Momishness: A Chance to Be a New You

Okay: you're moving into a new opportunity for adventure in your life. It's a new phase, a new game, a new town, a new job, a whole new world*! Take the opportunity to release a new you! You know, that you that's hiding inside you, the one you always knew you could be?  That You! 

Sometimes making changes is hard because so many people know you and expect you to act/react a certain way. And sometimes they refuse to see the changes you're trying so hard to make. But NOW. Now, you have a chance, an opportunity - nay, an obligation! - to get out there and be that person. No one here knows you, so it makes it a perfect practice arena. And pretty soon you'll find that you've had enough practice, so you drop the old and go with the new fabulous you!

Don't we all have that confident, competent, caring, charismatic, courageous, cool, dynamic, witty, outspoken (or some combination of these and other traits we admire) person hidden within us? Aren't we longing to release our true selves to the world? 
Because until we do, we have an excuse. Until people really know us, we can dismiss their caring or their advice or their criticism. We can say "you just don't know" and carry on the way we are without taking the challenge to become our best selves.

But when we are being our true self, we can take advice or criticism or help from others and use it as stepping stones to growth. We can look at their opinion and see if there is any value in it for us. Here's the thing: What other people say about us is not necessarily the truth. It's only their opinion, from their point of view, based on their past experiences. But it may contain grains of truth, and a mirror for our life buried within.

We also need those people who have permission to speak truth into our lives. "Here's something I see you doing. I wonder if you see it too. Are you okay with it? Is it who you really want to be?" These are not people who have assumed permission; these are people you have expressly given permission. And when they speak (which is a really difficult thing sometimes), listen openly. You have asked them to do a hard job. Show them you appreciate their love for you.

Maybe your change is only a small one. Maybe you just really want to wear a tutu all of the time. It's your new signature and it feels right and by golly, you're going to do it! That's wonderful! I say go for it!

But maybe that change is something more. Maybe it's that you want to let go of the tough exterior that you've nurtured for so long because you needed it, but now you have grown into someone who is sweet and gentle and loving and no longer needs to face the world with a protective layer. It's time for transformation, and now is your opportunity. Come out of that cocoon and fly!

Momism:
"Transformation in the world happens when people are healed and start investing in other people." Michael W Smith

And here's another thing: when I become my truest, best self, I begin reaching out to others, to help them become their truest, best selves. And a caution: everything changes all of the time. I have learned that my changes today will not last any longer than I need them to. At some future point I may require new changes. That's the beauty of life: we are always changing, always growing, always becoming the newest, most fabulous version of ourselves. And that's as it should be. Embrace change. Be excited for growth. Be curious about yourself. Explore and experiment until you find the true YOU.

I love you and support you in these changes you are going through, whatever they may be, and I'm looking forward to the process.



*Warning: Spontaneous song references will occur. It's who I am. ;)

Momishness: Adventure and Opportunity Await!

Sometimes we are given the chance for a do-over. We get to pick up from a new position in life and, leaving the old behind, forge new pathways into the future. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise… Oops, sorry! Wrong story! 😉

Sometimes it’s a move across the country, leaving everything you knew behind and starting a new life in a new place, with new people all around. Sometimes it’s a death or a divorce, leaving you in an unforeseen new situation. Sometimes it’s just waking up one day with a new attitude and a new dream for your life. It’s not always easy and it’s not always fun, but’s it’s still an adventure and an opportunity – or maybe an opportunity for adventure!

When you face these changes, they are not always your own doing, but they are always about you and your life. A few things to think about:

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     Be brave. Whether this is something you have decided upon, or circumstances have forced you to it, face it with courage.

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     Be strong. You know that this must happen, and you know that you are a competent and capable person. You can do this!

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     Remember your support people. Being strong does not mean you won’t need help. Think about the ones who love you and support you, and if you need them, call on them. They are ready and willing to help in any way they can.

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        Breathe. Sometimes all you need to clear your head and help you think clearly is to take a deep breath. Just breathe. And then breathe again.

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        Share the experience. Share your feelings and how you are seeing what is happening. Talk about your fears and your what-ifs and get it all out there. Share your excitement and the cool new things you’re discovering, whether about the situation or about yourself. And encourage others to share with you. If you don’t have anyone you trust to share with, I urge you to write it down. Journal your thoughts each day, make lists, write down random snippets on napkins at truck stops.  Just the process of going over it with fresh eyes can help organize your thoughts into something meaningful to you.

And remember this: things won’t always go the way you think or hope they will. But it’s your choice how you react. You can get depressed and feel defeated and moan and cry, or you smoothly change course, with hope in your heart for a bright future. C’mon, Pollyanna, you can do it!

Mom-ism:

God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Remember that in all things you can turn to God. He loves you and is always there for you, and if you trust in Him, you can be assured that He cares for you.

And I too am always there for you; praying over your life, thinking of you with love.

And here’s a little song to go with that.