The hardest part is the climb

   For the record, I have never been a fan of roller coasters. Ever! I'll admit, watching from the safety of the flat ground intrigued me and I thought it would be cool to be a roller coaster fanatic.
   Over the years, I've gathered the courage to ride a few. Once I got to the platform and it was my turn to go through the turnstile, my stomach was in knots. When I sat in the seat and they locked me into place with the seat belt, I wanted to hurl. Then, it began.
   The excruciatingly slow climb to the top. The sound of the cars as they clicked the enormous chain propelling the cars upward sent shivers down my spine. I never rode a roller coaster at free will. There was always someone in  my family or a friend who talked me into going. That peer pressure will get you every time!
   Once we got to the top, I would say my prayers and brace for ultimate death. I grasped the bar with all my might, closed my eyes, clenched my teeth and held my breath. The entire ride. The feeling of coming out of the seat when going over a big hill made my heart beat faster. When the ride was over, which usually seemed like hours, I would open my eyes and thank God I made it. The best part was stepping out of the car and back onto the ground. The humiliating part was walking by the stand where they had pictures of all the cars. WHAT? PICTURES? Mine were always quite comical and NO, I never purchased a single one!
   After leaving, there was always a part of me that was glad I took the plunge and rode the roller-coaster. Conquered a fear! Did something out of character for me. I was actually quite envious of those who had a love for roller coasters. Those who could ride them over and over without blinking an eye.
   I think life is a lot like riding a roller coaster. There are things we are often terrified to do. We get anxious, nervous and scared to death. However, once we've done what we were so afraid to do, it wasn't quite as bad as we thought.
   What's the "roller coaster" in your life? 
 

Beautiful you

   One morning while getting ready for work, I realized how much I was picking myself apart while standing in front of the mirror. I started with one physical trait and it snowballed from there. I remembering muttering something like, "Oh, well.." and walked out the door on my way to the office.
   The more I thought about the things I had said to myself that morning, the more I realized I was too busy looking for the flaws to see the characteristics that make me, me. I wondered if I was alone in this "pick on myself" kind of morning, so I posed the following challenge to my Facebook friends.
  "Think about your physical appearance. Tell me what one thing you like the best and one thing you like the least."
   As I began reading the responses, I was not surprised...at what people stated was the thing they liked the best about their physical appearance. When I thought about each person who posted, the trait they liked the best about themselves is what I noticed the most about them! It was definitely their "defining" physical trait in my eyes.
   I then looked at what they liked the least. The one thing they liked the least was something I didn't even notice about them. Several posted their weight or mid-section was what they liked the least. When I closed my eyes and thought about that person, I immediately thought of their best trait.
   The next morning, I had a conversation with my co-workers about my post. I told them the thing I liked the most about my physical appearance was my eyes and the least was the gap between my front two teeth. Their response? What gap?!
   I thought about the responses I had read and what my co-workers told me throughout the day. How could they have not noticed the gap? When I look in the mirror and smile, it looks enormous to me. Why didn't they notice it? For the exact reason I didn't notice the least liked physical traits my friends posted about themselves...we only tend to see physical flaws within our selves and beauty within others.
   We are only as beautiful as we feel and if our own worst enemy is in the mirror, we will never win the "self-confidence" battle. If we look in the mirror and criticize everything we see, how can we walk confidently into the world with our head held high? If you struggle with finding anything you like about yourself, you are not alone! We are looking in the mirror all wrong! We are looking in the mirror, fixing our eyes on the "flaws" instead of fixing our eyes on what makes us beautiful to the rest of the world. Ladies, it's time to begin looking in the mirror with a new attitude!

   Here's my BEAUTIFUL YOU seven day challenge! 
   1. Stand in front of the mirror and smile each morning.
   2. Take a marker and write on the mirror what catches your eye the most. It has to be positive!
   3. Each day, write something new on the mirror.
   4. Each day, send ONE friend a text or email something you think is beautiful about them.
   5. At the end of seven days, combine all the things you've written down about yourself and see
       how the positive has changed your view of the negative!

   Beauty stems from within and if we can look at ourselves with a fresh set of eyes, we will see ourselves the way others see us!

   

Confessions of an insomniac

   I have never been one of the "lucky ones" who fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillow. My husband's head hits the pillow and it's goodnight, adios, see 'ya in the morning!

