SO life is definitely not easy and definitely not fair.  None the less, I am grateful for all I have but that doesn't mean that sometimes I don't feel hurt and used and unappreciated.

Where should I start....
 First is always BREATHE!!! This allows for oxygen in the brain and time for clarity and wisdom before I speak and react. 
Second is THINK!!! Think before you speak. Don't react but respond....
Third is SMILE!!! thank goodness this is so natural for me, because today the third of things has struck and it is hard to smile... 

Yes, all the problems I have are first world problems but those are the ones I have that are right in front of me... 

REMIND ME: That is a lesson, It is Right in Front of Me.... I digress....

Life is short. 9 days ago my nephew, my nieces significant other, was in a terrible motorcycle accident. It has been a daily walk of faith and encouragement and I am most impressed how grateful my niece is. She is showing gratitude when it is difficult for me and this is her difficult situation. She is grateful for the nurses, for the family and friends and all that she has. She is excited with each wonderful improvement he has. She is an inspiring example.... LOVE YOU JESS!!!

Than I have my own issue of rejection. That is so hard. It reminds me of the priorities I believe in and tried to instill in my children. The hard part is when the each move on and well some of what you taught was not caught. My motto has always been - Do What's Right - Be Your Best!.  God First, Family and friends second and I am third. Be honest, be kind, and honor and respect yourself. Lord thank you that you are in control...

​My first world problem of being a team player. Don't mistake my team playing and be kind as being weak...

Thank Goodness! Each day is a new start to a new day to... Be Your Best!!!

Thant has been my motto all along. Years ago I did a coaching class where we spent 3-5 weeks defining our mission and purpose statements. It is so weird because many years later the same statement still works but my circumstances have changed. That is the value os a mission statement that defines who you are and what you do NO MATTER what. 

Do What's Right  -  Be Your Best has been my family motto as long as I can remember training my kids. "Remember you are a Blum", I would say. I wanted my kids to identify with their family and have that strength behind them to always remember that they can be their best. 

We listened to John Maxwell in church today and I have studied this for the last 3 decades!!! Boy that is a long time and I feel like I have missed the boat. The truth is I did not miss the boat. Two of my three children still have the same priorities. The third, well I see that I taught him to stand strong and never settle. Right now, he is standing so strong and not settling, except his values are not standing with what he believes. You know what you do always speaks louder than what you say you believe. 

It is OK, well it is not but it is not in my control and not worth the worry... That too is what I have taught and now have to practice.  I can only do my best and I cannot control others. If i have done what I could then that is all I can give, my very best. If someone chooses not to accept it. I can accept that too. 

I cannot say that there aren't emotions with that. There is hurt, pain, anger, defensiveness, but I cannot change others I can only control my responses. Also, there are consequences. People are involved, my family, and there is nothing greater for me to protect than my family. Lord, help me to be gracious and merciful like you. I can only say. My heart hurts and someday it will be fine...