Aretha Franklin

So… writing is (almost) my favorite thing to do. It is provides a creative release not available in my chosen profession. I mean, there are two sides to every story, right? But the law is quite literally black and white. Black words written on white pages… do this, don’t do that. I am inspired to write daily by my interactions with people. Sometimes, I remember to write down a topic, sometimes I just wing it. Today I am winging it.

I find myself very lucky to be surrounded by so many very good people. Kind, considerate, humble, with a sense of humor … generous. It’s not quite by “luck” though. My surroundings are by design; I just won’t have toxic, self-centered people in my inner circle. Sure, there is no shortage of these types of people… and sometimes it feels they can’t be avoided. Oh, but they can. This is MY life and I get to choose how to live it. I have responsibilities just like everyone else… and one of those responsibilities is to be a good person. That responsibility is to the universe AND to me. We have to be kind and considerate and loving and generous. Because, why not? It all comes back to us… everything we do (and don’t do) comes back to us.

Today I was processing words a (former) friend said to me. My body, my mind and my soul were processing these inconsiderate words and during this experience I had a chance to look at my face in the mirror. I can tell you, I really, really didn’t like what I saw. I never want to see that look on my face again, and I certainly don’t want anyone else to see me look that way.

Respect is something we must give to others and to ourselves. If you’re letting someone make you unhappy, you’re not giving yourself the respect you deserve. If you’re not living the life you want, you owe yourself (and your children and the universe (but no pressure!)) the responsibility to be happy. To be kind. To be considerate. To be generous.

I am here if you need me.