This is Day 5 of the 21-Day Positivity Challenge held in March 2012, where we work on being positive for 21 days. The challenge is now over but you can do the tasks in your own time. Visit the overview page for all the challenge tasks.
Hello everyone, and welcome to Day 5 of the 21-Day Positivity Challenge (21DPC)! :D
Sign ups are now officially closed and we have a total of 596 official participants registered for 21DPC!! Welcome to all of you on board – if you are new, start off with Day 1 and catch up with us from there. For those of you who have been on the challenge since the start, read on! :D
Have You Been Doing the Positivity Tasks *and* Positive-End-of-Day-Reflections?
I noticed that a small handful of participants have only been answering the positivity questions but missing out on the positivity tasks (and some missing out on the end-of-the-day reflection as well).
Do you know that there has actually been a small positivity task assigned for each day, on top of the positivity question and end-of-day reflection?
By only doing 1/3 or 2/3s of the challenge, you’re missing out on the full challenge experience, which is a great pity because you’re denying yourself of the full benefits you can get if you were to do the challenge fully! I highly encourage all of you to strive to complete all 3 segments of each day’s tasks. After all, since you’re already here for 21DPC, why not take it all the way and complete each day’s tasks to the fullest? ;) You will be pleasantly surprised by the benefits you will get from committing yourself fully, vs. a half-hearted approach where you scrap the surface of each day’s task just in the name of participation.
For those of you who have already been completing all 3 tasks for each day to a tee (you know who you are!) – Fantastic work! I’ve been very amazed by the incredible energy of all of you. A good handful of you have even been going beyond your standard participation of the challenge – you have been venturing to other participants’ responses, reading them with great care, and engaging them in discussions. I say that is AMAZING. :D
Keep up the fantastic spirit – we are now starting on a brand new week (Day 5 = March 5 = Monday). Let’s start this new week on a roaring note! :D
21DPC Day 5 Question
Today’s positivity question is:
What Do/Did You Love Most About Your Mom/Dad?
Your Task:
- Reflect and answer today’s question(s). Write as few or as many words as needed to fully express your thoughts. There is no word limit.
- Do something nice for your mom/dad today.
- It can be anything – from cooking a meal for them, to taking them out for dinner, to talking to them, to hugging them, to saying a simple thank you, to watching TV with them, to buying them something special which they’ve been meaning to get, and so on. In your reply for today, let us know what you chose to do and share with us their response, if you wish.
- If you have been meaning to improve your relationship with your parents, you may find this series on PE helpful: How To Improve Your Relationship With Your Parents (4-part series).
- Reflect on your parents’ message to you.
- If both your parents have already passed on (my heart goes out to you), think about what is the biggest message they wanted to convey to you while they were alive. And today, embody that message in the highest possible manner through your thoughts, your actions, and your very being.
- Identify at least one positive thing about your day. It may be something small or something big – as long as you deem it as something positive, it counts. If you have more than 1 thing to share, then by all means, go for it!
Share Your Answers!
After you are done, share your answers in the comments area.
If you’re doing this at the start of the day, you can post your answer for today’s question first, then return at the end of the day to answer the 2nd part, on identifying at least one positive thing about your day.
Check out other participants’ answers. Pick 1-2 participants’ answers and make a meaningful reply to them. Engage in the discussions. This is a group course, so let’s support each other in these 21 days!
Look forward to reading your responses!
(Images: Happy girl in the field, Mother and daughter hugging
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5: What is the favorite thing about my Mom/Dad? Why
My most favorite thing about my mom is her energy for life. She is determined to live a “full” life, a life of meaning, of purpose, of intention. When I look at how my mom lives her life at 79 years of age it reduces my fears of growing old. She is 40 and devilish as they come living inside a physical body of 79 She says they can force me to grow old but they will never force me to grow up! She also likes the quite , you can rust out or wear out, choose wear out, it’s more fun!
She loves to see family and friends for a get together, she loves it when the musical instruments fall out the singing begins.
She loves an outside fire, she loves a hike that she can handle and sometimes even hikes that she can’t handle! She won’t give in! It’s a wonder we haven’t killed her already with some of the trails we have dragged her on.
