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Bravery

Becoming a mom has changed several things about me - in a good way, I think. I find myself much more willing to really think about who I am, who I want to be & who I should be. I've taken some steps to become a better person, a better wife, a better daughter, sister, friend and in particular a better mom. I've been going to counseling. I don't think I've mentioned that on my blog before. There are just some things in my life that need to be worked through with a counselor. She's a Christian & she is really wonderful & has been abundantly helpful. I hope to show Isis & any future children that counseling or therapy is nothing to be scared of. I mean, goodness, who hasn't had a time in their life when they could have benefited from a professional working through some tough stuff with them? Life is hard.

Well, despite the fact that I had a wonderful time today with my friend Courtney who has been in Europe for the past 5 weeks, today was really hard for me. I'm coming to the realization that in certain situations in my life, I need to learn to be more assertive - not aggressive, not condescending, not judgmental - but assertive, proactive...brave. Specifically with certain people. I am now responsible for a brand new little life that is going to need my protection, my guidance & my strength to help them weave their way through this life. So I need to be brave. I need to be sincere. And I need to be confident. While I daily give her to God, I also have to accept the responsibility He has graciously laid in my hands. I may not get it right every time, but I sincerely believe He has given me some instincts that should not be ignored. But it takes strength to defend some of them. Bravery.

I'm ready to step up.

Are there areas where you need to step up with bravery in your life?
For yourself, your family, your children?
I'd love to hear from others who are somewhere near where I am.

Comments

This is going to sound lame, but probably IN THE KITCHEN. Now that my daughter (11 mos) can eat real food, I'm suddenly realizing that I need to step up and start cooking. A bite off my plate and a hunk of fruit won't suffice forever and I want her to have healthy eating habits and to value natural whole foods, soooo.

It's time. it

But it's such an enormous change, learning about various foods, learning to grow them, finding local resources such as growers, learning to prepare foods differently, and beginning a solid family dinner tradition. I don't want to screw it up, so I just keep NOT doing it. And that can't go on forever!

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com
Cameron said…
That doesn't sound lame at all! It's a big deal to decide that something is best for your child & then actually take that step to follow through with it! I understand about the food. We want to try to feed Isis organic as much as possible. We live in a townhouse right now (and she is only 5 months), but we couldn't grow our own food easily here. We have no space. So we will rely on Farmer's Markets or the local Whole Foods store. I also really enjoyed the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution! He talked about food & has some cookbooks with recipes to try.
I also found a recipe book by Rachel Ray with recipes for kids & families. I liked a lot of them & knew I could just try to make them with organic ingredients.
I feel like any step toward your goal is a step in the right direction!
The Planet Pink said…
When a babe is born, so is a Mama Bear. So she's in there, trust me. I've gotten so much more assertive over time. It's still not my strong point, but when it comes to your child, very little can stand in your way. Great post!
Anonymous said…
Being a mom is like being given the keys to a car and suddenly you have all the responsibility - to maintenance it and not be taken advantage of, to clean it and to learn how to be a good car owner. It's not as easy as it looks. And, suddenly, it's like somebody (God) apparently thought we were trustworthy to be a bone fide full fledged adult who is truly in charge of a life! I guess it would be cheeky to say, "What was He thinking?"

You will be amazed at the confidence within you in 5 years - the assertiveness, the lionness within. My confidence was gradual - I was great with children 5 and under when my oldest was 5. I was great with 14 year olds when my oldest was 14. Motherhood is something you grow into, one year at a time. And, then when you have it all down, mastered and are queen of the universe, they tell you that you do not know anything (there's supposed to be a LOL here).

I think if you love, laugh and hug - that's the most imporant thing to get through the day with.

I have a list of 3 books that made a huge difference in how I viewed myself and my mothering. You might be interested in them:

http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/blue-cotton-books/books-shelf-for-moms-with-sons/

Have a blessed weekend!
Mrs. Mother said…
My daughter is going to be tested for dyslexia and ADD next week. I need not step up and not feel guilty for thinking she might have these things and wanting her to get tested. I also need to stop being afraid to admit to myself that she might actually have them.
Cameron said…
bluecottonmemory - I'm heading over to your blog now to check it out!!

Mrs. Mother - I have a good friend who has dyslexia & a brother with ADD. Taking steps to have her tested & find ways to help her will be the absolute best things you can do! My friend with dyslexia had some extra help - even one-on-one help & she was able to really advance in school & she grew so much after they were just able to figure out what she was struggling with! She still has a hard time with reading sometimes & things like that, but she's come such a long way. And with ADD, in my experience with my brother - and in classrooms I have done practicums in so far - it's identifying the issue that helps them move forward. I think it's such a wonderful thing that you have the courage to not be afraid of getting your child tested. In the long run, I think it will be one of the best things you do!! Both of those things are so common now. There is so much help available! I'll be praying for you & your daughter! I hope that I have the same discernment & courage to identify & do what I can for my children if they have similar struggles!
Adriel Booker said…
Mmmm, this is a great post Cameron. Especially since I know some of the background. I think it's important that you write about this (as you feel it's appropriate of course). No doubt will it inspire others, but also be a part of your own process as well. Good for you. x

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