I cherish...

Not to long ago, I had a lady approach me after a Parent Booster Club meeting at the kids' school. The meeting had been a pretty controversial one concerning some changes that may or may not take place at the school. These changes, if implemented, would greatly effect my kids...so naturally, I was my usual self and stood my ground for what I believed was right for my kids, family, our values and for the school as a whole. (I am not going to go into details about what we were discussing, because a lot of people read my blog, I am sure I will blog about later, after a decision has been made.)

Anyhow- I had done a lot of research on-line, asked other people what they thought and even read a book about it, so I felt pretty darn prepared and it turned out that it was a good thing I had taken the time to research it a bit. I ended up feeling like I needed to back up any all comments that I stated...at one point, I felt things got pretty heated and I was just about RED in the face with how dumb some people were behaving!! (again, my opinion) If you want to post your own opinion...feel free to do so on your own blog or FB page. You are entitled to do so!

Back to my story- after the meeting, the lady that approached me stated that I always have a lot of passion, determination and seem very "sturdy" in my every day coming and goings and that my kids seem to have it too. She wanted to know what my secret was...how do I stay focused, how do I have the courage to speak up so strongly about the things I see fit? I have to say...that I was most definitely a little shocked and wasn't sure exactly what she was asking me. I am sure I had quite the look on my face.

 (I have never had a poker face!)

I was still pretty worked up about the meeting I had just experienced, so I took a deep breath and and told her that I am just stubborn and hard-headed...I got it from my Dad, so I come by it honestly. She kind of chuckled, but stopped herself and said no, no...it's more than that. I stood there thinking that she would drop it and say goodnight, but she just stood there...waiting. Waiting for me to say something else...in the silence, I was thinking and before I knew it- this came out of my mouth...

"I cherish my freedom to act, think, feel and choose as I wish."

She was totally quiet and walked away to her car. I got in mine and drove home.

Funny...earlier on this day, I had gone to a yoga class. I REALLY enjoyed it. The teacher always chooses a different chant or saying that she feels proper for the day and says it out loud at the very end of each class.

This was the chant on that very same day-

"I cherish my freedom to act, think, feel and choose as I wish. I celebrate the choice which that lies for me in every moment. I accept the responsibility which comes with freedom. I embrace my liberty and use it to create an abundant and meaningful life. I gratefully acknowledge the expansive opportunities my freedom allows me. I recognize that the shape of my own life can largely be of my own choosing. Knowing that I am free, accepting that I am free, relishing that freedom and using it to build a life built upon my true values. I am fortunate and know that this is so."

Wow...I don't think I realized just how much this quote spoke to me until after I got home from that meeting. I am free and I accept that I am free and I certainly have (and will continue) to build my life upon my true values!!! It's a good thing I inherited all the strength, stubbornness and hard-headedness that I have from past generations...it takes a lot of it these days to stand up for what you believe in.

I am not sure what I think of the lady that approached me that evening, but I do thank her for reminding me of who I am and what I believe in...and for the fact that she has noticed my kids have it. Yes, I want my kids to stand up for what they believe is right and good.

Thanks for reading...this Yoga Momma is signing off (0: