I discovered this “note” on Facebook that wrote probably close to 8 years ago! As I read it and reflected on my answers then, I’m amazed I still feel the same about things. There will be a few notes in italics that are my thoughts now, as an older more mature person!
My dad gave me a book in my stocking for Christmas called “Keep Believing in Yourself and Your Dreams” It’s a collection of different poems, quotations, and writings “to motivate and inspire your dreams”. Now, I’m going to have to admit that I’m not usually one for cheesy quotations, etc. But I’ve found one part that has really gotten me thinking. So, I’m going to share it here, along with some thoughts about how it applies to my own life and who knows…maybe they’ll be more as I read!
“Ten Important Traveling Companions to Take with You on the Journey to Your Dreams” by Barbara Cage
1. Confidence: for when things get tough, when you’re overwhelmed, when you think of giving up!
* I get overwhelmed easily. I’ve found in the last couple years that I can handle BIG changes and difficulties in life, much better than I can handle a snowstorm of little trials. I tend to freak out with the little things all add up. I’m definitely NOT confident all the time. In fact, I think I put out the persona that I’m much more confident than I really am. I am constantly doubting what I am saying, doing, and how I am living. I constantly worry that someone isn’t going to like me, who I am, or what I do. I’ve learned that that doesn’t matter. I have to live my life for me and if someone (family or friend) really loves me, they are going to love me for who I am…not who I pretend to be. While I still struggle with the confidence of my body and worrying about people liking me, I have and continue to live my life as I want…and as benefits my husband and boys!
2. Patience: with your own trials and temptations, and with others.
* Yeah, I don’t have any…PERIOD. I know I don’t, I will never pretend to. I willingly admit it. In fact, the other day my mom and I were shopping and she saw a plate…read it, laughed, and looked at me and said. “Hey, this is your plate” It read “God grant me patience, but please hurry!’ Seriously, if you know me well, you know how true this is. It doesn’t matter whether its waiting for paint to dry or trying to figure something out in my life, I want it done NOW! I try…oh, do I try. Working with the public on a daily basis…sometimes twice a day (if I work both jobs) has definitely helped me in this department. As a waitress, one does not want to act impatiently with her customer, as that tends to have an impact on what kind of tip you are left. So…this one is a constant struggle in my life. Being a wife and a step-mom has taught me a great deal about patience! I’m also much more content today at where I am in life on a day to day basis and have learned to absorb the things around me instead of constantly looking for what comes next!
3. An adjustable attitude: one that doesn’t react, but responds with well-thought-out actions and feelings.
* I am very moody, both for the negative and positive. My mood is easily affected by those around me. I usually am in a good mood, usually have a positive outlook on life…at least on the outside, but if I’m in a bad mood, look out!!! I have been making a conscious effort since the start of the new year to be in a better mood and to be more positive to all around me. Hopefully if I am in a good mood, then it will rub off on those around me! Wishful thinking, I know, but hey….call me the optimist.
4. Beauty: within yourself, in your surroundings, and in nature.
* I love the beauty of nature. I love green grass in the summer, flowers in full bloom, the mountains, the ocean, I love it all! However, I feel very little inner beauty. I feel even less outerbeauty. Yeah, that’s right….I don’t feel good about the way I look…on the outside especially. This is something I’ve struggled with since my sophomore year of college and fight with every day of my life. I am constantly identifying things about me that are bad or should be fix, corrected, or need to disappear. As far as the inside is concerned, I am always thinking I can be a better person and am working towards that too!
5. Excitement: new things to enjoy and learn and experience.
* I’m not very adventurous. I like to try new things, but am not very good at actually doing it!
6. Fun: laughter and smiles any way you can get them.
* Bring it on!!! I love to laugh! I absolutely love it. I have a friend who can make me laugh at any time of the day…my world around me could be collapsing and he would know how to make me laugh! That is SOOOO important to me! Probably why I only like to surround myself with positive people.
7. Companionship: people to share your happiness and sorrows, your troubles, and your joys.
* I have just one thing to say…I probably have the best circle of family and friends who are always there for me. Sometimes I don’t feel as though I always return it and I am working on that too! I have the best partner in life by my side, my best friend, my husband and that is the epitome of companionship, I believe! And as always, my family and small circle of friends continue to be the best there is!
8. Health: mental, physical, and emotional
* If you know me, you probably know that I love to work out and eat healthy….at least most of the time, but really, who doesn’t enjoy a big bowl of ice cream!!! I work out at least 3-4 times a week and wish it were more. To me it is amazing how much better you feel mentally and emotionally if you get a little physical acitivity in. There…now go exercise!!! Yup, still incredibly important to me!
9. Peace: with others, yourself, and in your environment
* Peace within myself? Not really, but I think we’ve already covered that on a variety of levels. Others?? I’m definitely not a conflict person and will avoid it like the plague. I try to be a helper and when that is misinterpreted, there is conflict, and that really doesn’t sit right with me. I will admit that I am a peaceful person. I tend to isolate myself with peaceful people. I don’t like DRAMA. You know the phrase, “save the drama for your mama”? That’s me. I hate drama…I don’t find a need for it and whether it is surrounding my family, friends, or co-workers, I hate it and have very little time in my life for it!
10. Love: pure, unconditional, and eternal.
* Ah, what a wonderful thing! The love from my parents is unconditional and its amazing. I know that no matter how I screw up in life, they are always going to be there for me. In return, I offer them the same. Right now, in my life, that is really the only unconditional love I feel. I can’t wait for the unconditional love of man, and someday for a child! I have found the unconditional love of my husband and have an unconditional, unending love for my step-sons and it’s the most amazing feeling in the world!
