"Livin' Lawlor Life"

The longer I live, the more I realize that life is just lesson after lesson to be learned. Everyday could bring something new, or could just be a continuation of the same old stuff, but nevertheless, it seems that there is always some sort of growing experience taking place. I have had challenges and obstacles to overcome at almost every phase of my life, whether it be with family or friends or neighbors. Or it could be the ones that are harder to overcome, which are the battles which occur within my own self. It is during these struggles that I have been able to take a good look at my weaknesses, humble myself, and work harder to make those weak things strong. I am grateful for these experiences.


One of the less difficult struggles that I have recently overcome actually had to do with blogging. I used to read other people's blogs and think that everyone else had these great lives and that everything was seemingly "perfect" for them. It was actually pretty depressing. It wasn't too long after that my neighbor, Amy, showed me the book that she had made out of her blog. It struck me then that our day to day family life is what will make up the memories that my children will have of their childhood. I choose to record the positive things and leave out the negative ones, not because there aren't any, but simply because I don't want to be reminded of them. Is there anything wrong with recording the best parts of our lives, so that we can remember the good times when things aren't so great?

Another lesson learned recently was from a conversation I had the other day with an amazing woman. She has been under a lot of stress and pressure lately, and can at times feel like it is more than she can bear. I asked her how she was holding up these days, and she said "Great!" I was surprised by her answer, and asked her what she had felt had changed. She answered simply, "My attitude." These 2 words have come to my mind several times in the days since. Nothing has changed with her circumstances, but she is a new woman, all because of her attitude.

I guess my point is.... Is my life perfect? No. Are my kids perfect? No. Am I trying to "pretend" like they are? No. Do I live a "fairytale" life? No, of course not. I am an imperfect person living among other imperfect people and I will try my hardest to find the roses among the thorns along the path of life. And I will blog about them.