I am having a stay at home weekend dedicated to rest, reading and tackling my room a corner at a time. I have been going through a box of paperwork that started when I moved here. Instead of cleaning it out, I have added to it for the past two years. Now I am sorting it all out. I love going through stuff because it is a reminder of things that have happened. Good reminders of how far I have come. I like to think of myself as someone who defies the odds. My doctor even mentioned it at my last visit in February. He said I had done something that few people do when I lost the weight. I am now determined to do something else that defies the odds - keep it off!
This is not my first odd defying life experience. At a treatment center many years ago I was told that only a few people, maybe one percent, out of my "class" would actually achieve freedom from addiction or continuous sobriety, whatever you want to call it. I have managed to be one of those people. I have also managed to maintain a stable single parent home and provide a comfortable living for my daughter and grandson. I don't even think of myself as a single parent because it has been that way forever. But there are stereotypes, I don't listen.
When I was in college I had an instructor from Nigeria. I remember something he told us about Nigerian culture. He said that when parents wanted to build up their child's esteem, they would go back through the ancestry and tell the child all the great things or strengths of their ancestors. I do this sometimes with my kids but I also have a practice similar to that but of a personal nature. I go through my life and remind myself of the accomplishments I have made, the barriers I have broken, the odds I have defied.
The odd defying experience I was reminded of just now going through the box was when we moved here two years ago. I remember meeting with two real estate agents about my house, recently bought and over financed. They told me there was no way I'd sell it so I said I would lease it. They said there was no way I'd lease it for enough money to pay the mortgage. Not in "that neighborhood" anyway. I showed my house to one person. She loved it and she has been there ever since, paying my mortgage every month. They said it couldn't be done. I am glad I didn't listen. I just pressed on and left the rest to a power greater than me, call it God, call it the universe, call it destiny.
I want to defy the odds with my weight loss. I want to defy the odds keeping it off. I want to go on defying odds. I want to find true love/soul mate stuff at age 50. I want to write. I want to change careers and find something I love that pays enough to support my family. I want to see my sons get out of prison and live happy safe lives. I know they can because they carry my odd-defying genetics. I want to dream big. Whatever it is.
Maybe I can write a book on odd-defying life experiences. I want to inspire people to think positive and keep on trying no matter what. Because the one thing I have learned that keeps me going is to never give up.
So I want to ponder big dreams. I don't know what they are. But I am looking forward to it.
Right now I better get back to that box. . .
PS - I am also reading the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. It's about character, so far.
More will be revealed.
6 comments:
What a great post! I love what you wrote about your "odd-defying genetics". I think that theme would make a great book.
Great idea for a book!!! Go for it! :-)
I agree on the book idea! Your posts have always had such a positive slant that I always walk away feeling calmed or inspired.
Yes, yes, yes. Write the book. WE all need the wisdom you have gained in your travels through life. I have a hunch you are not going to end your life as a legal secretary. Cheers to you.
Loved this post, Cindy. I think a book is a brilliant idea. Dream big!
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