Am I Wrong? A Mom's Promise To Get It Right

The writing is on the wall.

I hate working out. Ok, hate is a strong word, I do not like to workout. But, I try to everyday. Why would I want to do something almost everyday I don't like?  Because I need to. Lately I have been going to Health House and I feel as though I am going to die during the class! It never seems to get any easier. However, after, I benefit from a boost in my spirit, release of frustration and peace of mind that I am doing something healthy. I feel a little less guilty about chugging a Starbucks latte, eating some peanut M & M's and having an occasional glass of wine.

This will be the only blog about my workout. :)

Another way I like to treat myself is to pop over to T.Loft for a protein smoothie. The other day I ran over sweaty and became a little annoyed as there was a line (and of course I was in a hurry). I had left my phone in the car, so I started looking around and noticed a gigantic scripture hanging on the wall. It's weird how you can see something over and over or pass by it several times and never really notice it. I decided to read it while I was waiting...

...and my heart skipped a beat.

Rewind back to when my youngest was born. This baby did not sleep through the night for the first year of her existence. At around 10 pm, it was party central in her crib. I had just returned to work, had a 3 & 2 year old at home and was trying hard to keep up with life. Mike and I would try to split up the night time duties, but that was taking a toll on us as well.  I had experienced a miscarriage before I became pregnant with her, so I was thankful for this little bundle and that she was healthy. But, I was really struggling in my daily life and being a happy healthy mommy.

My nocturnal baby, too cool to sleep at night.

Not really a self-help gal, but one night when Janie and I were hanging out watching an Oprah rerun at around 2 am, there was a segment about positive thinking.  This motivational quote from Christian Larson was mentioned and after I read it, I was touched. It soon became a mantra for me. I carried it around with me for almost two years and then one day it got misplaced.

Until this week. The enormous hanging on the wall at T. Loft was staring at me. Almost yelling at me in black and white bold letters... Larson's words. The ones that got me through sleepless nights and crabby days. It was if God was reminding me about a promise we can make ourselves.

Reflecting about Mother's Day and Larson's words prompts these ideas: sometimes waiting in line is a good thing. It forces me to take a few minutes and be still. Working out is very important to my body and mind. I need to be thankful that I am able to do so.  Bonding late nights with my daughter taught me patience and that finding ways to restore my soul in difficult times is imperative.


So here it is (I have bolded my favorite lines):

Promise Yourself 
by Christian Larson (1922)

To be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

This pretty much sums it up for me.  I hope you find a piece of it that touches you, please feel free to share with a mom on Mother's Day. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think Mr. Larson nailed it. Moms are very busy people, but spiritual beings who should promise to take care of themselves not only physically, but mentally. 

Thanks so all the incredible mommies out there who strive to get it right!

One of my fav songs by Nico & Vinz. I think they are right on: “Am I wrong for thinking out the box from where I stay? If one thing I know, I'll fall but I'll grow. I'm walking down this road of mine, this road that I call home…”