This is not the type of thing I do. In fact, I have never placed any thoughts in written word for public consumption. But, here I am, doing it. My beautiful daughter tells me it is "my generation….we all have a pre-occupation with keeping private things private." Imagine that.
When Alex left home for college, I decided to numb the "empty nest feelings" with graduate school. Can you see a pattern of defective decision making here? On a more serious note, it was a good opportunity to really think about what I valued in life. Of course, it was obvious that I cherish being a wife, mother, nurse, friend, daughter. But, what words truly represent me and not just the roles I chose to fill?
After years of reading and writing (2 ½ to be exact) I realized that many of my perspectives about life can be seen on the front of our refrigerator. They are tattered and old, but held secure with a handmade magnet created by my now, young adult daughter. Some of my favorites include:
When you engage in fulfilling the needs of others, your own needs are fulfilled as a by-product.
Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to what happens.
Much of what we think matters, doesn't matter as much as we think it does.
Practice moderation in all things.
The best things in life are free.
Make sure you are spending time with the people who matter most to you.
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
Each individual has an opportunity to make a difference.
Count your blessings before falling asleep every night.
Live your truth.
All of these words guide me, in one way or another, on a daily basis. They provide perspective in all situations. It represents the core of who I am. My wish for you, dear daughter, is to value yourself to the extent that you discover what your truth is.
I love you to the moon…
Mama
Submitted by Leslie, proud mama of Alexandra - a beautiful, talented and brave young woman.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
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