Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Lesson I Learned From A Cheerios Commerical

Today is January 14th. 2010 has started with tragedy. In Baltimore, Mayor Sheila Dixon has resigned, Teddy Pendergrass has passed and a 7.0 earth quake has destroyed Haiti. UNBELIEVEABLE

As the TV watched me, I was thinking of everything that has happened thus far and of everything that happened last year. I still don't know how I survived it all, emotionally or financially. But, I silently THANK THE CREATOR for providing me with strength, courage and friends who pushed me through it all. Then, this Cheerios commerical came on. It was a woman looking at herself in the mirror and the announcer said something like "instead of making changes to the outside of your body, why not start with the inside". "WOW" How many people really heard that.

Just as the commerical went off, Man-child walked into the room, pants hanging, one sock on and my Christmas slippers(he bought them for me but he has been wearing them since I opened the box) and his computer in hand. I SMILED :-) We have survived a lot - dirty room, going bald, bad grades, no graduation, counseling, the relatives from Hell, my long work days, cancelled vacation, and so much more. I thought I spent the entire year trying to change him but how many times have I looked inside. He is OK. I remembered promising to raise a God fearing man. And he is.

I never make New Year Resolutions because I always forget them after the first few days. Instead, I set three goals - First, become more health conscious. I did... lost 10 lbs and I am ok with it.. It's less and I've learned to give up, cut back and exercise more. Second, I became a Blogger. I am still amazed at the number of followers and supporters I've received. Thanks to Everyone. Last, I vowed to make Man-child more responsible - through thick and thin. I never took the time to look inside and see who he really was/is. He is, thus far, a respectable, fun, caring, lazy young man. He is a teen-ager, who is still learning.

All in all, I am looking forward to the things he will get into and I PRAY that I will have the strength and wisdom to guide him. I also Pray that I do not hurt him and have to reach out for bail money from friends. This year's goals -only one - RELAX, LISTEN and LOOK INSIDE MORE. I am really starting to like what I created.

14 comments:

  1. You're getting the big picture now. You're gonna be okay. And Man-child will, too.

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  2. RELAX, LISTEN and LOOK INSIDE MORE.

    nice!
    xoxo

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  3. Sistah Cilla,

    You are an awesome mother who has the courage to be transparent! Your are helping so many of us!

    Keep your head up!
    Chelece, NCAL

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  4. Awesome mantra/goal. I may need to steal that because I often look inside and listen, but relaxing is very difficult for me to do.

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  5. I love your suggestion about goals instead of resolutions; and believe me you have done well; even better than you know.

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  6. Absolutely love your goals!!!

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  7. Super wow! An ah ha moment. I just love it. I'm rearing great-grand niece and nephew. Your blog helps with the task. Thank you!

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  8. 'Cilla,

    What an inspiring post! Thank you for sharing. Good luck with your goals, and keep on keeping on!

    Best!

    Patricia

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  9. You are a joy, Cilla. Love this one. Not only will man-child learn over time, so will you. I've said many times, you are a writer. Stick that toe in the water. You might even get man-child to add a few words (probably more than a few). You gave me a big laugh this morning. Keep writing, my sister.

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  10. Another great blog Cilla. There is so much love for your man-child in your words. You guys will be just fine.

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  11. I like that Cilla, words of wisdom and I truly appreciate your blogs because not only do they tell me what I am in store for they let me know how to cope with them as they come. Keep doing what you are doing, God has you and man-child covered.!

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  12. Amazingly beautiful kindred Queen. Love it.

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  13. We take our lessons from where we can. Who'd thunk Cheerios would have it. You're doing a good job.

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