   As soon as I close my eyes at night, my mind begins spinning like a washing machine! Some of the most random thoughts flow through my mind, all of which have nothing to do with sleeping! Here's just a small sampling of what runs through my mind when I am trying to sleep: "Did I lock the doors? Is the dryer running? What's that noise? Did I set my alarm? Who is going to win the Super Bowl? What am I going to fix for supper tomorrow?" Trust me, the list goes on and on and on.
   I've implemented a trick that works at times, but usually only when I'm very exhausted. I start with 100 and count backwards. I don't ever start counting at 1 because there's no end and that really messes with my OCD!
   I've tried breathing techniques, listening to white noise and everything else short of taking medication, which I have no plans of doing. I've read some pretty scary stories about people who take prescription sleep medication.
   When I realize I'm not going to go to sleep for a while, I will go into the den and turn on the television. Once I start watching it, I'm up for quite a while. Have you ever watched infomercials at one in the morning? You can buy just about anything in the world and most of the time, if you call "now" they will throw in shipping and an extra set of whatever you are buying.
   Commercials are entertaining in the wee hours of the morning as well. Some of the embarrass me and I'm sitting in the room all by myself! I want to know who invents some of this ridiculous stuff they sell! Someone...somewhere is making a lot of money off of gullible insomniacs across America!
  I see plenty of people post status updates in the middle of the night about not being able to sleep. Hum, perhaps we should all form a support group.
   So, my inquiring mind wants to know, are you a "head hit the pillow sleep all night" person or an "I will never get to sleep watch infomercials" kind of person?

Me and Mrs. C

    Throughout our lives, we meet people who leave lasting impressions on us. Today was the day I met a woman I will never forget.
   Shirl Campbell (better known in our area as Mrs. C) writes a column for our newspaper. Her column is a mixture of humor, patting people on the back and telling it like it is. I read her column each week and laugh, cry and have even shouted amen a time or two! She is real, honest and most of all, sincere.
   Mrs. C greeted me with a huge smile and hug when entered her home. As I sat in her living room, I looked at a wall filled with pictures of her family. There wasn't room on that wall for another photo. Some of the frames had pictures slipped between the frame and outside of the glass as a way of getting more photos on the wall. As she told me who each person was in the photos, she beamed. I grinned pretty big when she pointed out the photos of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and autographed poster of Toby Keith. Another wall held a photo of her parents, one of her and her husband who passed away years ago and President Barack Obama. Again, she beamed with pride as she described the photos.
  We spent time talking about what it was like living in a time of segregation for an article I am working on for our newspaper. We talked about race, the state of our world today, family, her bar-b-que, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., her unwavering faith in God and even a little George Strait. Let's just say she is a big fan!
   I immediately felt a bond to Mrs. C. I felt like I had known her my entire life. Her home was very warm and welcoming. She made me laugh and she made me tear up a time or two. Mrs. C has seen a lot in her 68 years on this earth. Her 25 year-old granddaughter passed away this past Christmas Day after a lengthy battle with cancer. Listening to her talk about this life gone way too soon, my heart felt heavy. In true Mrs. C fashion, she said, "The doctors told us she should have died years ago, but I always told them she would die when God was ready to call her home. Everything happens in His time." Some people would find it easy to be bitter about the situation. A 25 year-old mother of four passing away from a dreadful disease, but Mrs. C praised God for the 25 years she was able to spend with her granddaughter. Her perspective was humbling.
   As I drove the 30 miles home, I thought about what an impact this one woman has. She's crossed so many paths in her life and her footprints are upon the heart of not only her large family, but friends and people in the community. Her sweet spirit reminded me of my grandmother and I wondered if that is what made me feel so connected to her.
   When I began thinking about what I would write in my journal tonight, I decided on a simple entry inspired by Mrs. C consisting of 3 questions I hope to answer in future journal entires.

   1.What impact are you leaving on others?
   2. What are you doing to make the world a better place?
   3. How will others remember you when you are gone?

   My wish is for everyone to meet a person like Mrs. C at least one time in their lives. Friendship knows no color and for that, I'm truly thankful.
  
  

