I really do believe that, as women (and men), we don’t value what we bring to the table. Whether you’re a stay at home parent, working in ministry/non-profit, or a member of the corporate world, chances are you don’t see the gifts you possess. To be quite honest, you are better than you think you are.
Now, you’re probably asking, “Where is this one coming from?” Well, it’s coming from my own reflections.
It’s not a self-esteem thing, I think that I’m a pretty good person and like who I am, it’s just difficult to identify my own strengths that make me a modern day “superhero” if you will. I see so many people out there and think I wish I was more like or I wish I could like .
We’ve all done it, and while comparisons inspire us and challenge us to be better in life, we also can’t forget what we do bring to the table.
In fact, I recently had a conversation where I used, my common phrase of, “I’m not anyone special, I’m not doing anything above and beyond to make a difference in the world, I’m just me…” the tables were turned to the oh so famous quote of “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
Now, cheese and joking aside, it’s something we forget. If you sat down and asked me where I was lacking in life, I could give you a laundry list of items…I wish I was a better musician, I wish I was more artistic, I’m not organized enough, healthy enough, I wish I could love like Mother Teresa, etc. We’re all really good at finding the “not good enough” areas in our lives.
Here’s the thing, if we continue to harp on what we can’t do, we’ll never be able to have healthy relationships, we won't be good friends, good spouses, parents, employees, or just happy people in this world because we're too busy focusing on what's wrong rather than what's right with the world. It’s almost as if we need to get a check up, put on those new glasses, and try to see ourselves the way the world sees us.
If you get nothing else from reading this blog, please know that you are perfectly you and that makes you very special.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Day 9 of 30
So here we are, Day 9 of 30. I have not been on a date in a little while…although, now that sentence makes me sound like an addict. Hahahaha…
Let me make it official, Hi, I’m addicted to online/bad dates, it’s been 18 days since the last one. Hahahaha…
Seriously, I thought I’d give you a quick update on how things are progressing. It is liberating to not have to sit in another bad date, to know that I can focus my energies else where, and to know that I’m taking the stand to say, “I want more and I deserve better.”
On the flip side, Mr. Louisiana randomly called me today. I think it shows signs of my progress. It's like guys have a radar for these things. Just when you're moving on, they want to call you. Fortunately, I'm so far beyond this one that there's nothing he can say for his odd behavior.
Here are some random thoughts from the last 9 days:
I need the quiet. I don’t mean that I need to sit in a place all by myself every day, I just need down time. Lately I’ve had the opportunity for a lot of quiet time, and it has really helped. If you haven’t taken time out of your day, no matter what time it is, to just be still and be in that moment, try it. If you’re uncomfortable with being so still, start small…it works
I hate text messaging, I do. While it is convenient, I’m so tired of people texting me. More specifically, I can’t stand it when a guy is interested in you but only wants to text. Text messaging is fine on occasion, but if it’s your primary means of communication, it becomes more annoying than any thing else. No one can develop a relationship via texts.
I want to meet the guys from the Buried Life…they inspire me, they decided to try something and they made it happen.
Of course we don’t fast from something without putting something else in its place. I’ve been praying the rosary on a daily basis as well as a 30-day novena to St. Joseph. I can say that I’m feeling more centered and more at peace with what’s going on right now.
Additionally, there are some big changes and moves on the horizon. I’m excited where life is heading and look forward to seeing what else life has to offer.
Let me make it official, Hi, I’m addicted to online/bad dates, it’s been 18 days since the last one. Hahahaha…
Seriously, I thought I’d give you a quick update on how things are progressing. It is liberating to not have to sit in another bad date, to know that I can focus my energies else where, and to know that I’m taking the stand to say, “I want more and I deserve better.”
On the flip side, Mr. Louisiana randomly called me today. I think it shows signs of my progress. It's like guys have a radar for these things. Just when you're moving on, they want to call you. Fortunately, I'm so far beyond this one that there's nothing he can say for his odd behavior.
Here are some random thoughts from the last 9 days:
I need the quiet. I don’t mean that I need to sit in a place all by myself every day, I just need down time. Lately I’ve had the opportunity for a lot of quiet time, and it has really helped. If you haven’t taken time out of your day, no matter what time it is, to just be still and be in that moment, try it. If you’re uncomfortable with being so still, start small…it works
I hate text messaging, I do. While it is convenient, I’m so tired of people texting me. More specifically, I can’t stand it when a guy is interested in you but only wants to text. Text messaging is fine on occasion, but if it’s your primary means of communication, it becomes more annoying than any thing else. No one can develop a relationship via texts.