At 78 she received her Honorary Doctorate of Law Degree. I think this is her pride and joy of accomplishments and so it should be. I was proud to be in attendance for this as was most of our family. The degree came shortly after my Dad’s death so it was lonely that he was not there but she carried his ashes in her pocket, in an “eagle urn” that she bought at the time. In her words, “he was with her every step”…
My mom was nominated for “Senior of Distinction” and she won that award as well. She is on every volunteer committee that you can imagine. She travels this province for conferences as often as the politicians do, she just doesn’t get funded the same!
She can argue/debate any political position you wish to challenge her on!
She is educated, respected and revered by many all over our area.
Despite all her accomplishments, and if I put her name here you would find her all over the if you Googled her, I love her the most because she expels “Life is Good, Life is meant to be lived not watched”, she is a doer and a thinker, she is a mover and a shaker.
She has been kicked, she has been knocked down by the gods but she gets up, she just gets up and she never gives up!
I love her because she is the epitome of “live”…………….. And because she is my mom… xxxx
My dad has already passed and went thru a rough time in the last of his time with us. Before all of that I loved a great game of poker with him, all fun but he loved to take my money and I loved to take his although it was more often the other way… Then when I was leaving home he would tuck me a bill in case I needed it on route That memory still makes me smile.. My fondest memories would be in his boat or at his wharf on the beach. When he helped us clear the land at our summer place, I can still picture him as he spotted a moose across the pond. I left some of his ashes on the beach by his wharf and at our cabin. It makes me feel like he is there.
Something positive that happened today! Hubby finished the refinishing on the stairs in the house. God I am happy to have that mess behind me!
Smiles
I love the way my parents treated each other, how they showed us love. How we sang and laugh on car trips. How we watched TV together in their bedroom. I loved spending time with both of them. After growing up and leaving the house, I would call my Dad or he will call me during the week and Mom will call always on Sundays. How when my Mom when on trips with her church and friends my Dad would come visit me. I loved the conversations we had about life, family, “religion” and even politics. Love that we didnt agree in topics but it was ok to express our opinions without judgment. Love that we were first in their lives. I love and miss them a lot. They were both givers, they taught us the meaning of being a real person, the meaning of family. I miss them. I still see them in my dreams.
The one thing that I really admire about my dad, is he is so relaxed. With all the craziness in his corporate job and everything that has happened to him over the last couple of years, he always takes it in. He reminds me that nothing really is achieved by stressing out. I love him for that and I hope I can get to that point sometime in my life.
My mom: I am no longer on speaking terms with my mom, due to her alcoholic behavior, and I really miss her. She is such an amazing person (when sober) and I always loved being around her for her sense of humor, creativeness, and just how cool she was.
I think I am going to write both my mom and dad a letter and let them know in detail what I described here.
Happy Moment (Thankful) for the day: I cooked supper and I didn’t want to eat it, so my husband took me out to my favorite resturaunt instead :)
I love them all.
The one thing that I really admire about my dad, is he is so relaxed. With all the craziness in his corporate job and everything that has happened to him over the last couple of years, he always takes it in. He reminds me that nothing really is achieved by stressing out. I love him for that and I hope I can get to that point sometime in my life.
My mom: I am no longer on speaking terms with my mom, due to her alcoholic behavior, and I really miss her. She is such an amazing person (when sober) and I always loved being around her for her sense of humor, creativeness, and just how cool she was.
I think I am going to write both my mom and dad a letter and let them know in detail what I described here.
Happy Moment (Thankful) for the day: I cooked supper and I didn’t want to eat it, so my husband took me out to my favorite resturaunt instead :)
Pretty hard one, unfortunately. I’ll probably have to say that what I like most is how she had the courage to start a new page in her life, break out from her previous dissatisfying relationship, quit her dissatisfying job and leave her dissatisfying homeland. In the light of all the stuff she’s been through, it’s no surprise she did not have much to offer me when I was growing up. Le sigh.
Dad? He’s a good guy, very creative and funny. I’ll leave it at that, cause this is not a task for complaining!! :)
Since I’m in a different country than either of them, I couldn’t do the task. My dad doesn’t even use Internet!!
Positive yesterday: went to two auditions. The pantomime one went much much better than last time! I better get a decent part this time, cause it’s really time-consuming, so I’ll need to get something out of it!
