Whew! The weeks are flying by in a blur of kid's activities, work, Ron's basketball games and a little half-marathon training (mainly icing my old hamstring!:(). Thank goodness for the beauty of a snow-day earlier this week...even adults need a day to put work aside and instead enjoy being snow-bound with a roaring fire and steamy hot chocolate. OK..not entirely snow-bound...Auburn and I made it to the tennis facility for a fun few hours of hitting and Trey got to snowmobile in Jackson with his cousins...but after that we pretended to be snow bound!
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day, is the Love and Strength for Haiti fundraiser at the Rivershores YMCA from 8:30-11:30. I personally look forward to teaching Pilates and Cardio/Strength recognizing our efforts on this day extend to others. It certainly won't change the world but small efforts over time do make a difference.
I am inherently selfish. I want to be comfortable, well-rested, wear decent clothes, and have my own personal agenda for my day. I don't like interference with my selfish plans! One of the greatest challenges and benefits of being a parent is learning to put the needs' of others first. Likewise, to do for others without always thinking about what's in it for me? There are days it seems easier to exercise for Haiti than it does to return home to retrieve my kid's forgotten lunch. I know that sounds terrible but when I analyze the source of their forgetfulness it typically involves Fishville, sibling arguments, and a general neglect of their morning routine. I become frustrated that their selfishness interferes with my selfishness...like mother like child I suppose.
Spinning at the Y today, I started thinking that it is a lot easier to do nothing (this goes along with my selfish tendency), than to do something. But doing nothing amounts to nothing. A brilliant thought, I know! During the past weeks many friends have kindly said, "I hope your efforts are successful," or "I hope you have a good turn-out for your program." As I contemplate their remarks it has caused me to consider society's definition of success. If only 5 people attend our exercise fund-raiser does that mean it is a failure? If Tiger Woods contributes 3 million dollars to Haiti and Sandra Bullock contributes 1 million dollars then is Wood's contribution more successful? I refuse to believe we can measure who is more "successful" at being caring, helpful, or kind. We can measure success in terms of an exam grade or perhaps a job promotion or even an awesome meal but is it necessary to measure actions of the heart as being a success or failure? Thankfully, according to my understanding, there is no spiritual grading scale for caring about others. Some days I seem to care a lot, other days not nearly enough! Whether 2 people attend or 22 people the goal is not to be "successful" but rather to simply do something. When you care about another person, whether you pray for them, call them, pat them on the back, or assist them financially you have extended yourself out of love. You are not successful because you cared for another person...you are blessed. One of the greatest mysteries of the world is how incredibly good it feels to do something kind for others.
Finding simple ways to address and change my selfish nature is heart-healthy...an appropriate sentiment for Valentine's Day.
Thanks for reading this rather vague blog.I'm not sure that it was a good blog or a bad blog...it just is it what is! Love you guys!
Tomorrow, Valentine's Day, is the Love and Strength for Haiti fundraiser at the Rivershores YMCA from 8:30-11:30. I personally look forward to teaching Pilates and Cardio/Strength recognizing our efforts on this day extend to others. It certainly won't change the world but small efforts over time do make a difference.
I am inherently selfish. I want to be comfortable, well-rested, wear decent clothes, and have my own personal agenda for my day. I don't like interference with my selfish plans! One of the greatest challenges and benefits of being a parent is learning to put the needs' of others first. Likewise, to do for others without always thinking about what's in it for me? There are days it seems easier to exercise for Haiti than it does to return home to retrieve my kid's forgotten lunch. I know that sounds terrible but when I analyze the source of their forgetfulness it typically involves Fishville, sibling arguments, and a general neglect of their morning routine. I become frustrated that their selfishness interferes with my selfishness...like mother like child I suppose.
Spinning at the Y today, I started thinking that it is a lot easier to do nothing (this goes along with my selfish tendency), than to do something. But doing nothing amounts to nothing. A brilliant thought, I know! During the past weeks many friends have kindly said, "I hope your efforts are successful," or "I hope you have a good turn-out for your program." As I contemplate their remarks it has caused me to consider society's definition of success. If only 5 people attend our exercise fund-raiser does that mean it is a failure? If Tiger Woods contributes 3 million dollars to Haiti and Sandra Bullock contributes 1 million dollars then is Wood's contribution more successful? I refuse to believe we can measure who is more "successful" at being caring, helpful, or kind. We can measure success in terms of an exam grade or perhaps a job promotion or even an awesome meal but is it necessary to measure actions of the heart as being a success or failure? Thankfully, according to my understanding, there is no spiritual grading scale for caring about others. Some days I seem to care a lot, other days not nearly enough! Whether 2 people attend or 22 people the goal is not to be "successful" but rather to simply do something. When you care about another person, whether you pray for them, call them, pat them on the back, or assist them financially you have extended yourself out of love. You are not successful because you cared for another person...you are blessed. One of the greatest mysteries of the world is how incredibly good it feels to do something kind for others.
Finding simple ways to address and change my selfish nature is heart-healthy...an appropriate sentiment for Valentine's Day.
Thanks for reading this rather vague blog.I'm not sure that it was a good blog or a bad blog...it just is it what is! Love you guys!
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