To Move Forward or to Stand Still - That is the question

Hi guys

I want to first congratulate my friend Haneen on achieving her doctorate. I am so proud of you.

Over my life, I have spent much time contemplating the lines in Robert Frost’s poem especially the last two lines which are

‘Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less travelled by,
And that has made all the difference’  (excerpt from poem by Robert Frost)

There have been numerous interpretations of this poem which I will not go into as this poem may mean something different to everyone. What we can agree on is that in life we often face crossroads (two roads which diverge). If you choose to go down one road it usually means you can’t go down another at the same time.

For some people, the fear of choosing a road, that is, making a decision on moving forward paralyses them. Some decisions are easy and others much harder. I totally agree that making decisions especially life changing decisions can be scary. I think not making a decision is scarier though. When you put off making a decision and instead you are forced into a decision, or allow others to decide for you or simply compromise or ignore a situation or opportunity because it is the ‘easier’ thing to do, you are setting yourself up for disappointment.

Instead seize the opportunity to make a decision. It is your life. You have to live with the decisions you or anyone else make. So therefore in my mind, it makes sense for you to make and own your decisions. There may always be naysayers and those who disagree or think you are making a foolish choice. There will be those who might be jealous you are moving forward or doing something different (crab in the bucket mentality). Who cares? Follow your heart and follow your dreams and that is what will make the difference.

To all the people who had the courage to make often difficult decisions...I tip my hat to you.

·        Those who made a decision to give up ‘stable jobs’ and followed or will follow their dream to start a business

·        Those who made calculated (well thought out) decisions to buy or build a home in a difficult economy

·        Those who made a decision to marry who they love even when others tried to discourage them or those who moved far away to follow their love

·        Those who made and stuck with decisions to lose weight and take control of their lives and health

·        Those who chose to walk away from abusive relationships and stand strong and tall because they know their worth

These are real examples of real people I know who made decisions often choosing to take the road less travelled by. These are people I know who are happy with the road they have chosen to travel.

What about you? Are you at a cross road? Is there a decision that you have been struggling with or putting off making? Have you stopped to pray about it?  If not, do so now. It’s true that prayer and faith changes things. I know.

Say Yes to making those decisions you have been putting off today. I am.

 

 

Operation: BABY

'Guys....my water just broke.' We all went quiet in the BBM group chat before we exclaimed with joy and wonder ‘Operation Baby is underway.’

It probably is presumptuous of me to write a blog entry about the joys and challenges of motherhood noting the fact that I am not a mother. However, like so many wonderful women out there, I am fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to nurture and interact with children who I adore.

I listen to mothers' speak including my own mom and the love they feel for their children regardless of age is so evident. A mother’s love is all encompassing....indescribable, uncontainable......

Motherhood is a tremendous responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Mothers have so much on their plate and when you are a single mom, that helping is often quadrupled. Your role isn’t easy and despite this some of you have raised some terrific children. Some children despite our best effort, from two parent homes or single parent homes, though may choose a less desirable road. These children are not lost children but simply children who need added support, encouragement, guidance and love.

I speak to amazing women all the time. Some are biological mothers, some are not...all of them see beauty in all of our children...even the ones in prison or the ones on drugs.

Bad children don’t just happen...We let it happen – yes parents hold a bulk of the responsibility but the community is also responsible. We let it happen when we see a struggling single mom and offer no help financially or emotionally. We let it happen when we ignore a mother or father’s plea for help with a disobedient child. We let it happen, when we pass the boys on the corner and simply shake our heads and drive faster rather than thinking about the difference programs, policies or a simple chat would make.

There are amazing persons in our community who are trying to make a difference but many of us can do a lot more...help the little girl with the illiterate mom with homework, take the little boy who has no male role model to the basket ball court to shoot some hoops. Have a conversation with the ‘drug addict’ on the corner. It is amazing the difference these little actions make. One tiny step to help today will make a difference in a child’s life today.

Today my friend brought a new life into the world and I know she will continue to be a fabulous mother.

Today you can make a positive difference in the life of a child who may not have a mom, a child who needs you. Will you?