Pick Your Battles

So many memories flood my mind when I think of my mom. She was an amazing listener and always had excellent advice. One tid bit of advice I will remember forever and always is “pick your battles”.

When I was frustrated, angry, stressed or just plain grouchy, she would listen to my complaints. Sometimes I would be so worked up, my insides felt like they might explode. However, my mom always said the right words; calming my mind and heart.

“Pick your battles,” she would calmly say. “Is that really worth being upset over?”

Of course, I would listen because she is my mom. Next, came the hard part. I would have to bite my lip and repeat over and over, “My Mom said pick your battles. Pick your battles. Is this really a battle I want to pick?” I tend to repeat this phrase to myself as I am convincing myself not to pick a battle.

So, when I am at work or home, I work tirelessly to pick my battles. With my kids, my students, my colleagues, I try to keep everything in perspective and pick my battles. Thanks for the excellent advice, Mom.

Just Me

Kimberly

Responsible, goal-oriented, joyful, and friendly

The sister of David

Who loves to read, spend time with family and exercise

Who feels happiest with Dean, Noah and Riley

Who needs a good book, a good friend and great shoes

Who fears losing a friend or family member, speaking in front of other adults and touching fish

Who would like to see The Barenaked Ladies in concert

Who shares her goals and aspirations with Dean and her dad

Who is a typical, down-to-earth adult that is married with two children

Who is a resident of Seymour

Leisgang

Moments in my life; filling my heart with joy

“Mama,” squealed Riley, as I walked in the door at Grandma Babe’s house. I was barely in the door, when she barreled into me; giving me a big hug. Everyday Riley practically knocks me off my feet when I walk in the door at Grandma Babe’s house. Each day she has something new to share. Yesterday she wanted to share she was “6 pumpkins tall”. Most people don't typically measure height with pumpkins; however, in pre-school, pumpkins tend to be an appropriate unit of measurement. I guess when you are three years old; measuring height with pumpkins is pretty cool.

Earlier this week, Noah was talking to me while I was driving the car. The conversation went something like this:

“Mom, when I grow up, I am going to build a house right there.”   Declared Noah. Oddly enough, Noah was serious because he was pointing at an empty lot around the corner from our house.

“Okay, but why are you thinking about where you are going to live right now? You are only six. It will be awhile before you have to think seriously about where you are going to live.” I responded.

“Mom, I want to build a house around the corner from you so I can live close to you and Dad when I grow up.” Noah replied.

There are many moments in my life that bring joy to my heart. These are just two examples.