May 13, 2017 YOUR MAMMA DON'T DANCE

Mother's day is a tough day for many people. It's another one of those Hallmark holidays. Everyone is supposed to be HAPPY right??   They are supposed to buy flowers, cards, and gifts for their MOTHERS to honor them on their special day. For many though-- it can be a stressful, sad day. Mothers die AND  mothers are definitely NOT ALL CREATED EQUAL.  I've learned to roll with it. If life gives your lemons--make lemonade--that's my philosophy. Being a mother is a tough, many times thankless job. It's exhausting--emotionally--physically--mentally--at times. If you are lucky enough to have an equal partner in marriage--then your job is A LITTLE EASIER. I don't believe that  everyone is equipped to be a mother though --UNFORTUNATELY that's a lesson that can only be learned the hard way.  It really is a selfless act--if you're going to do it  right--whatever right is. AND--don't expect to see a return on your efforts for decades. Growing up takes a LONG time. Learning appreciation,  thankfulness, and giving back can sometimes  takes years.  So keep your expectations REAL this Mother's Day.  Whatever happens-- BE HAPPY. Remember-- not everyone is as fortunate as you are! In honor of Mother's Day, I thought I would review Anne Morrow Lindbergh's wonderful book Gift from the Sea.

Lindbergh wrote this classic while vacationing in Captiva Island in the 1950s. After collecting shells on the beach, she used them as inspiration to write about youth, age, love, the ebb & flow of marriage and family, peace, simplicity and solitude. These are her meditations on what she had learned in life. As a mother of 5, Lindbergh was at an age where she understood the trappings of life--modernity--materialism--and looked to simplify--declutter and get back to what was really important--family.  Her insights are as relevant today as they were in 1950, and her book has been read by generations. It has sold over 3 million copies and has been translated into 46 different languages.  This is a book I often pull from the shelf--just to read a chapter--to remind myself what's important in life. Read this beautiful, smart book yourself--it's only 130 pages--a mere 3 mile run-- that will have you reevaluating what's really  important too.