Sunday, July 11, 2010

What is family?

Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins. We know, love and sometimes can't stand them. We can't choose them, but they are the ones that shape who we are and validate our connection by blood.  We have reunions to reconnect, marriages that bring in new family members and little ones that help grow the family.

There is a another aspect of family that we sometimes forget and that is the bond between friends.  We develop the connections sometime as early as pre-k.  We meet and decide that "hey you are going to be my friend" and sometimes those friendships last forever. I met my first close childhood friend Laura in pre-k. It feels weird calling her a friend after over 30 years because she is my sister. She has become so much more to me that calling her a friend just does not suit our bond. The same for Sheree (aka sista love) and the short list goes on.

Some people may think that women have it easy bonding.  Some say since we are emotional creatures it is easier for us to make friends then men which is ridiculous.  Men can get out on the basketball court, hammer away at each other, walk away slapping fives and become best buddies right there.  Women if they are not a part of a sport don't seem to have that same camaraderie.  We have the hang ups about our bodies, our hair and our faith that keep us more than an arms reach from one another.

I sincerely thought when I moved to Georgia I would have that issue but boy was I wrong.  I have met some of the most phenomenal women in my life in Georgia.  There are several but one of which has proven to me that the bond of sisterhood is more than a title but a matter of the heart and her name is Ursula.  My sister is one woman that has continuously empowered, encouraged and most importantly has kept me in her prayers throughout my trek to Georgia.  She is there whenever I call and I'm not a good sleeper so you know I pester her in the middle of the night but she will still give me a word that will keep me encouraged.  Her awesome gift for allowing the spirit to move her and carefully guide her words of wisdom is a gift and a treasure that we all need as part of our family.

Our families are limitless and not confined by the titles the dictionary has given them.  People come into and out of our lives but family members never depart.  Be encouraged today by your extended family.  Those that impact your day, fulfill your life and most importantly empower your spirit. Call them and tell them you love them. I have a shortlist of those extended family members but none the less they chose me and I choose them.

Lovin' you is easy,


J

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Self-expression

Today was a lazy morning.  The kids are on spring break so I did not have the normal hustle and bustle to get them up and off the school. So I slowly got myself ready for work but I really took it easy. I had a nice cup of tea and watch Kimora.  She is hysterical.  This was a two part episode one with her moving and the other one of her giving birth to her new baby boy. She really puts on a show but what I find interesting about her is that although she is this former top model, now busines mogul she is not afraid of showing her softer side.  She is a busy working Mom running her own business, and running it well but keeping the focus on the needs and desires of her family first and thats what I dig about her.

Outside of my once in a while viewing of Kimora, I really don't watch very much tv and if I am watching it's usually a home improvement show and it drives the family crazy.  The great thing about it though is it has sparked the artistic bone with my girls.  They are very unique and expressive.  They will at times sit down and watch a show with me and make suggestions about how they either like or dislike the color scheme or how they would have made the kitchen more grand.  Definitely ladies after my own heart.  Visionaries in the making. 

As parents I think that's what its all about, providing and allowing different views from all aspects of life to filter into our childrens lives.  They should be able to see things and express their ideas freely and openly.  Our job is to provide the whiteboard and some direction but to then allow them to express the vision of their minds eye as uniquely and as captivating as they can be.  My oldest daughter is a writer and the youngest a dancer.  Need I say more?

Lovin' you is easy,


J

Friday, February 26, 2010

Smiles

Just sitting here thinking about my plans for the weekend.  It never seems like there are enough hours in the day to get things done.  With a husband and 4 children (3 of which live at home) the day goes by faster than I can blink my eye.  I sometime sit at the end of the day, (well the end of the normal day should be about 9pm but mind strings along to well after midnight) and wonder what I got accomplished today?  Did I complete all or some of the tasks on my to do list? Did I spend some quality time with my maker? Did I make someone smile? Did I laugh?  I added those last two things because they are a must for me everyday.  I have to make someone smile and I MUST laugh at least once.  That is the only way I keep my balance then if I didn't complete everything on the list at least I know someone was happy today.

And the challenge for this weekend is to spend some time sharing your gifts, talents and love with someone.  Make someone smile this weekend and have fun doing it.  It's infectious...go for it!!


Lovin' you is easy,




J

Friday, January 29, 2010

Day late and a dollar short

We all know that phrase. But do we realize how true it is? We do things and don't even take notice that we were setting a bad example to the little ones that watch out every move.

My baby (9) had to be in school this morning early because she was auditioning for a little event they will be having at school. She is my early bird. She gets up and gently kisses me on the cheek at 6:30 am every Saturday morning. With crust in my eyes I smile and try to ask without assaulting her with morning breath, did you eat breakfast? and she gently says, "no, I'm waiting for you" (too sweet). So anyway, she told me yesterday about her event this morning and I told her remind me in the morning so we are not late. It wasn't until we were in the car on the way to school that I realized, we were just on time. I looked into her big beautiful eyes and understood why she had that little sad face on and I vowed, from that minute I will take heed to the message, a day late and a dollar short.

I promised myself and that sweet little one that I am now challenged with respecting not only my time but the time of others. I will make a difference with my dollar by supporting someone in need instead of buying that snicker bar that I seem to crave about 2'oclock in the afternoon (pray for me on that one). I will stick to my dreams and plans because of their importance to me and I will not let the naysayers influence my purpose driven path. These are yet the small things that I have vowed for my life this year. I have made affirmations to change the things about me that I don't like and to let the things about me I love shine. Being late, overcommitting and frivilous with my spending are my issues, what are yours? No resolutions this year only affirmations that will change my life and influence the lives of those I surround myself with.

I challenge you to a commitment of change. Make a commitment this year to value yourself and others. Be true to you and being true to others will come naturally.

Lovin' you is easy,


J