When I Look Back Over My Life...

...I am amazed at the trials and tribulations I have been brought through. When obstacles jump in the middle of the road I get somewhat flustered and then I formulate a strategy to get around it. Once I arrive at my desired destination I usually don't look back. It's on to the next thing. I believe this is what makes me a strong person. Sometimes, however, it is beneficial to look at where we have come from and what we have come through.

In light of Thanksgiving, I am reflecting on all that I am thankful for.

First and foremost I am thankful for having a personal relationship with God. He has never failed me. He is always available no matter the time of day.

I am thankful for my mother. She has never abandoned me. When I did not know what I wanted to do with my life she stood by my side every step of the way. Each and every time I needed to come home, she did not hesitate to provide shelter. She is my number one motivator. The list of things she has done and continues to do for me is endless.

I am thankful for my son. In five years he has taught me a lot about life and about myself. He is the epitome of unconditional love. He is blind to my shortcomings and seems to understand me when no one else does. I am thankful for each hug and kiss he gives me. He has shown me just how big the small things in life really are.

I am thankful for my health. I am still here, breathing, living, thinking, and seeing. I have all of my senses. I am able to enjoy God's sunrise every morning. I am able to do for myself...walk, talk, communicate, bathe, and feed myself. Many times I have questioned God regarding my illness (blood disorder), but have come to realize that God makes no mistakes. Going through the things I have been through has shown me just how much I can endure. I am thankful for mental and emotional stability. We often ostracize individuals with mental illnesses. It only takes one traumatic event to lead to mental illness. That is my belief. I am sure we have all been through traumatic events in our lives. Things as "normal" as broken relationships. We have gotten through them by some means, but everyone does not have the support system we may have had. Everyone is not as resilient as me or you. So I am thankful for the ability to adapt and cope with certain situations.

I am thankful for my family. There has been a lot of unspoken animosity, hurt, and pain. However, they are the family I was given and I love each and every one of my family members for who they are. I pray that our relationship(s) will continue to strengthen.

I am thankful for all of the prayers that I've prayed that have been answered. I am thankful for the ability to type and share this post. I pray that it will help someone, somewhere.

I wish all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving full of thanks and positiveness!

What are you thankful for?

He Got a Big Ego, Such a Huge Ego

Do you know someone who relates everything, I mean everything, to themselves? Tyra Banks has done her fair share of it on her show.

You know the excessive "oh yeah, that happened to me..." or "oh, I'm like that too..." statements.

I believe most individuals have walked the fine line of confidence and arrogance at some point...

and then it wore off.

When it comes to narcissists, however, it never wears off.

There is this guy who lived in my neighborhood and went to elementary school with me. We'll call him Bryan. He was pretty quiet back then and although he was in my class and our mothers were friends we never talked to each other. Let's just say we both were shy kids. Years have passed and he is definitely not that same little boy.

He has come out of his shell...so much so it took me a while to get used to the new Bryan.

He is intelligent, driven, confident, and fun. All good traits...but over time our conversations became less about catching up and more about him.

There was the phone call about hanging out with me...I suggested we do lunch and he suggested I cook him lunch.

There was the phone call after 11:00pm where he asked what time my son went to bed. He then proceeded to tell me one of his friends let her son stay up too late and he was trying to have a conversation with her, but the child is still up running around. I am wondering WHY he is telling ME.

I started to cringe when my phone would ring.

His narcissism shows even more (apparently that is possible) on Facebook.

His status updates are along the lines of "I'm in Puerto Rico having the time of my life, don't worry I'll have fun for y'all!"

or

"I am traveling from coast to coast this summer. I'm so glad I was banking money before the recession hit!"

I would have to say that is not nearly as annoying as him commenting on OTHER people's statuses and making it about himself.

I have told him he is arrogant and he just laughed...I mean it is not like he can deny it.

These traits quickly overshadow the positive ones (intelligent, driven, etc.) and it is draining to be in the presence of someone who can't get enough of themselves.

**I would not be surprised if Bryan reads this (HI!). If by chance you do...remember that humility goes a long way.

New Posts Coming Soon...

I've been gone for a while, but I have a few things that I would like to discuss...

stay tuned...