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Assignment #11 Ruminations
Lesson of the Day: do not run outside in Southwest Florida until late October. I went for 3 easy miles today, and I've been half sick since. The humidity was brutal, and the bugs were thick. Thank goodness I GET TO go to the Y for cardio most days.
Assignment 11... not coming easy for me. I guess beyond getting fit and strong and enthusiastic and energetic and infectious, I can't really put my finger on how -what I want- can possibly serve "the greater good".
Beyond the obvious: "Being a happy, healthy person will likely uplift my hubby, and possibly make my kids grow up happy and healthy", and the wishful thinking: "Seeing that I CAN succeed in improving my menopooch and 'turn my frown upside-down' might inspire my beloved friends to transform themselves, too," I don't know where to go with this assignment.
Like Kathytnt and Dusty - they're going to be personal trainers, an obvious and commendable way to serve the greater good. And while I really wanted to do that back in 2001, now... not so much. I'd love to find a way to inspire people to make healthy choices, and get fit and happy. Butright now. I'm very focused on homeschooling, and supporting my 4 kid's endeavors. That takes time, and energy. Add in workouts, cleaning, laundry and errands and I just don't have time for a bunch of classes right now, even if I wanted to.
The truth is, I'm really, truly happy being a wife and mom. I have no great, glorious goals for myself. (Growing up, I really wanted to be like June Cleaver and Donna Reed; pearls and a feather duster! Talk about high aspirations!)
So, knowing what I really, truly, deeply want, what am I willing to give up to get there?
Beyond my nightly imbibation and fatty foods, I'm willing to give up... letting the moods of my family negatively influence my own. I don't need to stress. I don't need to DO so much for everyone. I can LEt gO of my people pleasing, co-dependant craziness, and ... just be. I can smile. I can let go of reacting, and instead thnk and smile and ACT for my own greater good.
Maybe the trickle down effect is enough? Maybe I don't need to do great things myself. Maybe just helping little people grown into healthy, happy big people is enough? It should be, I think. Cuz one of them may do that really commendable great thing that will serve the world, you know?
In a John Maxwell book, he talks about an amazing women who no one has ever heard , but she raised 4 kids who all went on to do grat things in England. And all kids later credit their Mom as the reason for their success. (Sorry, I can't look it up for you, because the books were lost in a fire.) Society doesn't value the work of parents the way it should. If being a wife and a Mom makes you happy, then put all your energy into being the best wife and Mom you can be and don't worry about what any one else thinks about it. Raising happy, healthy, confident kids does make a huge positive difference in the world. -- Lisa
You have the hardest and most rewarding job of all. Keep smiling.
There is no greater good than raising a good strong healthy family with morals and values. Its another thing the world is lacking. See its not that hard. When your heart is in the right place you are serving the greater good. Just imagine how many generations of great people there can be if you raise your family right.......................................DUDE
To be a happy wife and mom is a glorious goal. It is the most rewarding job on the planet!!
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