Friday, October 27, 2006

THOUGHTS.....

"As we grow older and realize more clearly the limitations of human happiness, we come to see that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people." ~ P.G. Wodehouse, Something New

I retired from the work force in 2001. Back then my daughter was only 7 years old. We chose that the best place for me was to be a full-time Mommie, so that I can take her to school, pick her up, help her with her homework, have dinner ready so we can all have dinner by 6pm, when hubby gets home. Kitchen cleaned by 7pm. Do some play time. Ava in bed by 9pm. Have date nights with the hubby. You know, like watching TV, and stuff like that.....What were you thinking?! LOL!

Prior to this, life was more of a cluster. Ava was in after school day care and I pick her up after 6pm. We didn't get home until later and dinner didn't get started 'til about after 7pm. Rushed to do homework, baths, no time for story telling. Certainly no time for date nights! Everything was RUSH, RUSH, RUSH!

Three years later Connor came along. I'm still a full-time mom and about every other day or week, I would question....what else is there for.....ME? I started up Dazzle In Style . I have about a couple of custom orders a month. I'm thinking I need more so I can have more income. I joined some stamping and scrapping forums to get some adult interaction. I see and hear about other women getting published in craft magazines. So I thought "I want that too for me!" I hear about other women being a Design Team member, and again I thought, "I want that too!" I've also wanted to be on TV doing another thing I love in life.....COOKING.....so I applied for Food Network Star. The deadline to receive the applicaton is today.

Anyway, the reason I mentioned all that is I am never without a dream. I always want something more. Whether it be validation of my existence......or validation of what I do.......I always wanted more and desired more.

But just a few days ago, I realized and was able to put things more in perspective. Certificates, Awards, Diplomas, Magazine Covers or TV Appearances, does not complete a person. At least it does not and will not complete me. I've always been chasing a dream and as if God talked to me and made me realize I am already living my dream! He spoke to my heart. My children are my dream. My husband helped me live that dream. The fact that I can stay home and not have to worry about an income for me or my children is a dream that I want. I wanted it five years ago. And I still have it. Be a mom. Be a wife. Be a best friend. Be a daughter. Be a sister. I can be all that. I am all that!

The other things are icing. I can still do them when the time is right. There is no real hurry! Someday I can still be on TV for Food Network, just not now. I am submitting work for publications so I know someday it will happen. And the custom orders I get each month, is just perfect!

For now....I have come to realize that the only real and abiding pleasure in life is to give pleasure to other people.

How about you? Have you come to the realization yet???

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Contentment with what you have is a great place to be!

{{{hugs}}} hope you are okay.

Gaspegirl said...

This is a great entry on your blog Jocelyn... it feels good to realize that eh?! I am right there with you girl, I have decided that I am happy just being me too and life is good! I think that if I have time today I will blog about it too!