Before you read this post, I invite you to watch the video and then you’ll understand my message more clearly….
IT’S JUST A CUP…
I was feeling sorry for myself the other day. I’m packing my life in card board boxes. Ten months of being unemployed has taken it’s toll. Still no full time job, can’t collect unemployment because I taught at a Catholic School, and I’ve lost everything I’ve worked hard for, my whole life.
Retirement, savings, now the house; gone.
I was having a pity party for myself and feeling sad, leaving the granite counter-tops, cathedral ceiling and hard wood floors of my three bedroom colonial, where I have lived for 15 years. Now my life is in boxes or being sold at an estate sale later this May, as I prepare to move into a tiny one bedroom apartment. The worst part in all of this, is that my three kids have to now live with their dad, until I get back on my feet.
I was feeling discouraged and picked up the phone to call my mom. I started to complain and she could tell by the sniffles that I was having a “poor little me” moment…..and she stopped me dead in my tracks.
Mother knows best
Just like when I was a five year old, whining about some sad incident that happened to me at the sand table in kindergarten, she interrupted my swan song and wouldn’t listen to the violin playing pretty in the background.
Nope; she had to remind me of how much I have to be grateful for.
On this particular bad day of packing she said:
“Luanne, it’s just “stuff”. None of it’s important. It doesn’t measure who you are or who you are still becoming. What’s important is that you have a roof over your head, healthy, beautiful children to love and many people who love and are always ready to support you.
Granite and hardwood? If you miss it, take a trip to the National Park and walk around the woods. C’mon now dear, chin up…”
I like nature walks anyway
And you know something; she was right. All the “things” I was sad about losing didn’t matter. I still had blue sky and sunshine, three beautiful kids, relatively good health, friends and family who cared…why should I feel sorry for myself? The world is still spinning and Two and a Half Men have not yet been canceled. All is right in the universe; why did it take my mom’s scolding for me to see it?
That’s why ” Mom” is the most important three letter word
Thank goodness for mom. She reminded me that Kendall Jackson will taste just as sweet sipped from a plastic Dixie as it will from a sparkly Waterford.
This is just a bump in the road called my life. Sooner or later the pot hole will fill . Smoother travel is in the horizon, even if my flat tire is making me forget to look up to see if Triple A is pulling in behind me.
Like everything in life, things change.
“Life is Change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.”
This quote is the tag line for my blog, Essence of Life Chronicles. It speaks the truth, just like my Momma.
My momma always did know best. I’ll be sippin sweet nectar from my Dixie in the woods for a while, but that’s okay.
Life is good, even when the ride gets so bumpy I feel car sick.
Here’s to plastic cups and paper plates, ladies! CHEERS!
And….Thanks Mom!
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2010 
Lu, What a story you have to tell! Your mother told you right, but it’s not an easy truth to hear, especially in a world fixated on things. I’m so happy that you are OK with your situation and that you haven’t allowed it to crush you. You have so much motivation that I’m sure you will find a job to supply your needs.
You’ve touched me deeply. I’m constantly reminding myself that life does not result from the things we possess (Luke 12:15). I needed that reminder today. Thank you!
What an inspiring article. I lost my own job a year ago and have to work at fighting back the fear and the pity-party, though, thank God, I am still able to pay my bills. But one thing that has come out of this, is my relationship to God has definitely grown closer, and I have done more volunteer work and had experiences I may not have had if I had stayed in the 9 to 5 job. I really needed to leave it anyway, for my sanity, so maybe this was God’s nudging. Let’s hope the rest of 2010 brings blessings for everyone here.
crossing my fingers that it does!
Dear Lu,
I am going through a rough phase in my life currently and I am living with the mantra this too shall pass. Your post is really inspiring.
I’m glad it helped!
Luanne,
Thank you for sharing the beautiful video, music, and message. I agree with your mom that we need to be thankful for the life we lead and to celebrate the little blessings that are put in our path.
On November 26, 1994, my life changed and with it, my view of life, forever. My wife gave birth to our son, Matthew. As you know first hand, becoming a parent changes your priorities, instantly. You no longer can do what you want, when you want. You become a different person. When you hear on the news or read in the paper that a child was hurt or killed, you almost instantly want to hug your children, and you feel fortunate that your family is still safe. Being the parent of a healthy child is an incredible feeling … or at least I think it would be.