What I've learned in 2014

  The older I get, the more I reflect on the passing of each year. I find myself enjoying the little moments more than I did when my kids were little. Life was so rushed then and I know I failed to stop and enjoy everything like I should have. Now I have a senior in the house and I am soaking up each and every single minute.
   I learned a lot about myself this past year. I've learned how to let go, although I'm still working on letting go of all things. I've checked a few things off the list, so it's progress! I've learned I cannot make people like me. They either do or don't and the reason for not liking me is none of my concern. Heck, I don't like everyone and shouldn't be offended if someone doesn't like me. There are times I don't like myself too much!
   I've learned not to spend too much time stressing over things I cannot change. This one has been very tough. Very, very, very tough. Did I mention tough? I still struggle with it from time to time, but learning this one has really helped me grow into a better person. Closer to the person I want to be. We're all a work in progress, right?
   I've learned friendships take work, no matter how old we get. We all have those friends we just automatically click with and things always seem perfect. We all have those friendships where it's just a bit more difficult, but there's a level of mutual respect that makes it worthwhile. We don't have to enjoy the same things to be friends, we only have to be there. For whatever they need us. I've also learned there are topics you should never discuss if you want the friendship to flourish. It's not about who is right or wrong, it's about respecting differences.
   I've learned hard work actually pays off. Mind you, there were times this year I began to wonder if anyone really noticed what I was doing. One example is my blog. I'd make a post that really resonated deep in my heart and I just knew it was going to make a difference to someone. People would "like" my blog link on Facebook, but I spent time wondering if the words really hit someone like I intended. Right when I felt like giving up my blog, I found a couple of emails from strangers or messages from friends. It's a great feeling knowing your words have touched someone's heart.
   I've learned after 25 years of marriage, it still takes work. I thought somehow 25 would be the magic year when everything suddenly became perfect. After renewing our vows, I just knew we'd never have a disagreement again. Ever. I quickly snapped out of that thought! Marriage takes work and pushing it to the side thinking it doesn't is a big mistake.
   I've learned I'm not as emotionally tough as I once thought. When my daughter started her senior year in the fall, I made it without shedding a single tear. However, over the past two months, I've found myself shedding a tear (or two...or two hundred) when I look at my daughter and realize this girl is about to spread her wings and fly. My tears are more selfish than anything else. I'll miss her, but know it's what is supposed to happen. (When I said I'd learn to let go of things at the beginning of my blog, I wasn't referring to my daughter...my baby girl!)
   I've learned forgiveness is vital to a good life. Bitterness and resentment are poison to the soul. There's a heaviness to your heart when you don't allow yourself to forgive others. Once you forgive, you immediately feel lifted of the burden. Forgiveness doesn't heal broken relationships, but it allows you to close that chapter in your life.
   I've learned being silly is fun, making people laugh makes me happy and being kind has blessed me more than I could ever imagine. I've learned to listen more and talk less. I've learned to stand strong in my faith and I've learned not everyone believes the way I do. While that is very difficult for me to understand, I've learned the best thing to do is love them anyway. I've learned I'm not very lovable at times and am thankful for the people who love me despite those times.
   I've learned I can check things off my bucket list, but it takes effort. I've learned (well, I'm beginning to learn) to love myself a bit more, to stop being so hard on myself and to stop comparing myself with others. I'm who I am for a reason and I'm looking forward to seeing what 2015 has in store for me.
   I wish you all a year full of blessings, happiness and joy beyond imagine.
  God Bless and thanks for reading!

Heart of a champion

   Watching sports, you can always tell the player who has a lot of heart. The player who doesn't know the meaning of the word quit. The player who most of the time isn't the best athlete, but competes like they are. All these are what I see as traits of a champion.
   I have the privilege of knowing a young man with the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. He always has a smile on his face and he has a lot of friends. I had the pleasure of writing a story for our paper about Colby two times. The first time was in March and he talked about his dream of one day going to Vegas and riding bulls. The second time was on Monday of this week after he got home from Vegas. Yep, he made it. In just nine short months, he was making his dreams come true!
   Colby was born with a condition which has caused him physical limitations his entire life, although someone forgot to tell Colby he had limitations. Though he be little, he's one fierce young man. His passion, energy and attitude are so contagious.
   I have a few dreams that are written down in a book. They are things I "hope" to do one day. You know what I've done to make those dreams come true? Write them in a book. That's it. They have stayed in that book and will until I act on them. Writing dreams down will not make them come true.
   Colby should tour the country (when he's not riding bulls) and give inspirational speeches. I promise you, you will not meet another person who makes you believe in yourself. Who makes you believe anything is possible. Who makes you believe in God's plan for our lives.
   My life is richer just by knowing him and seeing him succeed. Colby is not surprised at all by his success, he believed all along he could do anything he wanted to do.
   I am looking forward to seeing what else God has in store for this phenomenal young man. I, for one, know limitations only exist if we allow them to. 
   You can find Colby on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/bullrider259?ref=br_tf 
  

My Christmas Top 5

   I could have made a Christmas Top 100 list, but I thought I would stick with ten! Here are the top five things I love most about Christmas.

1. The meaning. A baby born in a stable who would become the light of the world. A baby who would one day give his life for a world full of sinners. The most amazing gift of all.
2. I could sit in my den and look at our Christmas tree for hours. There is something so peaceful about sitting in a room with nothing but the glowing lights of the Christmas tree.
3. I get to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and no matter how many times I've watched it, I cry every single time Harry Bailey gives the toast, "To my big brother George, the richest man in town." If you want a life lesson in humility, thankfulness and how important you are to someone...it's a must see!
4. Traditions. I am big on traditions and love the ones that come along with Christmas. Hanging lights, stockings, leaving cookies and milk for Santa and reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" to little kids. Although I haven't done that one in a while, the memory is embedded in my mind every single year.
5. Music. Oh, how music soothes the soul and Christmas music is one of my all time favorites. The traditional songs take me back to being a little girl. You will never forget the excitement during the Christmas season from when you were a kid. I like to think we are all kids at heart and still have that same excitement.