Also, watched the beginning of Zeitgeist: MF with my bf. It’s a long one, so we’ll finish it some other time :)
I am so grateful that my parents raise us first to live as a close family, eating meals together, playing games and having open conversations. They also taught us that we don’t need everything in order to be happy. I loved the fact that I’ve paddled more waterways in a canoe or kayak…or sailed so many wonderful days that most people will never get to experience or appreciate.
My dad was very intuitive, kind of a do it yourself type of person. He built our house with very little carpentry knowledge. He had the desire to learn…from him I’ve learned that you can do anything you put your mind to just don’t give up.
My mom taught me to smile & see the good things all around me.
Both Mom & Dad loved meeting new people now I do the same. I now do the same & find it’s fun to use icebreakers to ease the tension in a group of unfamiliar people.
Today I am grateful for a beautiful morning with crisp clear air. It’s 4 degrees F below zero & the sin is shining bright and no wind. This is the perfect time to walk the dogs.
Everyone please enjoy this wonderful day. :cool:
As I have said previously, I am my mom’s caregiver as she has end-stage congestive heart failure. She is still very much alert, though not quite as mobile as she once was. What I love most about my mom is the fact that though she is dependent on me, she is STILL the selfless mom that I have known all my life. She worries about ME even though she is becoming weaker. She delays her comfort to make it easier on me. She is my mom first and foremost; patient second.
My dad passed away 30 years ago. I think about him every day and miss him today just as much as when it happened. I loved his sense of humor. My memories of him involve lots of laughing and teasing.
My parents’ message to me is/was to do your best, no matter what it is. Everything you do is significant to your day and inevitably to someone else’s day.
Today I helped my mom take a shower with a true servant’s heart. I put all my love for her into this one task as if it were all I had to do for the day. I did everything the way she wanted even if it took more time and effort. I massaged lotion all over her, brushed her hair for awhile and we talked and laughed the whole time. I didn’t hurry like I usually do so I could get to all my other chores.
Mom thanked me. However, I realized it was actually a memory for ME to treasure forever.
The one positive thing about my day: one of my dear friends stopped by (very much out of her way) to give me a LARGE diet coke. We had been joking about going to the beach, taking a stack of books, junk food, and diet coke and plopping ourselves in the sand. It made me realize that I am not alone.
My mom- She’s a very considerate person and willing to make any sacrifice necessary for her family. I can talk to my mom about almost anything and I can expect her to give me her honest feedback on the subject. My mom is a very creative person and I have fond memories as a kid of her making me things, like my own personal activity books, floor mats that double as little ‘towns’ that I could drive my toy cars on, dollhouses, stuffed animals, etc. She’s a very hard worker, too and has worked her way up in a retail company from an overnight shelf stocker, to a company manager. I’m so proud of my mom!
My dad- Again, he’s a very hard worker and makes sure everyone’s needs are met before his own. While I wish he’d take better care of and put himself first for a change, I still appreciate that he cares for his family so much that he’d do anything for them. He also has a great sense of humor, although it can be a little immature at times… However, considering I inherited this from him I think of it as a positive thing. ;)
Since my mom lives an hour away from me and my dad works two jobs, I wasn’t able to see them yesterday. I did call them both to say that I loved them and that I appreciate all the life lessons they taught me. Just a general thank you to the both of them. My mom paused after I said my piece and asked me if everything was alright. When I convinced her I was just telling her how I feel, she seemed quite pleased. My dad didn’t need any convincing but he did say that he knew he wasn’t a very good father at times but he’s tried his best. I reassured him he did a great job and I think he believed me because it sounded like his voice lifted after we spoke.
One positive thing about yesterday was that I finished painting the hall yesterday and I think it came out great for my first time painting. There are a couple very small spots that need to be touched up, but all in all I did a good job and I absolutely love the color I picked out.
I never met my father and my mother sadly died 15 years ago now, but she taught me so many things. She always had a sense of wonder and adventure about life – continually seeing the magic in seemingly ordinary events. The miracle of a spiders web, the beauty of dappled sunlight, the excitement of walking new footpaths. She was an avid reader and so I became an avid reader and, in turn, all three of my children are now avid readers. She also was a passionate advocate for the underdog, the dispossessed, and she taught me to not be silent about injustice.
