Tag: Appreciation

Happiness

Freedom to choose

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I saw the 2022 Oscar nominated live action short films this week. They were all thought provoking and I am so glad I don’t have to pick the winner because each covers a difficult topic in a heart-wrenching, memorable way. One, in particular, was notable to me because I’m a woman.

“Ala Kachuu – Take and Run,” written and directed by Maria Brendle, is about a young woman who is kidnapped and forced into marriage – a custom still widespread in Kyrgyz society.

Set in Central Asia, this poignant story shares the struggles of a young scholar who wants to go to college but her family and culture dictate that she should marry and have a family instead. Even though she is intelligent and driven, her wishes are shunned and force a wedge between she and her family. After stolen from her previous life and forced to marry a stranger, her repeated attempts to flee are disregarded by both her parents and her new family. She is expected to simply accept, and even appreciate, her fate.

Living in my bubble of freedom here in the United States, I sometimes forget just how lucky I have it. I can vote, work, own property, choose whether to marry and/or have children, and make my own decisions. I do not have to beg anyone’s permission to live my life the way I choose. It’s a luxury I wish all women could enjoy. It’s a right all women should have.

Photo courtesy of Nithi Anand.

Happiness, Life lessons, Self care

What gifts do you have?

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We all have those negative voices in our head that can bring us down. “Why did I do that?” “What am I doing and does it even matter?” “Why does life have to be so hard sometimes?”

These are the days that we have to remember all of the gifts we have. There’s nothing like gratitude to help us see just how fortunate we are and how precious life can be. From having a place to live to hearing a bird singing in a tree, the list can be long. Some things I can think of are spending time with family and friends, being able to go for a nice walk in the park, and living in one of the best states in the country (I never get tired of sunshine and mountains).

Today, as you’re taking a shower, getting ready for the day, or grabbing your cup of coffee or tea, think about the gifts that you have. And remember, you are unique and special – you are a gift to others too.

Photo courtesy of Asenat29.

Life lessons, Parenting

Be Mindful of your Words

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I believe in you

Do you recall something your parents told you when you were young? Or perhaps a teacher or friend? Isn’t it amazing what influence a few words can have upon you? Whether words of encouragement or words of scorn, they color our world. They influence our lives.

A perfect example of how words can influence a life is Maya Angelou. Her neighbor-turned-teacher, Mrs. Flowers, encouraged Angelou to read, even taking her to the library to read books there. As she continued to read, Angelou found that she loved poetry. Her teacher would have her come to her house and read the poetry to her and that encouraged Angelou even more. According to Wikipedia, “Flowers introduced her to authors such as Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Douglas Johnson, and James Weldon Johnson, authors who would affect her life and career, as well as black female artists like Frances Harper, Anne Spencer, and Jessie Fauset.” Angelou, who had a difficult childhood, went on to become a successful author, poet, and civil rights activist.

Be mindful of your words to those around you, for you may be influencing their future.

Photo courtesy of ckubber.

Happiness, Self care

Love your legs

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Legs

I pulled a muscle in my calf last weekend running up a hill. A friend calls it “blowing out your calf” or “calf heart attack” – both more accurate ways to describe it. One minute I was fine, the next I heard and felt a snap (like a rubber band) and could barely walk.

One thing I realized after my injury and diagnosis is that I take my legs for granted. As we were driving from the doctor’s office, I saw all of these people on the street, walking or running like it was the most natural thing. I thought to myself, “Those people don’t even realize how lucky they are!”

When I’m back on my feet, and walking, running, dancing, doing yoga, climbing stairs and riding my bike, I hope I remember one thing: I sure do love my legs.

Photo courtesy of Franco Folini.