Today, I walked through the grocery store doing my last minute shopping. The store was filled with associates eagerly stocking shelves, frantic customers looking for Thanksgiving goodies, and tons of disgruntled customers grumbling about long lines, lack of their desired staple, and other choice words.
I bobbed and weaved through the maze of people and running children as I scratched off each item on my list. I was ready to grumble until I remembered why I was there and realized that this day was one of blessings, and thanks. I smiled, said a pleasant “excuse me sir or ma’am.” I exchanged polite conversation and pleasantries with the cashier and off I went.
After all, Thanksgiving is about sharing love, being kind to your fellow man, and expressing gratitude to one and all. Sometimes, I have to force myself to be thankful and overlook the small subtleties that want to derail me from what this holiday, and everyday should be about. I force myself to express sympathy when the kids are running up and down the hall and one of them gets hurt. That is, despite being told at least a dozen times not to run in the house.
I force a smile when my hubby says, “Hey honey, tomorrow, I’m going out for a few hours.” That is despite knowing I still need to get to the store, make lunch and dinner for this day, and prepare for tomorrow’s dinner. I have to smile lovingly and realize he needs to recharge as much as I do.
I stop and remember that I love my family and they love me too. Even though the day is hectic and stress level can be high, we take one day out of the whole year to express our sincere gratitude and affection for one another.
I really appreciate it when I learn that there are simple tips and tricks that I can employ that help me focus on the family and not solely on the day of cooking or other thing that wants to distract me.
1. Plan ahead and establish a menu.
2. Decide ahead of time who will make what.
3. Give everyone a job so that everyone feels like they are helping the family.
4. Find shortcuts that help in food preparation: pre-sliced or diced items (i.e. cheese, collard greens, carrots, lettuce, etc.).
5. Prepare as much as possible the day before so you only have minor things to do on the actual Thanksgiving Day (i.e. - boil the macaroni, make the pies, make the potato salad, etc.).
Don’t forget to enjoy the day and share special memories with your family. Laugh out loud and enjoy your family this holiday season.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
How Far Will You Go?
As any pregnant woman, mom, or spouse knows, somewhere in the 25th or 26th week of pregnancy, women have to take a glucose tolerance test. Basically, the test is administered to ensure that a woman is not on the verge of developing gestational diabetes causing both the baby and mother to have health complications.
Anyway, as is my normal routine with the past 3 children, I take the one hour and I have yet to fall within the "normal range." Because my body was not able to fully break down the glucose juice, I had to follow-up with the 3 hour long glucose test. Each time I take the 3 hour test, it comes back well within the normal range. This is normally a good indication that all is fine with both me and the baby.
Since moving to New Orleans and having a different Obstetrician, I have found that some physicians are more than just cautious. They are overly cautious. Despite my previous medical history, my knowledge of my own body, and diet, my current OB decided that he would lump me with his group of "diabetic" patients. Oh, I guess I should state again...I am NOT Diabetic. I merely was 7 points higher than the allowable "normal" range for my one hour test. This could have been caused by my eating too much candy from Holloween, or my late night snack every night before going to bed, or even not drinking enough water the previous few days.
Therefore, my OB prescribed me to perform four skin pricks per day, draw blood, and then record the results in a journal. He wants me to do this for the next two to three months. His logic and rationale is that by monitoring my blood level daily, he can ensure that I don't fall in the gestational diabetic realm (because I scored 7 pounds outside of the normal range on my 1 hour test and the 3 hour was normal).
How far should I go to stand up for my beliefs and wishes? I know that I am not nor have I ever been diabetic. I will not idly stand by and be a pin cushion, nor will I allow my doctor to solely determine what he feels is best for me. I appreciate his experience and wisdom, yet I reserve the right to respectively disagree and decline. A part of health care is open discourse and discussion with my health care provider. I could choose a different provider, but what if I go from bad to worse? What if I choose a different provider and have no connection with that physician? What if that physician is worse than this one? What if I stay where I am and do nothing?