I want to meet the guys from the Buried Life…they inspire me, they decided to try something and they made it happen.
Of course we don’t fast from something without putting something else in its place. I’ve been praying the rosary on a daily basis as well as a 30-day novena to St. Joseph. I can say that I’m feeling more centered and more at peace with what’s going on right now.
Additionally, there are some big changes and moves on the horizon. I’m excited where life is heading and look forward to seeing what else life has to offer.
having a sense of humor Part deux
Sorry the next entry took a little while, but that’s what happens when we get busy!
So, we were at Yaga’s minding our own business, when we noticed a trio that looked like they came straight off the set of Jersey shore. Mind you, that I’m in Galveston, not anywhere near Jersey.
Of course, it was hard not to have a giggle when you saw them and instantly think of the Jersey shore and the greatest dance move of this generation, Fist Pumping. Of course we were quickly busted when one of us made the fist pumping movement.
Drunk 1: Were you making fun of us?
B: Um…no, we were talking about the Jersey shore is all…
Drunk 1: You were totally making fun of my friends, it’s ok, I make fun of them too. I’m the token Mexican who hangs with them…did you know my mom is really Italian, so I’m part Italian. (meanwhile I’m thinking, my poor poor friend).
Those two go one chatting for a while, Drunk 2 leaves to get more booze and to find a poofy-haired, tight skirt wearing lady of his own. Drunk 3 was actually fairly sober and looking around to find a more interesting conversation while monitoring Drunk 1.
Things got interesting as Drunk 1 asked to borrow a pair of glasses so he could read his text messages. Who knew that someone else’s glasses could help you read your text messages?! Of course that led to more laughter, me making fun of him, and all three ladies shaking our head at how sad and funny this situation was.
Drunk 1 decided to catch our names since he had been so enamored by B (sorry, lady, you know he was SO into you…that’s why he asked where your husband was…hahahaha). Any way, I digress…he introduced himself to us, but I of course had to provoke him.
See, what I forgot to tell you is that not only is he a B.O.I. (that’s island speak for a true Galvestonian, Born on the Island), but we went to school together for a few years. Yes, for some reason, I am that person that people see and then, even when we rode home from school together, they proceed to ask if we’ve ever met. I was a little shyer in high school, but I still look more or less the same. I never buy that excuse...even if it was true, play it off people!
Any way, Drunk 1 was not happy when I started telling him quite a few things about himself that I knew, Drunk 2 was MIA, and Drunk 3 was really trying to see if/how he remembered me. Oh well, Drunk 1 went downhill very quickly; his friends took care of him.
We left Yaga’s, I opted for a famous Hot Dog lady which is where I met Frank. As I was chatting with the Hot Dog lady, I told her that we managed to meet most of the Galveston drunks, which is when Frank said, “Hi, I’m Frank, now you’ve met all the drunks in Galveston.”
Needless to say, the night ended with quite a few laughs!
I always love going out with the ladies, good friends, good music, and good pizza is always the start to a FANTASTIC night! :)
So, we were at Yaga’s minding our own business, when we noticed a trio that looked like they came straight off the set of Jersey shore. Mind you, that I’m in Galveston, not anywhere near Jersey.
Of course, it was hard not to have a giggle when you saw them and instantly think of the Jersey shore and the greatest dance move of this generation, Fist Pumping. Of course we were quickly busted when one of us made the fist pumping movement.
Drunk 1: Were you making fun of us?
B: Um…no, we were talking about the Jersey shore is all…
Drunk 1: You were totally making fun of my friends, it’s ok, I make fun of them too. I’m the token Mexican who hangs with them…did you know my mom is really Italian, so I’m part Italian. (meanwhile I’m thinking, my poor poor friend).
Those two go one chatting for a while, Drunk 2 leaves to get more booze and to find a poofy-haired, tight skirt wearing lady of his own. Drunk 3 was actually fairly sober and looking around to find a more interesting conversation while monitoring Drunk 1.
Things got interesting as Drunk 1 asked to borrow a pair of glasses so he could read his text messages. Who knew that someone else’s glasses could help you read your text messages?! Of course that led to more laughter, me making fun of him, and all three ladies shaking our head at how sad and funny this situation was.
Drunk 1 decided to catch our names since he had been so enamored by B (sorry, lady, you know he was SO into you…that’s why he asked where your husband was…hahahaha). Any way, I digress…he introduced himself to us, but I of course had to provoke him.
