Reflections on Parenting

Alex has had a very trying year this past school year with "friend drama". I'm getting the feeling this is going to be a part of this phase of life with 4 daughters beginning to enter the teen years. It is so heart wrenching as a parent to watch her struggle with this trial. I find myself wishing I had a crystal ball and could look into the future and give her words of wisdom from what I saw. Since I have no crystal ball at my disposal, I'm left to draw from those things I have learned to be true in my 41 years of living. I came across a quote years ago that I've found to be so true in my life "the greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers of your soul." (David O. McKay)

Attempting to become your own successful, unique individual self is a lot of pressure! Discovering your unique flare can be a lifelong pursuit with many ups & downs. For me, there has always been a strong connection between developing my style and coming to peace with who I am. As I sit and try to sort through the messy times, awkward situations or difficult challenges, I have some very honest, realistic conversations with myself. I think about trials, successes, influential people, the purpose of life, and I try to connect meaning and purpose to what is before me. It's usually a spiritual process for me in that it first connects me back to my individual spirit, which then leads to a connection to my Father in Heaven. I am able to come to terms with my flaws and I try to rejoice in what I do have to offer.

Sorting and reflecting through these things is a very healing time for me and it gives me hope. Finding your style is challenging.....it's supposed to be. The more you are honest with the process, the closer you get to the finished product. I've heard it said there are three levels of being we can achieve:

The first level is where we are focused on other people. We talk about other people, we compare ourselves to other people and our focus is on how we measure up against other people.

The second level we are focused on things, material things. We are focused on what we have, what we don't have, and what we want to get.

The third level is the most productive and highest level of being. This level focuses on ideas, goals and pursuits. In order to reach the highest level or the third level, you have to have a sense of yourself. Otherwise, you won't know what ideas interest you, what goals you need to set or what pursuits are best for you!

So wish me luck and I'll try to hang on because I'm pretty sure this next phase of life is going to be a bumpy ride!