Open discussion is the course of action that I am going to choose. However, I will stand my ground and express myself. I will not continue to do the skin pricks nor will I subject myself to mindless testing all for the sake of "caution." It is time that patients stand up for their right to have a say so in their healthcare. It is time that we take an active interest in our health and the course of treatment that effect us and our families. Whether you are a pregnant woman, mother of children, grandmother or father, or anyone needing healthcare, this message is for you. it is time we stand up and become informed on our health, our options, and our insurance.
It seems that in this time of healthcare debates and reform, open discussion is needed now more than ever. We have to want to be informed, get involved, and take an active interest in our lives. In order to laugh out loud, and enjoy our families today, everyday, and in the future, we have to step out of our normal routine and do all we have to do to ensure our health, safety, and care.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season!
Anyway, as is my normal routine with the past 3 children, I take the one hour and I have yet to fall within the "normal range." Because my body was not able to fully break down the glucose juice, I had to follow-up with the 3 hour long glucose test. Each time I take the 3 hour test, it comes back well within the normal range. This is normally a good indication that all is fine with both me and the baby.
Since moving to New Orleans and having a different Obstetrician, I have found that some physicians are more than just cautious. They are overly cautious. Despite my previous medical history, my knowledge of my own body, and diet, my current OB decided that he would lump me with his group of "diabetic" patients. Oh, I guess I should state again...I am NOT Diabetic. I merely was 7 points higher than the allowable "normal" range for my one hour test. This could have been caused by my eating too much candy from Holloween, or my late night snack every night before going to bed, or even not drinking enough water the previous few days.
Therefore, my OB prescribed me to perform four skin pricks per day, draw blood, and then record the results in a journal. He wants me to do this for the next two to three months. His logic and rationale is that by monitoring my blood level daily, he can ensure that I don't fall in the gestational diabetic realm (because I scored 7 pounds outside of the normal range on my 1 hour test and the 3 hour was normal).
How far should I go to stand up for my beliefs and wishes? I know that I am not nor have I ever been diabetic. I will not idly stand by and be a pin cushion, nor will I allow my doctor to solely determine what he feels is best for me. I appreciate his experience and wisdom, yet I reserve the right to respectively disagree and decline. A part of health care is open discourse and discussion with my health care provider. I could choose a different provider, but what if I go from bad to worse? What if I choose a different provider and have no connection with that physician? What if that physician is worse than this one? What if I stay where I am and do nothing?
Open discussion is the course of action that I am going to choose. However, I will stand my ground and express myself. I will not continue to do the skin pricks nor will I subject myself to mindless testing all for the sake of "caution." It is time that patients stand up for their right to have a say so in their healthcare. It is time that we take an active interest in our health and the course of treatment that effect us and our families. Whether you are a pregnant woman, mother of children, grandmother or father, or anyone needing healthcare, this message is for you. it is time we stand up and become informed on our health, our options, and our insurance.
It seems that in this time of healthcare debates and reform, open discussion is needed now more than ever. We have to want to be informed, get involved, and take an active interest in our lives. In order to laugh out loud, and enjoy our families today, everyday, and in the future, we have to step out of our normal routine and do all we have to do to ensure our health, safety, and care.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas season!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Inspect What You Expect
I remember being a mid-twenty something sitting in a relatively warm church hearing the words, "inspect what you expect." At first, it seemed to only have relevance for that particular message. It was not until later that my husband kept repeating the same words to me when I got disappointed by someone who I had asked to do something and they had either not completed the task, or it was not up to the standard I expected or knew they were capable. He just uttered "inspect what you expect." In my brain, if I show you how to do a thing, then watch you do it once or twice, and you say, you understand, I believe we're good and I don't have to micromanage the task or the person.
Just this past week, I had to "inspect what I expected." However, this time, it was from the smallest members of our household. They had been given a task to perform and little did I know, they did their rendition of the task, but it was way below the standard that was set. I am still learning that I have to "inspect what I expect" and not feel like it is micromanaging or showing a lack of confidence. I guess, it's something that I just have to deal with and get over.
