When I work with my students on their technical writing I often give the advice of "don't use the word 'thing'". Well, do as I say, not as I do. Or did. And will try not to do again in the future.
I had a frustrating day today. Not a work-related issue, but a personal issue that hovered, clouded, and eventually stormed my mind. I hate that I have the tendency to let negative thoughts overpower me and interfere with my day. Towards the end of the day, I saw that it was a friend's birthday. I haven't seen this friend in quite awhile but I'd consider her very influential in my growth as a person and in my understanding of how to work with kids. I thought instead of my usual "Have a happy birthday" statement on her Facebook wall I'd put up an image of popcorn that reminded me of how she made me popcorn on one of the more stressful nights at the camp I worked at during my college years. After I posted it I noticed how my mood changed. I was thinking more positive, I was thinking about positive people in my life and their lasting impact. That led me to the idea of writing this blog post, "5 Awesome Things". In the grand scheme of life, what frustrated me is so small and unworthy of making me weary. There are too many awesome people that have breathed encouragement, love, and strength into me to let my focus be on something harmful to my spirit.
Why the word "Things"? Because I can't nail down the most accurate word....I wouldn't say the word "gesture" because that seems too cold. A gesture is something nice you do for an acquaintance. I wouldn't say "deed" because I doubt that anyone would want me think of myself as their personal project. I wouldn't say "act of kindness" because the word "act" makes the kindness seem to isolated out of what a person might be doing on an regular basis...in other words, the "thing" they did is very much apart of who they are and what they regularly do....to call it an "act of kindness" might separate the kindness from the individual too much. Am I over thinking this? All in favor say "aye".
So, I gotta get to this. Lately the weakness of my blog is that I spend 75% of my writing in introduction. And 10% in random tangents like explaining the percentages of how my blog is being poorly written.
Without furtheradoooooo......5 Awesome "Things"
5. Foooooood. Of course I'm going to say food first. You don't get this adorably chubby physique by not appreciating food. Throughout all four babies and three back surgeries we've been blessed by friends, church members, family, and co-workers who have kept us fed with tasty, hot food. It's always meant so much to us that people have taken time out their busy day, and money out of their tighter budgets, to offer help in this meaningful way.
4. Late night trips to Dairy Queen. I mentioned above about a friend making popcorn at camp. Another camp friend kidnapped me once after dark and drove me 30 miles through a moose-filled forest to get me some ice cream.
3. Encouragement. I have many friends who are so awesome at encouraging me. One friend comes to mind particularly who has never been shy of telling me "You're freakin' awesome". In all of the years I've known him he's had the capacity to make everyone around him feel as if they are at "rock-star" status. It's great to have friends who freely give out positive encouragement.
2. Diverse friendships. And when I say "diverse" I'm really talking about the characteristics of the friendship itself rather than the individual. I have friends who respond to me very differently, and I think that all of those responses are valuable. If I have a "problem" I have friends who listen and offer multiple perspectives. And I need that. I also have friends who listen to my problems and put on their boxing gloves ready to fight my battle for me. And on a lot of days....I really need that spirit of a friend to push me on through. The power of friendship...it's ability to support and heal..is an awesome "thing".
1. The Dirty Work. Through pregnancy complications and back surgeries I've had friends and family that have gotten "dirty" for us. They've swept and washed our floors, literally touched our dirty laundry, and even had to help me with my own personal needs as I recovered from my spinal fusion. To see a friend or family member do that "dirty work" is the ultimate revelation that you are, in fact, loved.
Because my introduction was too lengthy, I'll save some time in the conclusion and just say....
The End.
