulling back is just what's needed, in order for you to then, give them even more leeway. It's a constant dance of back and forth.

I'm still in the midst of this give and take phase. I know my children will thrive and most probably turn out to be fine, but I only hope that I will survive this particular journey.

You see, dear read, I'm quite attached to my children as I'm sure many of you are, and the thought of them not being here with me always, is hard for me to wrap my thoughts around. I know reality will kick in soon enough and the fruits of my child rearing labor will ultimately come to fruition.

And yes, logic tells me that this is what is supposed to happen, and that the Universe will be better off as a whole for it. I guess that last thought is what gives me peace of mind. The knowing that they will be contributing great kindness, love and empathy to all that they encounter, throughout their lives.

And in this, I will know full and true pride.

If it's meant to be......

I often find myself saying these words to the ones who are going though a difficult time, suffering with one adversity or another. I feel as though these words, backed with empathy, hold a kind of comforting truth about what's to be.

I think it's nice to know that if things do not work out as you had intended, the reason may be that the universe has something greater planned for you, and wants you to look forward to the positive prospect of it all.

And so, dear reader, I say to you "If it's meant to be, it will be", in order to comfort and guide you to a better place that awaits, for we all deserve to be happy and secure.

Saying "I'm sorry" is just the beginning of our commitment to behave......

"I'm sorry". We've all said it. We've all heard it. We've all meant it (or at least we thought we did). This simple phrase has always meant a great deal to me. Maybe it's because I have never had a problem saying it and then following through on this sincere statement. Or maybe it's because when I hear these words spoken to me I expect the very same sincerity in return and when this does not happen, I find myself disappointed and a little less respectful of the offender.

There are many motivators behind this phrase. Some are quite honest in sincere, while others are based in their own egotistical self preservation. In other words, the only thing they are sorry for is being caught behaving badly and not wanting to suffer any of the consequences.

To be truly sorry means that whatever it is that you are sorry for, after you apologize you are making a commitment to not do whatever it was that you were sorry for in the first place ever again. That's how strongly I feel about this admonition.

I do not want to just hear these words, I want to see action and follow through with this statement every time. You should mean what you say and say what you mean at all times possible, and expect the same respect back.  Do not let others mislead you with these words that you've wanted and deserved to hear, only to have the offender repeat their bad behavior over and over again. In this, these words have absolutely no meaning and you are, at some point, now responsible for allowing this cycle to continue and the pain that ensues because of it.

When my children were very young, teaching them how to properly apologize was of the utmost importance to me (among many other things). After their obligitory "I'm sorry" was spoken, I had them explain, out loud, to what they were sorry for and to promise not to do whatever that was again. Yes, it took quite a while for it all to stick, and I knew it would be a process; but I knew that it would eventually turn into sincerity. I knew that it would make them a bit more empathetic and trustworthy.

In closing, I would just like to reiterate the magnitude of this phrase, "I'm sorry". I would like you, dear reader, to be a bit more mindful when using it yourself and to not accept anything less from those around you who speaks these words to you. Be blessed and be kind.

The constant gloater and braggers......

When good fortune has been bestowed upon a loved one, no matter what your current situation, you should find it in yourself to be genuinely happy for them. That being said, I often run into those who feel a great need to be on a constant mission to gloat and brag so much and so often, it is as though they have a need to prove to those around them that they are better in a most degrading way. All this type of behavior accomplishes is to alienate those around them and cause major resentment. For me, these types are very easy to see through. They tend to be, in reality, very insecure people set on a constant course of self acceptance. They have no peace of mind, while being too self absorbed and clueless to the negative vibe they create around them.

So, I say, if you find that you must spend time with these creatures, my best advice is to not get caught up in their stories of wealth and good fortune. Do not take great notice in their new car, suit, home addition, or even the world cruise they are planning to take. Just sit back and observe, don't feed their needy ego. And when you are able to leave their "space", take a deep breath and be grateful that you would never behave in such a way, for you have great empathy for those around you. You have a peaceful mind.