In reality, we all give our children tasks that we know they are capable of achieving with proficiency. What is our reaction when they fail to perform to the level of our expectations? Do we yell, shake our heads in disbelief, or take the time to show them how to properly do it? Do we check on our children with regularity to ensure that they have an understanding of what is being asked? Have we taught our children to ask for help when they need it? Have we taught that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of a truly intelligent person who wants to get better and show a mastery of what they have been given? Have we linked our expectations with a character trait that is quantifiable and has the ability to produce amazing adults?
Is this all to deep? I hope not, because if I am confronted with this little piece of normalcy, I am sure other parents are as well. Hopefully, we all respond that we are thinking of the future and not just the present. We are teaching our children how to be self-sufficient and to value certain traits such as dedication, honoring standards set and exceeding them, and learning to ask for help to do their best. At the end of the day, we have to "inspect what we expect" until it is shown and proven with consistency that the person has a mastery of the task being performed.
After exhaling, reaffirming my intentions, and demonstrating what was expected, I laughed out loud, and enjoyed yet another life lesson with my children! I invite you to do the same.
Just this past week, I had to "inspect what I expected." However, this time, it was from the smallest members of our household. They had been given a task to perform and little did I know, they did their rendition of the task, but it was way below the standard that was set. I am still learning that I have to "inspect what I expect" and not feel like it is micromanaging or showing a lack of confidence. I guess, it's something that I just have to deal with and get over.
In reality, we all give our children tasks that we know they are capable of achieving with proficiency. What is our reaction when they fail to perform to the level of our expectations? Do we yell, shake our heads in disbelief, or take the time to show them how to properly do it? Do we check on our children with regularity to ensure that they have an understanding of what is being asked? Have we taught our children to ask for help when they need it? Have we taught that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of a truly intelligent person who wants to get better and show a mastery of what they have been given? Have we linked our expectations with a character trait that is quantifiable and has the ability to produce amazing adults?
Is this all to deep? I hope not, because if I am confronted with this little piece of normalcy, I am sure other parents are as well. Hopefully, we all respond that we are thinking of the future and not just the present. We are teaching our children how to be self-sufficient and to value certain traits such as dedication, honoring standards set and exceeding them, and learning to ask for help to do their best. At the end of the day, we have to "inspect what we expect" until it is shown and proven with consistency that the person has a mastery of the task being performed.
After exhaling, reaffirming my intentions, and demonstrating what was expected, I laughed out loud, and enjoyed yet another life lesson with my children! I invite you to do the same.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Yellow Blurry Lines
It's been way to long since I last wrote, but alas, I finally remembered to be inspired to take some time away from life's little nuances.
As I drove home from picking up the kids today, I noticed that traffic was unusually slow in one area. Assuming it was because of the four foot wide dimple holes or the six inch high raised and cracked streets, I didn't think too much about it. However, when I finally got to the main area down the street, I noticed the big yellow arrow telling all the drivers in the right lane to merge with the left lane. Again, I was curious, but let my lingering thoughts and kids' conversation take over my mind. It wasn't until I drove past the arrow that I saw three men walking along side a machine making yellow lines down the middle of the road that I was taken aback.
I was a little upset to say the least. How can the City of New Orleans waste the tax payer money with man hours and yellow blurry lines in the street when the potholes, dimples, and raised asphalt are in dire need of repair? How can they lose sight of the bigger issue that causes accidents; in lieu of the minor cosmetic changes being made? Yes, there were existing blurry lines which drivers saw, or inadvertently knew were there, regardless of the painted yellow lines now being made.
Immediately, my common sense ceased my thoughts and I had to realize that as a parent, I can be like the City! I can lose sight of the many wonderful things I desire to do with my children because of my focus on their immediate behavior lapses or even my own issues. I focus on the now instead of the bigger picture of the future. I choose to forsake what I truly desire to see happen in an effort to quell the concerns of now.
