Loving Others

I am preparing to drive to Edmonton today, as a dear friend of mine is nominated to receive a 'Women of Achievement' award. It has been a challenge for this current stay-at-home Mommy to handle all the mechanics to even attend this promising extravagant event. I'll feel like a woman of achievement if I even make it there at all! I just handled all of the mechanics to attend just this morning, which now leaves me scrambling to find something to wear! I will wait to be divinely inspired on that one.

I used to be one of the best dressed women I know, and now I feel quite at home in penguin pants and a tank top. I want to feel excited about getting dressed up, so I am going to apply my theory of 'purpose' that I was talking about in yesterday's blog entry. I will tackle the monumental task of getting 'dressed' up, as a dedication to all the single mom's out there who struggle to engage in any sort of social engagement. Heck, I may even wear earrings!

If I get honest, my struggle to get dressed really isn't about finding something to wear. I sense deep within myself a sort of 'shame' that I am not being nominated for a 'woman of distinction' award. That little voice inside my head that says, "See, you aren't accomplishing quite enough. You aren't 'doing' something with your life. Everyone is going to think you are a lazy bum because you are a stay-at-home mom right now". Of course, no one is really thinking those things (or if they are, it is really none of my business). I recognize that these are only thoughts, that are not necessarily supporting me in feeling joy.

So, I shall re-write these thoughts. "I am an accomplished Mother. I am an accomplished lover of life. I make a difference just with my smile. When I show up to just 'love' others, the effect is felt far and wide."

So tonight, I will get out of head, and show up loving the people in my life, and especially my dear friend who is deservedly nominated for this award. This night isn't about me, it is about celebrating the way she serves humanity and her community. This is a woman who gave her kidney to a man she barely knew, a woman who shares herself to the point of sacrifice. She really is an earth angel, and THAT is what tonight is about.

How can I better love the people in my life today?