Tonight I’m thankful for a couple of things. Even though it hurts me sometimes, I’m thankful I’ve learned to look at issues or problems from more than my perspective. I’m not always great at it, but I honestly try. I think that’s the only way to see your own faults and hopefully grow as a person. And really trying to see someone else’s point of view doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but it gives a better understanding of their reactions or intentions. And it can help take away blame and allow things to simply be what they are. Not all problems are fixable, but if they’re understood, it’s easier to move past them. Of course, this assumes being at a certain level of maturity. I love being silly and childish and playful whenever I can, but at the end of the day, I also love that I grew up. It’s the only way to handle being an adult in an adult world. Which brings me to the second thing I’m thankful for tonight. As an adult, I also can handle getting my feelings hurt without lashing out at others. Or pouting. Or trying to convince others to think poorly of someone else. Again, I’m not perfect at it, but I try really hard. Of course I have close friends I confide in and complain to, but I do try not to be toxic. It’s not fair to anyone, least of all myself, if I behave that way. And it hurts to be on the receiving end of it.
Tag Archives: growing up
Feb 1
So my daughter and I were talking today, I don’t remember about what, when she said to me, “You sound like Grandma.” Hmmm. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of that at first, so I replied, “Well, I guess that means you’ll sound like me one day.” “I’m ok with that.” No hesitation on her part. Immediate response.
That got me thinking. First, I was touched that she really saw nothing off-putting in eventually taking on some of my mannerisms or traits or whatever it was in me that prompted her to say I sounded like my mother. Once again, it reminded me that I have a pretty special kid. Then I wondered why it bothered me a tad to think that I’m echoing my mom. After all, I love my mom. But I guess there’s a stigma attached to turning into your parents. Something about it smacks of being old and out of date. Maybe because it’s usually the time someone starts saying things like you really shouldn’t be doing that and it’s getting late, I should be going home or when I was your age… However, that’s not always accurate, and it’s ignoring the truth of life. We all influence each other; the closer we are, the more influence we have. Why wouldn’t I want to sound like my mother? To emulate her? After all, she’s loving, she’s funny, she’s generous and loyal. She doesn’t harbor grudges or ill-will towards anyone.
It’s also from her that I learned that being silly and having fun are essential parts of life, no matter how old you are. I have fond memories of my mother doing things like starting food fights or water fights at home. Sometimes she’d even succeed in getting my dad involved. And when my mom and sisters came to visit for our girls weekend last November, my mom, who rarely swears and never misses church on Sunday, was the first one telling a raunchy joke. She’s as quick-witted and sarcastic as the rest of us, but she also readily laughs at herself when she knows she’s been bested. She’s also the first one in my corner when I need something–even if it’s a hard dose of the truth. Mostly, though, she’s quietly supportive. I have a collection of cards from her over the years. The kind that start with, I’m so proud of you… or I was just thinking of you…
My mother. One very cool lady. I’m thankful today that my daughter reminded me of that. I really don’t know who else I’d rather be like.
melissagratitude 