How many of us out there can admit to losing sight of what's important in the lives of our families? I stand up first and admit that I've taken my eyes off of the prize and settled for something that is more tangible that I can touch and feel. It is not necessarily wrong, but it is something that I know I have compromised upon. However, I make a stance right here and now to not compromise on my goals, visions, and dreams for my family. I vow to keep my eyes focused on building a great future through making memories. I will not look at one test with a poor grade and yell at my child. I will not yell for not jumping to attention the moment I request it. I will focus on character building traits that will ultimately help my children to be responsible, compassionate, helpful, resourceful people who always strive to do their best in every situation. In essence, I will fix the streets first (keep my eyes on the bigger prize) and not make yellow lines instead (immediate concerns of now)!
Until next time, ponder that thought, laugh out loud and love on your family today.
As I drove home from picking up the kids today, I noticed that traffic was unusually slow in one area. Assuming it was because of the four foot wide dimple holes or the six inch high raised and cracked streets, I didn't think too much about it. However, when I finally got to the main area down the street, I noticed the big yellow arrow telling all the drivers in the right lane to merge with the left lane. Again, I was curious, but let my lingering thoughts and kids' conversation take over my mind. It wasn't until I drove past the arrow that I saw three men walking along side a machine making yellow lines down the middle of the road that I was taken aback.
I was a little upset to say the least. How can the City of New Orleans waste the tax payer money with man hours and yellow blurry lines in the street when the potholes, dimples, and raised asphalt are in dire need of repair? How can they lose sight of the bigger issue that causes accidents; in lieu of the minor cosmetic changes being made? Yes, there were existing blurry lines which drivers saw, or inadvertently knew were there, regardless of the painted yellow lines now being made.
Immediately, my common sense ceased my thoughts and I had to realize that as a parent, I can be like the City! I can lose sight of the many wonderful things I desire to do with my children because of my focus on their immediate behavior lapses or even my own issues. I focus on the now instead of the bigger picture of the future. I choose to forsake what I truly desire to see happen in an effort to quell the concerns of now.
How many of us out there can admit to losing sight of what's important in the lives of our families? I stand up first and admit that I've taken my eyes off of the prize and settled for something that is more tangible that I can touch and feel. It is not necessarily wrong, but it is something that I know I have compromised upon. However, I make a stance right here and now to not compromise on my goals, visions, and dreams for my family. I vow to keep my eyes focused on building a great future through making memories. I will not look at one test with a poor grade and yell at my child. I will not yell for not jumping to attention the moment I request it. I will focus on character building traits that will ultimately help my children to be responsible, compassionate, helpful, resourceful people who always strive to do their best in every situation. In essence, I will fix the streets first (keep my eyes on the bigger prize) and not make yellow lines instead (immediate concerns of now)!
Until next time, ponder that thought, laugh out loud and love on your family today.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Oasis In the Bayou
Today we had our weekly family outing, 'family time.' We decided to go to a place that many have told us is a great catch all park where the kids can run, jump, and have a bunch of fun. We were wholly unprepared for the surprise we were about to embark upon.
Driving past lots of dilapidated houses and remnants of Hurricane Katrina, we did not know what to expect. Suddenly, we turn a corner and see a huge welcoming sign followed by full tennis courts, large and beautiful trees that lazily hang over the streets and create a sense of complete serenity.
We park our car, get out and begin to walk towards the amusement park that is housed within this great park. We hear cheers, screams, smell the wonderful aroma of barbecue and popcorn. With excitement, the kids jump up and down in utter surprise as we prepare to enter the amusement park. Ride after ride, they are filled with youthful joy and plan out their next move. All we hear are calls of "Can we go on that next? Can we get a snow cone? Can we play in the park now dad?"
