The relationships I value most are those with my children. They have grown into caring, responsible adults and our relationships have grown into mature, reciprocal friendships. My daughter, who lives closest to me, has become a friend. My two sons are don't call all that often, but my oldest son explained to me that guys just don't call that often. Still, when we do talk it is genuine and enjoyable. As their mom, I still worry about them but have taken the viewpoint that their father and I tried to set good examples for them as they were growing up and established boundaries for them and I have to trust that they are taking those lessons with them through life.
As far as friendships, I have few. I have had many toxic friendships in my life, where I gave more to the relationship then got in return in the way of support, and I have found that the few I do have are all I need. It wasn't until I was about 45 that I realized bad friendships, and an unfulfilling marriage, were having a draining effect on me and I needed to do something about it. I cut ties with those people and have had many times when I say a prayer of thanks for the strength to do so. The personality characteristics that make me a caring, giving educator were the same characteristics I applied to my friendships, and marriage, but at the end of the day, I felt empty. Living alone, having my mom, children, colleagues, and cat to interact with gives me a feeling of happiness and self-reliance I didn't feel with any of my previous friendships. For me, less is more.
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| My cat Marianna |
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| My children and mom |
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| My grand-dog Pebbles |
Thanks for you blog post this week Laurie! It helps me to feel like I am in a real relationship with my classmates when I can "see" them. I don't see a picture of you in this post but I will comb through your blog to see if I can find one. I look forward to working and learning with you this term at Walden. I appreciate your feedback and insights. Thanks Laurie! Katy Smith
ReplyDeleteHi Laurie,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your honesty, and wisdom concerning relationships.I too have serious decisions to make regarding toxic relationships.They can cause stress and illness to our minds and bodies.
Magretta Nelson
Laurie,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. I thought I was reading about my own life story. I am glad that friends, family, and associates had disappointed me in life because that was how I started my intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. I was such a "people pleaser." Finding my worth and value through what I did for others. When I experienced being pregnant with triplets, losing two babies, family/friend perception changed, and values; which made me a new creature through Jesus Christ. I enjoyed your post. Hope to blog with you again soon.
Chereé