See, what I forgot to tell you is that not only is he a B.O.I. (that’s island speak for a true Galvestonian, Born on the Island), but we went to school together for a few years. Yes, for some reason, I am that person that people see and then, even when we rode home from school together, they proceed to ask if we’ve ever met. I was a little shyer in high school, but I still look more or less the same. I never buy that excuse...even if it was true, play it off people!
Any way, Drunk 1 was not happy when I started telling him quite a few things about himself that I knew, Drunk 2 was MIA, and Drunk 3 was really trying to see if/how he remembered me. Oh well, Drunk 1 went downhill very quickly; his friends took care of him.
We left Yaga’s, I opted for a famous Hot Dog lady which is where I met Frank. As I was chatting with the Hot Dog lady, I told her that we managed to meet most of the Galveston drunks, which is when Frank said, “Hi, I’m Frank, now you’ve met all the drunks in Galveston.”
Needless to say, the night ended with quite a few laughs!
I always love going out with the ladies, good friends, good music, and good pizza is always the start to a FANTASTIC night! :)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
You have to have a sense of humor in life...
So I was out with two friends, it was Friday night, technically Saturday morning and we decided to grab some pizza after a fantastic show at the House of Blues. Fortunately (or unfortunately?) the night turned out to be one that advocated for sobriety.
No seriously, I think we met all the drunken fools out in Galveston that night. Let me share our experiences with you.
Guy #1
Leaning on the bar, we walk up to order pizza. He turns around, looks at us and says, “You ladies are cute! Let me buy you shots…I think we need to all take shots.” Now, while any single gal should be flattered that this bachelor thought all of us were equally cute and deserving of a free shot, this was not just any bachelor. Oh no, we was drunk, slurring, and I noticed that he had been talking to a lady friend when we walked in (good ol’ hawk eyes at the bar).
Me being the sarcastic one that I am was of coursed pegged as the ball buster. Hey buddy, you were looking at a bracelet to ask “What’s that.” How else do you want me to react when you’re pointing to a bracelet?! Oh well, we ordered our pizzas, begrudgingly accepted a free beer, and moved as far away as possible. Personally, it was funny to watch how quickly his lady friend forgot about the starring down my friend and went back to what turned into a snog-fest at the bar. Oh well…it was officially time to wait on pizza
Guy #2
We were in the midst of laughing about Guy #1 and eating pizza that we unintentionally let our guard down. This was of course our first mistake.
This was more of a group of guys who had been drinking for about 4-5 hours. The one who really decided to focus his attentions on me started with a creative line of something that I believe was “Let me buy you ladies a shot” (Oy ve, what is with these shots?!).
As he proceeded to discuss what was in the shot (which took at least 15 minutes because he couldn’t remember the complicated recipe of Malibu, pineapple juice, and Peach Schnapps).
Meanwhile, I’m practically leaning out of my chair while trying to persuade this young bachelor that pizza or water may be a better choice at this point. As we finished our pizza, I went to pay the bill. Of course, my suitor decided to court me at the bar. No, it wasn’t in the way of more free drinks. Instead, he decided to grind on the side of my thigh. As much as I love no-rhythm white boys between the drunkenness and his package on the side of my legs, I didn’t know what to do. I mean, my gut would be to knee him, but I couldn’t stop laughing at how pathetic and ridiculous this all was getting.
Fortunately, the bartender, a.k.a. my savior, kicked him and his buddies out. And, even better, one friend was stone cold sober because he had just gotten his truck out of the shop from a previous “incident”
Guy #3
Oh well, the night was young, so why not hit up some of the Galveston staples. On to Tsunami/Yaga’s…good old faithful. Well, it seemed the theme of drunkenness was not over. In the mean time, this blog is getting a little long, so, stay tuned…
To Be Continued…
No seriously, I think we met all the drunken fools out in Galveston that night. Let me share our experiences with you.
Guy #1
Leaning on the bar, we walk up to order pizza. He turns around, looks at us and says, “You ladies are cute! Let me buy you shots…I think we need to all take shots.” Now, while any single gal should be flattered that this bachelor thought all of us were equally cute and deserving of a free shot, this was not just any bachelor. Oh no, we was drunk, slurring, and I noticed that he had been talking to a lady friend when we walked in (good ol’ hawk eyes at the bar).
Me being the sarcastic one that I am was of coursed pegged as the ball buster. Hey buddy, you were looking at a bracelet to ask “What’s that.” How else do you want me to react when you’re pointing to a bracelet?! Oh well, we ordered our pizzas, begrudgingly accepted a free beer, and moved as far away as possible. Personally, it was funny to watch how quickly his lady friend forgot about the starring down my friend and went back to what turned into a snog-fest at the bar. Oh well…it was officially time to wait on pizza
Guy #2
We were in the midst of laughing about Guy #1 and eating pizza that we unintentionally let our guard down. This was of course our first mistake.
