Reflection

Sometimes things happen that make you re-evaluate where you are at in life, and make you examine the little speck that is you on the scale of the world and all it holds. Never be ashamed of who you are. Be proud of your journey, both where you have come from and where you are headed. Strive to be all you can be, and never let go of your dreams. Stop looking over your shoulder and dwelling on your failings or the 'what-ifs'. Embrace your talents and what makes you unique, and keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how long it takes to complete each step.

Humbled by a Disability

Life has well and truly pinned me down lately. All my good intentions with this blog and the facebook page have unfortunately gone by the by. However, it is never too late I feel, and so here I am ready to pick myself up, dust myself off and plough ahead.

I had a brief period where everything seemed to be in disarray. I struggled to keep myself pointed in the right direction, but I refused to let go of my optimism and convinced myself things would settle down. Of course they did, and that positivity paid off. I've been just as busy this week but somehow my head is clearer.

I worked with the writing groups on Tuesday, and today I was requested in a different classroom - still at six year old level. I felt honored to have been 'loaned' to another teacher, and I had a great time meeting all the new kids I had to work with today. After playtime (recess) I worked with my ACAR kids. (reading recovery for the kids with learning difficulties) I have to say, I never expected to be this involved with areas of the school not pertaining to my own children, but I am loving it. Truly loving it. It is so rewarding to have those children beam up at you when you arrive at the classroom to collect them, because you have come for them and only them. To see their proud smile when you commend them on making a small sliver of progress with their reading. They know they are struggling and they are so grateful to have volunteers like me to help them.

Even though I've only been volunteering at the school for a short time, I have learned a lot. Not just about the school and the way things work, but about myself. I guess you could say I have gained a new perspective. Reading and writing are something that many of us take for granted. Especially those who have a great passion for them. How easy it is to forget, or to fail to notice that some who are less proficient at it do not love it any less.

I know that I am one person, working with one small group of students. On a worldly scale it is a very small thing indeed. But I am not the only one who is willing to donate my time to help those who just need a gentle push and some encouragement. With enough recognition and assistance these kids could still achieve miracles. Their learning disabilities need not hold them back. They're still smart, they just need extra help.

So as I continue my writing, I see the world as a more rounded sphere instead of a small view of it through a tiny window. It has humbled me, and I am glad of this fact. I am always on the road of self improvement, and I have a burning desire to learn and absorb all that I can about this gift that I've been given, this life. If I could touch half as many people with my writing as the number of people who have touched my heart in life, I would be a happy woman.

Chaos and the Optimist

"Dear, where are the car keys?"

"Mum, where are my socks?"

"Mum, I can't find my homework!"

"Mum, I need a new __________ ASAP!"

*Insert any random item here that should not have needed replacing in the next six years.

The life of a busy wife and mother is never dull, 'nothing short of chaotic' is probably a more apt term to describe it. The last couple of weeks have passed in a blur. You name it and I've probably managed to cram it into my schedule somewhere. Everything from doctors appointments, dramas in the extended family, a cousin's wedding, the reading and writing programs I participate in at the school, school field trips, house renovations... The list goes on.

One thing I have learned throughout the health challenges I have faced in the last year, is that every moment is precious. I like to think of myself as an optimist. On a good day when things run according to plan, the optimist makes the most of this opportunity. She achieves as much as possible, and juggles her time between all the tasks that have been awaiting her keen hand. On a more challenging day, the optimist takes joy in the small things. She focuses on each of those precious moments one after the other and bides her time until things pick up. 

Though nobody can retain that mindset one hundred percent of the time, I strongly believe that positivity can have a huge impact on the success of each of those tiny moments. And unsurprisingly those moments merge to make a much bigger picture.

So what am I trying to say here? Everything seems like a challenge for me at the moment. To fit all the pieces of me together, and still be the wife, mother, writer and woman and still retain my sanity? A miracle, to say the least. However, I know that while difficult, it is possible. And so I hold to that. I retain that positivity I spoke of,  make myself the fifteenth coffee of the day, and live life one moment at a time. Life is a journey and I'm proud to be on it.

The character art page has now been updated, and I hope to be finished with the rest of the maintenance soon. Then I'll be able to write far more interesting posts here. *smiles*

Poetry page now updated :)

I am a blog under construction. Please be patient while my author prepares me for viewing.