It was hot and humid, but nothing could replace the pure delight and joy expressed by all three children as they happily ran from ride to ride. No long lines. No huge park congestion. No fear of losing your child! It is the perfect size for family fun. The park is big enough to not get completely bored, but small enough to be contained in one afternoon. There was even a great park full of a fire truck, a space ship, fairy tale depictions, and serenity. It was a veritable cornucopia of juxtapositions of imagery and imaginations.
We had to stop momentarily to eat lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, or nachos were the main menu items. Not really a great assortment, but now we know we can bring food into the park. (Mental note for next time.) After lunch, the kids went on a few more rides and we finalized it all up with snow cones and slushies.
For only the second time since we arrived in New Orleans, once we got back to the hotel, the children fell right asleep for a nap. Any day where the kids can be kids (sweat, laugh, get messy, scream, run, jump, and smile all day) is a great day!
We had a ball Laughing Out Loud, and Enjoying Our Children and Family Time Today! Find something that you can do that helps you to Laugh Out Loud and Enjoy Your Children today! No matter whether the kids are 2, 15, or 25!
Driving past lots of dilapidated houses and remnants of Hurricane Katrina, we did not know what to expect. Suddenly, we turn a corner and see a huge welcoming sign followed by full tennis courts, large and beautiful trees that lazily hang over the streets and create a sense of complete serenity.
We park our car, get out and begin to walk towards the amusement park that is housed within this great park. We hear cheers, screams, smell the wonderful aroma of barbecue and popcorn. With excitement, the kids jump up and down in utter surprise as we prepare to enter the amusement park. Ride after ride, they are filled with youthful joy and plan out their next move. All we hear are calls of "Can we go on that next? Can we get a snow cone? Can we play in the park now dad?"
It was hot and humid, but nothing could replace the pure delight and joy expressed by all three children as they happily ran from ride to ride. No long lines. No huge park congestion. No fear of losing your child! It is the perfect size for family fun. The park is big enough to not get completely bored, but small enough to be contained in one afternoon. There was even a great park full of a fire truck, a space ship, fairy tale depictions, and serenity. It was a veritable cornucopia of juxtapositions of imagery and imaginations.
We had to stop momentarily to eat lunch. Hamburgers, hot dogs, or nachos were the main menu items. Not really a great assortment, but now we know we can bring food into the park. (Mental note for next time.) After lunch, the kids went on a few more rides and we finalized it all up with snow cones and slushies.
For only the second time since we arrived in New Orleans, once we got back to the hotel, the children fell right asleep for a nap. Any day where the kids can be kids (sweat, laugh, get messy, scream, run, jump, and smile all day) is a great day!
We had a ball Laughing Out Loud, and Enjoying Our Children and Family Time Today! Find something that you can do that helps you to Laugh Out Loud and Enjoy Your Children today! No matter whether the kids are 2, 15, or 25!
Friday, July 24, 2009
The Era of Public Schools
Over the last two weeks, I have gotten a rude awakening and impromptu introduction into the world of public school un-usual! Now, before I get all the teachers and administrators all riled up, let me explain.
Just one short month ago, we were chosen to move from Nashville, TN to New Orleans, LA. We were excited, but rushed to say the least. It's the middle of the summer and school starts in just a few short weeks. Believing that school is done on a zoned basis (you move into an area and go to the school in your neighborhood), we were not fully concerned. That is, until we began talking to fellow parents who informed us that the school system has definitely changed and we'll want to send our children to private or parochial school. We were then told that we should expect to spend anywhere between $5000 and $15,000 per child, per year.
I'm no brain surgeon, but when did public school get so expensive??? Why do we have to pay what used to be the equivalent of a college education, for elementary school?? I feel old and want to say, "well, in my day...."
I am a public school girl and know that there are always good FREE public schools that have high academic standards and great extracurricular activities. I searched and did my due diligence searching school sites like www.greatschools.com as well as a host of other sites given to me by local parents.
Come to find out, because of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina over 4 years ago, the City of New Orleans is still trying to revamp itself and get to a place where "normal" has a discernable meaning. The concept of "zoned school" is non-existent and there is much to learn about how the current system is operating.