This was more of a group of guys who had been drinking for about 4-5 hours. The one who really decided to focus his attentions on me started with a creative line of something that I believe was “Let me buy you ladies a shot” (Oy ve, what is with these shots?!).
As he proceeded to discuss what was in the shot (which took at least 15 minutes because he couldn’t remember the complicated recipe of Malibu, pineapple juice, and Peach Schnapps).
Meanwhile, I’m practically leaning out of my chair while trying to persuade this young bachelor that pizza or water may be a better choice at this point. As we finished our pizza, I went to pay the bill. Of course, my suitor decided to court me at the bar. No, it wasn’t in the way of more free drinks. Instead, he decided to grind on the side of my thigh. As much as I love no-rhythm white boys between the drunkenness and his package on the side of my legs, I didn’t know what to do. I mean, my gut would be to knee him, but I couldn’t stop laughing at how pathetic and ridiculous this all was getting.
Fortunately, the bartender, a.k.a. my savior, kicked him and his buddies out. And, even better, one friend was stone cold sober because he had just gotten his truck out of the shop from a previous “incident”
Guy #3
Oh well, the night was young, so why not hit up some of the Galveston staples. On to Tsunami/Yaga’s…good old faithful. Well, it seemed the theme of drunkenness was not over. In the mean time, this blog is getting a little long, so, stay tuned…
To Be Continued…
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Self Reflection - Day 1 of 30
So, it’s time for a new blog entry. I don’t have any dates planned, but I’m going to see what the future holds.
After a long conversation with a dear friend this past weekend, I was posed with the question, “what are you doing? You’re right, you can’t get those hours of your life back, so why are you wasting time on guys that can’t treat you the way you deserve to be treated.” Funny enough, a few hours later I had another conversation with a friend who asked if I was dating for the sake of blogging or if I was dating because I was genuinely interested.
I think that the bad dates and experiences were a way to put myself out there without having to worry about any real substance. You know, it’s dating, but only 50% rather than 100%. C’mon, I’m not an idiot…I know when a guy is a dud. I still believe in giving everyone a chance; however, some of the not-so-great-dates are more about me than them.
I’ve decided to scale back on these dates. The blog is about putting myself out there; however, it’s also about sharing a piece of who I am with all of you on this journey to self discovery and fulfilling what I’m called to do in this life.
I still have profiles on the online websites, but after the last “date” I figured that I have had enough. I am not going to actively pursue anyone for the rest of lent. So, for the next 30 days, I’m going to spend my energy on other things like prayer, making sure the teens in my post-confirmation class make these service projects happen, and just spending time with people I love rather than people I tolerate.
It doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop writing a blog, and it definitely doesn’t mean I’m going to stop dating (HELLO, this is me we’re talking about), it just means that it’s time to take a step back and be still.
After all, how can we appreciate the beauty of the season of Lent without some quite and reflection?
After a long conversation with a dear friend this past weekend, I was posed with the question, “what are you doing? You’re right, you can’t get those hours of your life back, so why are you wasting time on guys that can’t treat you the way you deserve to be treated.” Funny enough, a few hours later I had another conversation with a friend who asked if I was dating for the sake of blogging or if I was dating because I was genuinely interested.
I think that the bad dates and experiences were a way to put myself out there without having to worry about any real substance. You know, it’s dating, but only 50% rather than 100%. C’mon, I’m not an idiot…I know when a guy is a dud. I still believe in giving everyone a chance; however, some of the not-so-great-dates are more about me than them.
I’ve decided to scale back on these dates. The blog is about putting myself out there; however, it’s also about sharing a piece of who I am with all of you on this journey to self discovery and fulfilling what I’m called to do in this life.
I still have profiles on the online websites, but after the last “date” I figured that I have had enough. I am not going to actively pursue anyone for the rest of lent. So, for the next 30 days, I’m going to spend my energy on other things like prayer, making sure the teens in my post-confirmation class make these service projects happen, and just spending time with people I love rather than people I tolerate.
It doesn’t mean that I’m going to stop writing a blog, and it definitely doesn’t mean I’m going to stop dating (HELLO, this is me we’re talking about), it just means that it’s time to take a step back and be still.
After all, how can we appreciate the beauty of the season of Lent without some quite and reflection?
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