Insult to Injury

Bullying is a hot topic in today's society.  While the focus is generally on children, the fact is that adults deal with it as well.  Rumors are spread, people gossip, and whispers can be heard behind each other's backs.  Simply put, it hurts.

Physical injuries are visible and people often easily recognize your need to slow down and heal.  It's not as simple with the emotional hurts we incur.  Most are unable to see heartache without someone verbalizing it.  We all react differently to these circumstances and at times they can even change our personality.  No matter if the issue is large or small, it can affect us.

Imagine a friend, acquaintance, or someone you work with.  Now think about that person talking negatively about you behind your back.  Think about how you would feel when you found out.  What if you had put your heart into something and those hurtful words were about how you handled it?  Would it sting?  Picture a time in your life when you were feeling disheartened.  Now throw that insult to your already injured heart.  Where would you be mentally after that?  Add in that more than one person was talking about you.  How much damage is done now?

Constructive suggestions and hurtful criticisms are not one and the same.  We don't always agree and our process & actions aren't going to be exactly the same.  Sometimes we need to discuss it to gain understanding or explain our own thoughts & concerns.  Certain people are detail oriented planners, while others are the "fly by the seat of their pants" type.  Each of us has strengths and weaknesses.  The world works well with all kinds of people in it.  Where would we be if we were all the same?  Respect, teamwork, kindness, and understanding go a long way.

"If there was only one note how boring life would be.  I'm glad there are so many notes in many different keys."


When life seems to be a whirlwind of negative, how do you shut it off?  Do you have a personal pause "button" to give you time to reflect, refocus, relax, & rejuvenate?  How are you able reclaim your brain and your life?  

Emotional Draino

This past week, I decided to embrace my inner Smurfette.  A few electric blue streaks graced my hair after the encouragement of my husband, my boys, and my good friend & hairstylist, E.  We were certain my Mom would get a little shock, and possibly a chuckle, out of my bold statement, but she wasn't phased.

Sometimes we feel like taking actions that are not in our typical motions.  Whether it's a blue streak in our blonde hair, stepping out of a shy quiet mode and into the spotlight, writing an amazing novel,  starting a business, or doing just about anything that changes our lives.  Stepping out of that comfort zone and into an extraordinary experience is often a release.

Expression, defined in multiple ways, is gift.  No matter what form it takes, it is a blessing and a freedom that we possess.  Can you imagine how different our lives would be if we didn't seize the opportunity to physically or verbally proclaim who we are or how we feel inside?  We'd all be in desperate need of Emotional Draino.


Emotional Draino, for those days when your life is stuck and your troubles are beginning to overflow due to the emotional backup in the plumbing of your heart.

How do you express yourself?  Everyone has those bad days and needs a little stress relief.  What is your equivalent to Emotional Draino?  Is it exercise, a good cry, a good talk, a distracting book or movie, writing, music, or something completely different?  

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A crafty blog post coming soon!

Reactions

Last Friday I had the urge to dive into the past and started singing ABC's TGIF theme song.  I felt as though I should share this smile evoking moment with you this Friday, as I continue my attempt at turning my life into a musical.  Plus, it is a great way to celebrate the end of another work and school week! 

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This past week has been full of moments, each one of them unique.  We've all had different reactions to various events that have played out in the spotlight, and of course the ones in our own lives as well. 

Many of you have seen, read, or heard about the MTV award moment.  I never planned to watch the show, but there we were, in our living room, watching it.  As a fan of Taylor Swift, and the "underdog" in situations, I was so excited to see a country girl rock MTV and win an award.  When I saw such disrespect shown to such a sweet girl, I felt my mother instinct kick in.  Quickly afterwards, I switched gears and hoped she would just "sweep the leg" and take the microphone back.  A very talented Taylor Swift had more composure than I most likely would have. 

Patrick Swayze...  Who didn't love Patrick Swayze?  If you didn't, please don't tell me, I prefer to remain ignorant to your lack of love.  That man was strong in ways that most people cannot fathom!  Cancer is evil, but he fought it.  It's sad to lose someone like Patrick Swayze.  In my personal life, I've seen cancer at it's worst.  I've seen a loved one suffer and it's heartbreaking.  Even employers feel that sadness.  My husband's office was closed for a day this week to mourn the loss of an employee.  Even though my husband did not have the opportunity to know his co-worker well, it hit us.  Knowing a child will grow up without a parent, leaves me with a dull ache in my chest.  Cancer is evil.

Through these moments, I've not only found myself emotionally charged, but inspired as well.  Taylor Swift inspired me by having the strength to perform minutes after being figuratively sucker punched in the gut.  The support she received by countless friends, family, fans, & fellow artists also gave me hope that people don't always look for a good laugh at someone else's expense.  The sad loss of Patrick Swayze & my husband's co-worker, made me stop and focus on living life to the fullest.  We don't know what will happen tomorrow, or even today, so it's important to cherish the people in our lives and do the things we love.  “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

I read a bumper sticker this week that sums up how I feel right about now. 
"Want to get rich quick?  Start counting your blessings!"
I just love a little wisdom from the back of a dusty car bumper!

How did you feel about the happenings over the past week?  Were there any public and/or personal moments that made you stop and put things into perspective? 

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In honor of Patrick Swayze

Thank you for the dance!

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In the spirit of TGIF... We'll see ya next week!