Today I was talking to a coworker about her daughter going off to college for her freshman year. She was a shy girl and didn't know anyone at her school so her mom was worried about her. That made me think back to when I first went off to school. In high school I had been shy and introverted, always known as the nice, quiet bookworm. Those who knew me well were aware that I could be loud and opinionated at times. I was so happy when it was time to go off to college, because the people there didn't know anything about me and I could overcome the labels I had been given. I could reinvent myself.
We don't have to wait for these types of situations to arise in order to make a change in ourselves. We can reinvent ourselves every day! There are things that we may recognize within ourselves, that we don't really like and would like to change. Oftentimes we get used to acting and reacting the way we always have. We get stuck in a comfort zone. But if we are able to look at ourselves and realize that a change needs to be made, why not go one step further and try to put that change into action - make it real. If there is something you've always wanted to do, go out and do it! If there is a talent you've always wanted to explore, go for it! If there is a habit you need to break, go cold turkey, or make gradual steps to rid yourself of the behavior. If there is a real you living inside that you've been afraid to show, then feel free to let that other side of you creep out into your daily life! It is such a freeing feeling to reinvent yourself. It brings inspiration, motivation, and gives new life to every thing you do.
Sometimes we are concerned about what others will think of us if we allow other facets of our personality to come to the surface. Sometimes we don't pursue something due to a fear of failure, and other times we don't go forward for fear of success. But whatever the reason, freedom is one step away - and it is up to you to take that step. Even if it is a baby step, it is a step in the right direction.
I have to leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
“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 are all meant to shine, as children do. 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.” – Marianne Williamson
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Stilettos...Size 3-6 Months???
What is going on in the world today?? Ok, I'm a little late getting this out there but about a week ago I read about a disturbing item that is new to the children's market: high heels for babies... Yes you read that correctly! It sounds too ridiculous to be true but I am not making this up! Apparently the shoes are not made to be walked in since the heels collapse when the baby stands upright in them. So this is all for the sake of baby fashion! The fashion industry is already designed so that a mother and child could be wearing the same outfit; but now they are taking it to babies?? And this was started by two moms who were reminiscing about the good old days when their children were babies. And when they threw in their personal shoe fetishes, this is what they came up with. They are sold in leopard satin print, hot pink patent, black satin, zebra satin, black patent and hot pink satin, and come in a little see through “runway bag” with a rhinestone clasp on it. Why? Why? Why? I don't think this is cute - at all. Ok, maybe for a costume party and that is stretching it, but never at any other point in time.
But this brings up the issue of letting kids be kids. Why are we trying to make our babies into adults. They don't need to dress like us or do anything that adults do really...not at this point in their lives. Let babies concentrate on the task of eating, sleeping, learning to crawl, walk, and talk. Do we need to teach our children to be fashion-conscious straight out of the womb? Is it necessary to pass on fashion fetishes and consumerism to our young so early on? I guess it's an individual choice, but it's one that I will opt out of.
But this brings up the issue of letting kids be kids. Why are we trying to make our babies into adults. They don't need to dress like us or do anything that adults do really...not at this point in their lives. Let babies concentrate on the task of eating, sleeping, learning to crawl, walk, and talk. Do we need to teach our children to be fashion-conscious straight out of the womb? Is it necessary to pass on fashion fetishes and consumerism to our young so early on? I guess it's an individual choice, but it's one that I will opt out of.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Create Roots for Your Children
"There are two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings." - Hodding Carter
As parents we all want the best for our children. Sometimes we struggle so hard to keep a roof over their heads and food in their mouths that we are not able to focus on other things that are crucial to their upbringing. We need to teach kids how to be themselves, be true to themselves, and how to value humanity and the earth as a whole. We often wonder how to go about doing that. Time can seem so short, but the hours that we do have with our children need to be spent wisely. I have come across a few books for parents which I have either read or am in the process of reading that I think would be helpful to us all.
The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents by Deepak Chopra
What Do You Really Want for Your Children by Wayne W. Dyer
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman, PhD
Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel, MD and Mary Hartzell, MEd
There are also great books out there for you to read with your children to instill certain principles in their minds and hearts. I've bought some of these for my daughter and she loves reading them. The pictures are bright and beautiful as well as the lessons that are being taught. We have the first two on the list, but the others follow the same sentiments and I plan on purchasing those as well.
Incredible You! 10 Ways to Make Your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, et al.
Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, et al.
No Excuses! How What You Say Can Get in Your Way by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, et al.
I Think, I Am! Teaching Kids the Power of Affirmations by Louise Hay, et al.
It's Not What You've Got by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Reading with your children is quality time at its best. With these books you are able to do three things at once: instill important values, bond with one another, and foster a love of reading. Happy parenting!
As parents we all want the best for our children. Sometimes we struggle so hard to keep a roof over their heads and food in their mouths that we are not able to focus on other things that are crucial to their upbringing. We need to teach kids how to be themselves, be true to themselves, and how to value humanity and the earth as a whole. We often wonder how to go about doing that. Time can seem so short, but the hours that we do have with our children need to be spent wisely. I have come across a few books for parents which I have either read or am in the process of reading that I think would be helpful to us all.
The Seven Spiritual Laws for Parents by Deepak Chopra
What Do You Really Want for Your Children by Wayne W. Dyer
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman, PhD
Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel, MD and Mary Hartzell, MEd
There are also great books out there for you to read with your children to instill certain principles in their minds and hearts. I've bought some of these for my daughter and she loves reading them. The pictures are bright and beautiful as well as the lessons that are being taught. We have the first two on the list, but the others follow the same sentiments and I plan on purchasing those as well.
Incredible You! 10 Ways to Make Your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, et al.
Unstoppable Me! 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, et al.
No Excuses! How What You Say Can Get in Your Way by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, et al.
I Think, I Am! Teaching Kids the Power of Affirmations by Louise Hay, et al.
It's Not What You've Got by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Reading with your children is quality time at its best. With these books you are able to do three things at once: instill important values, bond with one another, and foster a love of reading. Happy parenting!
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