:) WADAYA KNOW........OR THINK THURSDAY

Last night I had the privilege to go to Christine's photography class. (She is private, so sorry no link) I loved it. It was so fun to have so much of the stuff I have been learning in my photo course come alive. She is amazing. I love her talent. I really appreciated her letting me CRASH the party! :} One thing that I loved was that she told us that she has her favorite photos on a disk and in her "72 HOUR KIT!!!!!!!!" What a genius! I am soooo going to do that!


WADAYA think about this:
What Defines You?

I have been thinking about this tons lately. I have been asking myself this question. So I did some searchin'. I found this................

Most people allow themselves to be defined by things other than who they are. They allow themselves to be defined by what other people think, by circumstances, by many things beyond their control. Or they allow themselves to be defined by their achievements, how much money they make or how successful they are. Perhaps they define themselves by how much education they have or how much power and influence they have. This one is especially prevalent in political circles. Some define themselves or are defined by others according to their station in life. Do they work for that big law firm or major corporation and live in a six thousand square foot home on the lake or the golf course, or do they work at Walmart and live in a trailer park?

None of these things, in truth, define us. In fact, not only do they not make us who we are, most of them are the result of who we are. No, we cannot control what people think. Nor can we always control outside circumstances that are forced upon us. But, we can control how we respond to those things. At this point I would like to stop and ask a simple question. I suggest you reflect upon this question. Don't just dismiss the idea and don't answer immediately, off the cuff, either. Take some time. Reflect upon it. Get alone in a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of life and ask yourself this question.

What defines you? Or, in the words of a philosophy professor I had back in my college days and we won't go into how long ago that was either, can you tell me who you are without telling me what you are?

I warn you, this is no easy task and it will mess with your head a little. However, I believe the exercise to be of tremendous value. Everything in our lives from business to relationships to our faith and most certainly our sense of self worth, depends upon how we feel about who we believe we truly are. In fact, feelings will probably come closer to the truth than a more pragmatic analytical approach. Most of us have difficulty being honest with ourselves. Perhaps we are afraid of what we will discover if we probe too deeply. We don't always like getting in touch with our feelings. Do it anyway, it's important. How can we be comfortable in the many different relationships we have in life, personal and business, if we are not comfortable with and have not accepted who we are? So do yourself a favor and ask yourself. What defines you?

(I got this wonderful info here)

It is easy for me to say, I'm a wife, mother, daughter, blah, blah, blah! So I've taken this challenge and asked my self these questions. (These are my opinions)

What do I stand for and believe? There have been times in my life that I have been "ON THE FENCE" It was very difficult because my heart and mind didn't agree. I was always confused. I have so much more peace when I KNOW what I believe and what I stand for.

What are my Talents? I want to say raising my family is my best talent, but I have to think deeper. Truly knowing what my talents are helps define me.

What are my flaws? I have tons! And by me accepting them and working on changing them I define myself. When I was a young mom, I had a temper, (ask Nicole about the "Flying Hamper"
I decided one day that I didn't want my kids to grow up with with this attribute from me. I had to work hard on this and sometimes lock myself in my room, but is was finally something that I achieved!!!!! (just don't make me mad~!!) That was a joke.

Am I ok with my physical self? Not so. I loved the days of my metabolism. I've had some health problems and love food. Two things that I have struggled with. But, I am still the same person inside. I remember as a skinny young girl thinking that if someone was overweight, they should just go on a diet and LOOSE IT! Well, it was one of those difficult lessons for me to learn. (But I do have skinny feet and wrists!)

Explain my inner self. How do I treat people? Am I selfish or giving. Do I have sympathy and empathy? Do I put others first? When I die, have a left a legacy of love and kindness? Do I have tolerence or am I judgemental?

What are my likes and dislikes. They make me who I am.

What is my personality like? (Wacko)

It is so amazing to stop and think about who we are and actually put a "finger on it!"

Ok....on to somthing else.,.......

I had a situation happen in my life, and I wanna know...... WADAYA think.

Someone I know said something to someone. (got that?) It kinda got back to the person that she was talking about, and because I know her, she thinks I feel the same way!!!!!!! (guilty by association.) It has really bothered me, and I told that person that I DON'T feel that way, but it is hard. It is a good lesson for me to learn......don't jump to conclusions!!!!!!