A few weeks later, we would learn that our innocent, precious, son, the gift we have been given, was not healthy. As the old cliche goes, looks can be deceiving. We learned that our son was born with a congenital heart defect, Pulmonary Atresia with an ASD a VSD, and Pulmonary Stenosis. We were devestated to learn our beautiful bundle of joy would require heart surgery. Children take us on an amazing journey as parents. What seems to be important to us at one time, quickly changes when we learn of new experiences of our children.
Matthew has undergone 5 heart surgeries and several non-cardiac operations, has ADHD, and allergies. He is quite stable right now and for that we feel fortunate. Along the way, Matthew has taught us several life lessons. I feel I have grown into a more compassionate person because of seeing the daily struggles Matthew has encountered, and triumphed over. He has also taught me to cherish the small seemingly insignificant things in life. A small accomplishment is a reason to celebrate.
Although it is and has been difficult to raise a child with special needs, I feel blessed because I have been able to feel a special sense of love, caring, kindness, and joy, that many people will not.
I became unemployed in October, 2008. We were not sure if we should tell Matthew about it because we were not sure of how he might react. However, we were told that we should, and when we did, his reaction was nothing short of amazing. Rather than crying and being upset, he walked over to the computer and sat down. He started searching for a job for his dad. Here’s a job Dad, can you do this? Dad, look at this one, can you do this kind of work? Well, I am still looking for the right position on my journey though life. It has been a long process, but I try to look for the positive elements along the way. I have met some super people. I have developed skills I didn’t know I had. I learned many things about myself.
I think every so often, we need to be reminded that even though we may feel down on ourselves or that life circumstances are not ideal, changing our perspective on life can lead us to a greater internal strength, growth, and internal happiness.
Jim
Dear Lu,
I am so inspired by your post…My husband and I are going through a rough time financially. I have been down in the dumps about our situation and the future looks rather bleak at the moment.
Though I never cared about ‘Stuff’, it is the day to day survival that takes away all my cheer and optimism.
Your post has really helped me see things a bit clearly…Thank you.
I’m glad it helped. Remember that things will change; hang tough and keep in touch!
Lu
I’ve been where you are. But, once the ‘stuff’ was gone, I felt a great sense of relief. No more worries about how I would get through the next crisis, the downward slide, the swirling chaos. I’ve recovered and now own a house again. It’s much smaller and not in the neighborhood I loved. But, the bills are paid and I’m not worrying. And, most important, I learned who loves me no matter what. And I have the time to spend with those people because I’m not fighting to keep my ‘stuff’. My best wishes to you. You will be on top again and stronger for it.
Dear Luanne,
“You ARE a Beautiful, Wise Lady and so is Your Mom”. Thank you for such wonderful inspiration. We should ALL be happy for the little things that we have and sometimes I guess I too take it for granted when things don’t always go the way that I want them to. I also lost my job and it’s been very hard for a long time to get by. I’m Thankful for a wonderful family, friends and people that truly care and have always been there for me. I wish You and Yours the VERY BEST LIFE HAS TO OFFER.
On this Mothers Day, Wishing you ALL the Best and Your Mom too.
Hang in there and “Keep the Faith”, as I am trying to do.
Best Regards,
Sharon
Lu, when eating off of paper plates, at least there are no dishes to be done
I love it! You are so right!!
Lu
Luanne —
Many of us have experienced what you are going through, including myself. It’s not easy having to give up the kids, and leave behind what you have grown attached to; however, your mother is right, be glad for the things that you do have, good health, family, and the opportunity to view life from a different perspective. Sometimes we have to start over, clear the clutter, get rid of the material things to value the real treasures that life bestows on us. Having endurance and perseverance will get you through the hard times, be humble and give thanks for the little things.
Thank you for sharing, and all the best to you.
life is just like a cup of tea. life is a travel.
what else we can do except walking with smile?come on!
Feel it. love it. persist it.
God is lovely. please believe yourself.
Feel the strgenth of nature. smile forever.
Thanks Helen! Love your positive outlook! So important when you have to eat off of paper plates and elegant dining out means McDonalds!
Appreciate you leaving me a comment!
LU