Eighteen Years

Eighteen years ago at this time, I was in a hospital. being told to rest up to prepare for your impending arrival. There was no sleep to be had. I remember staring at my stomach, my hand rubbing your safe little nest, begging you to arrive safely.

The moment you were born, tears sprang from my heart. Tears of joy and a love that I could never define if I tried to. That moment was the moment I learned what true love is. Unyielding, unconditional, perfect love.  I felt as though my heart could not be more full than it was at that moment. I was wrong. Every day since then, you've filled my heart more and more.

Eighteen years. You and I have been together for eighteen years. That's longer than any relationship I've had. It's longer than any job I've had. You, my sweet girl, are the only thing in my life that I've dedicated so much of myself to for this amount of time. Loving you is as easy as breathing.

Eighteen years. Saying this out loud brings on a plethora of emotions... but mostly, pride.

I'm proud that you've valued your own life enough to hang on, even during the hard times. The times that I held you while you poured your sadness out of your heart and into mine so we could share the burden. Proud that you not only know your true self, but wont waiver on that knowledge for any person who may try to make you question yourself. I'm proud of your heart. You are filled with a light that you shine brightly, especially for those that feel they are in the darkness.

Know this. No matter how many years you are alive, you will be my baby. I will always offer comfort and a lap to lay your head on when you feel the pressure of the world weighing on your heart. I will always try to meet you where you are, with an open mind that is willing to learn with you and from you.

I love you, Aria... more than I ever thought I was capable of loving another human being. I celebrate your life and every moment we have together. Thank you for letting me be your Mama.

Independence Day-Freeing Yourself From Facebook Negativity

There is something healing about de-cluttering your environment. At home, taking time to throw away useless items that are just taking up space and collecting dust, can make your home more relaxing and comfortable. In the office, cleaning your work space can make you a more productive person.

Facebook is no different. It is an environment that many of us choose to expose ourselves to on a daily basis. So why then, do we allow it to become cluttered with people who only seek to bring negativity into the world?

We all have hot buttons, prejudices, judgments, and topics that we feel driven to bring to light. There is no one that is immune to that, because we are human. That's what we do. It is in our very nature to want to be heard and acknowledged.

And that is OK as long as it is put forth in a way that is educational, meaningful, insightful, and is not demeaning or derogatory. There is no excuse for negativity, period. There is nothing OK about hurting/putting down people or groups of people to make your point.

It's also important to remember that we only see that individuals side of their point. When people post about the negativity in their life, we don't know the whole story..and to get involved is treading a slippery slope.

Sometimes, I am too empathetic. I worry about hurting feelings by blocking out the negative posts or people who post them. Why is this?  I would not invite this negativity into my home. I would not allow, for a minute, someone to speak in a prejudiced way in my home. I would not surround myself with people who choose to stand on the backs of others to make themselves look better. So why do I allow this on Facebook?

The fact is, we need to treat Facebook like it is a very real environment. Whether it's via social media or direct interaction, negativity breeds negativity. On many occasions, I have felt myself feeling angry at something I have read. Specifically with posts that are demeaning to a person or group of people. I need to block that. There is no reason that I should expose myself to that over and over again.

So on this Independence Day, I urge you to remember your right to make the choice to free yourself from drama, negativity, and anything else that you are allowing in to your head, heart, and space. I know I will be.