There has been an infusion of Public Charter Schools, with a huge wait list (sometimes over 100-500 long) because of their excellent academic performances. The standard public schools have different things to offer, but the highest academically scoring schools not only have a potential "wait list", but may even require an application and recommendation letter. Even after submitting all required documentation, there is still no guarantee that you will get in. Once the school meets capacity, you may submit your application, but there is no guarantee of being accepted.
Home schooling our children became a very real option. We did not have a true desire to pay over $15,000/year for elementary school education. We also did not want to put the children in a low performing school where more than 50% of the children do not meet or exceed the state minimum standard testing scores.
What to do, what to do?
As a concerned parent, I put out a call to all my friends in Facebook land and got some great responses. I went to the public schools and talked with the administrators, secretaries, principals, and anyone else who would give me information. I got all my applications and supporting documents turned in the same day I received the applications. I displayed a genuine concern as well as knowledge for the process that we were embarking upon. I showed care for my children and for the quality of education that we desired for them to receive.
I basically did my due diligence. I prayed daily and kept abreast of new information. I did not stop until I had a definite answer of "No, we are at capacity and cannot accept any more children." or "Yes, your children are accepted and school starts on August 11th."
So, today, I finally got the answer I really wanted to hear of "Yes, your children are in!" Believing in the power of prayer, connecting with the administrators, and becoming informed about the public school system has paid off. My children will be attending one of the top 5 Public schools in New Orleans! I am excited because I believe in the quality of education that my children will receive and the fact that it's going to be "free."
Parents with children in school, value the educational system that you are a part of; be supportive of the staff and professionals teaching your children daily; and be an involved concerned parent.
So today, I am Laughing Out Loud and Enjoying My Children. I invite you to do the same.
Just one short month ago, we were chosen to move from Nashville, TN to New Orleans, LA. We were excited, but rushed to say the least. It's the middle of the summer and school starts in just a few short weeks. Believing that school is done on a zoned basis (you move into an area and go to the school in your neighborhood), we were not fully concerned. That is, until we began talking to fellow parents who informed us that the school system has definitely changed and we'll want to send our children to private or parochial school. We were then told that we should expect to spend anywhere between $5000 and $15,000 per child, per year.
I'm no brain surgeon, but when did public school get so expensive??? Why do we have to pay what used to be the equivalent of a college education, for elementary school?? I feel old and want to say, "well, in my day...."
I am a public school girl and know that there are always good FREE public schools that have high academic standards and great extracurricular activities. I searched and did my due diligence searching school sites like www.greatschools.com as well as a host of other sites given to me by local parents.
Come to find out, because of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina over 4 years ago, the City of New Orleans is still trying to revamp itself and get to a place where "normal" has a discernable meaning. The concept of "zoned school" is non-existent and there is much to learn about how the current system is operating.
There has been an infusion of Public Charter Schools, with a huge wait list (sometimes over 100-500 long) because of their excellent academic performances. The standard public schools have different things to offer, but the highest academically scoring schools not only have a potential "wait list", but may even require an application and recommendation letter. Even after submitting all required documentation, there is still no guarantee that you will get in. Once the school meets capacity, you may submit your application, but there is no guarantee of being accepted.
Home schooling our children became a very real option. We did not have a true desire to pay over $15,000/year for elementary school education. We also did not want to put the children in a low performing school where more than 50% of the children do not meet or exceed the state minimum standard testing scores.
What to do, what to do?
As a concerned parent, I put out a call to all my friends in Facebook land and got some great responses. I went to the public schools and talked with the administrators, secretaries, principals, and anyone else who would give me information. I got all my applications and supporting documents turned in the same day I received the applications. I displayed a genuine concern as well as knowledge for the process that we were embarking upon. I showed care for my children and for the quality of education that we desired for them to receive.
