My advice to my children has always been,"be your best and most genuine selves." I have encouraged them to avoid conformity, mediocrity and complacency. I challenged them to be reflective with a greater purpose for their lives in mind, one that will benefit others as well as themselves. And above all else, they know that I expect them to be kind and compassionate. They laugh at me, often dismiss me, chiding me to "chill Bra !and lighten up!" I do know however that they hear me and I am realistic enough to know that much of this won't "matter" to their youthful and selfish spirits for many years to come.I believe I have prepared them to "fight" for who they are and for whom they wish to become.I have to trust how I raised them.
My children fascinate me, not because they are mine or emerged "whole" in spite of my alternative views, but because they seem to have genuine confidence and direction...more than I ever possessed at their ages or ever. They are ready. I feel it! Robert turned 18 on 1-1-11. He visited Florida Institute of Technology this past week where he was accepted to study marine biology. Tia, at 20, has her sight set on living in Brazil. It was difficult getting her to return from her 7 month stay in Australia and I am certain that in order to see her in the future, I will have to travel to wherever it is she lands:)
So during this new year, I too am trying to be my best and most genuine self . I am simplifying my life, on many levels,quieting the noise and clutter and challenging myself to be more reflective. I need to more clearly define my "purpose."I somehow forgot what that was or perhaps it is only that I have changed and grown ...and so must my intentions. I am trying to proceed in the direction of my dreams, with a bit of grace, kindness and compassion for those I love. I may fail miserably, knowing my decisions will transform the lives of others without their full approval or consent. As difficult as that concept is for me, it is even more disconcerting to stand still.
To Robert and Christina, may you embrace change and welcome challenge throughout this new year and always in your lives. And may you love deeply enough to respect and encourage growth in others even if it means letting go.Please have forgiving and grateful hearts!
And now to create and paint. I think that is my purpose:) I have avoided and neglected it ...minimized and devalued it, but somehow, when I dream, it is my painting that promises to get me to where I need to be.
Happy 2011! Dream with intention and authencity!
"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." ~Anatole France
"Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights." ~Pauline R. Kezer
Being their genuine, goofy selves...my children. Happy 2011 !
"Where thou art, that is home. "~ Emily Dickinson
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