I basically did my due diligence. I prayed daily and kept abreast of new information. I did not stop until I had a definite answer of "No, we are at capacity and cannot accept any more children." or "Yes, your children are accepted and school starts on August 11th."
So, today, I finally got the answer I really wanted to hear of "Yes, your children are in!" Believing in the power of prayer, connecting with the administrators, and becoming informed about the public school system has paid off. My children will be attending one of the top 5 Public schools in New Orleans! I am excited because I believe in the quality of education that my children will receive and the fact that it's going to be "free."
Parents with children in school, value the educational system that you are a part of; be supportive of the staff and professionals teaching your children daily; and be an involved concerned parent.
So today, I am Laughing Out Loud and Enjoying My Children. I invite you to do the same.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Who's Your Icon?
A few weeks ago, I wrote an enthralling piece of literature about the death of Michael Jackson. Sadly, blogger had issues that day and I lost it all. Here is my attempt at recreating it with the intent on the time.
I do not mourn the deaths of most “icons” or “stars” as we have deemed them. I mourn the reflection of memories that were created while listening to the songs. I remember and think of how cross generational and influential music and particularly MJ’s music was in my family’s lives. I can think of my siblings, my mother, and my grandmother all watching the same music performance, listenting to the same songs, and buying the same albums. Not since the era of “Motown” or similar music label has there been such cross generational music that can pull all family members in the same way.
I agree that some folks have taken it too far with being so involved in the lives of “stars” as though they are personal friends, however, I think it sad that a whole generation of people are missing out on a potentially bonding experience through quality music and family bonding time.
Who have you made an icon in your life? Do your children look up to you the same way you look up to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, J-Lo, or Adam Lambert? What about Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Chris Brown Lil' Wayne or the like? Who are we showing our children that they should be like? Are we taking the time to separate the icon from the person, or do we show who we are by the people we as adults idolize?
Why not make a concerted effort today to not idolize a figure or a person, regardless of arena (television, movie, preacher, singer, etc). Instead, let's work to emblazon characteristics that matter and will sustain all of us both presently and in the future. Characteristics like: love; finding joy in every situation; being a helper to others; charity; learning to laugh; being honest and trustworth; and being diligent in all that we do. There are undoubtedly more that can be taught, so consider this list a starter, and not all encompassing. The point is that we have to enjoy our children and position them to be a person of character for today and in the future. A person of character will be carried beyond "icon" status and make a difference in the lives of many.
That’s just my 2 cents!
Laugh out loud and enjoy your children today!
I do not mourn the deaths of most “icons” or “stars” as we have deemed them. I mourn the reflection of memories that were created while listening to the songs. I remember and think of how cross generational and influential music and particularly MJ’s music was in my family’s lives. I can think of my siblings, my mother, and my grandmother all watching the same music performance, listenting to the same songs, and buying the same albums. Not since the era of “Motown” or similar music label has there been such cross generational music that can pull all family members in the same way.
I agree that some folks have taken it too far with being so involved in the lives of “stars” as though they are personal friends, however, I think it sad that a whole generation of people are missing out on a potentially bonding experience through quality music and family bonding time.
Who have you made an icon in your life? Do your children look up to you the same way you look up to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, J-Lo, or Adam Lambert? What about Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Chris Brown Lil' Wayne or the like? Who are we showing our children that they should be like? Are we taking the time to separate the icon from the person, or do we show who we are by the people we as adults idolize?
Why not make a concerted effort today to not idolize a figure or a person, regardless of arena (television, movie, preacher, singer, etc). Instead, let's work to emblazon characteristics that matter and will sustain all of us both presently and in the future. Characteristics like: love; finding joy in every situation; being a helper to others; charity; learning to laugh; being honest and trustworth; and being diligent in all that we do. There are undoubtedly more that can be taught, so consider this list a starter, and not all encompassing. The point is that we have to enjoy our children and position them to be a person of character for today and in the future. A person of character will be carried beyond "icon" status and make a difference in the lives of many.
That’s just my 2 cents!
Laugh out loud and enjoy your children today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