Yesterday, one of my daughters and I embodied some of her messages by exploring a part of London on foot without an A to Z and appreciating the nature, birds and squirrels in Hyde Park. My mother had a real zest for life and we embodied that zest for life yesterday.
One positive thing – every single thing about yesterday was positive – I feel very blessed indeed! One example was the joy in watching a young squirrel very delicately taking it’s time to lap water from a puddle, and then noticing a pair of geese and three beautiful fluffy goslings walk across the path and into the long grass.
I’m sorry about your mom, Lottie. She sounds like she was an amazing person and had many wonderful things to teach you. It’s lovely that you’ve been able to pass these things along to your children and keep her memory alive through her lessons.
My grandparents raised me. My grandfather passed away my senior year in high school, 1994 and my grandmother passed away in 2000. There are so many things I love and miss about them and I have only happy memories growing up.
I loved how strong willed they both were. They grew up in an era where hard work was nothing new and they didn’t mind. My grandfather shared stories of his childhood and the message he left me was to be strong. Life gets hard but it can always get worse so spend my time being happy and save my tears for important things. He taught me to be a young lady, respectable of others, and the value of good friends. He also taught me to not change for anyone to try to fit in and never let anyone make me feel bad for who I am.
My grandmother shared her religion with me. Her message to me is be strong, treat others how I want to be treated, to show love and affection, and work at what I want.
The thing I loved most about my grandfather was that he was good to everyone and never met a stranger but he had no problem standing up for what he believed in.
The thing I loved most about my granny was that no matter how strict she could be, she still showed me affection and love even if I had done something wrong. She had the softest hands and I loved to watch her laugh until she cried.
Positive for today is both my girls went to the dentist. My 9 year old chipped a tooth in school a couple weeks ago, so she got that fixed. My 6 year old had to have one cavity filled. They both handled it great and I’m glad they could go to their dentist because I never had one growing up and I am so grateful they do. :heart:
This is a very difficult one for me as my father was an alcoholic pedophile and my mother was abusive, mean-spirited and a pill-popper. I am always a little miffed when people or sites assume that all parents are good people. A great many murderers, rapists, and sadist had children, not just flawed but well-meaning people.
My mother liked to travel and so do I. That is about as far as it goes. Even having to write about it increases my feelings of anger and anxiety, so thinking about my childhood is not a way to engage my happiness. Actually the best thing my parents ever did for me was die. Now, all I have to deal with is what they did when I was alive and not have to worry about them adding insult to injury.
The happy thing I did today was work on my Smash book. The creativity always brings me joy.
I am sorry you had a rough childhood. I was lucky enough to be raised by my grandparents and I am grateful for that everyday. You are so right. I don’t know why people can’t see that all types of people have children when they shouldn’t own a pet. I’m glad you done something creative to bring you happiness and at least you shared on this post. I may not have. :hug:
1. What I love most about my parents.
I love them most for their diligence and perseverance.
Their never say die attitude inspires me and makes me feel confident. That I can overcome anything if I put my heart to it and that hard work and commitment is a virtue.
I love them for caring and doing things for me although it may not be in a manner that is direct and easily understood. For instance, they would scold me for something but actually they meant to warn me about the dangers of something.
That kind of counter intuitive to me as in, I tend to be negative about it rather then positive but nowadays I try to think back why they are behaving this way and learn that its meant for my own good although sometimes it is quite difficult to swallow it.
2. Do something nice for my parents.
Do the laudry and observe what they dislike the most and help them out on that.
What do I love most about my mom?
I love that she is so giving. My mom still dotes on me a little. She’s always calling me to ask if I need anything or if there is something she can help with. She likes to make sure I am doing well and am happy. We don’t always see eye to eye on things but I know my mom’s heart is in the right place. She puts her family first always.
Today my mom came to my home for a quick visit. We had a nice chat and enjoyed each others company. I told her I appreciated that she did so much for me.
One positive thing that happened to me today was a friend sent me a nice quick message just to catch up.
Sounds like you have a wonderful mother and that is a blessing. It’s always great to hear from friends!
What Do/Did You Love Most About Your Mom/Dad?
What I like most about my mom/dad is the love they give despite what they had gone through in their lives— fighting and fleeing from their home town and coming to America and starting anew.
They do not talk about it often, but the parts I know are somber. So it is always with respect and a bit of guilt that they are able to be the wonderful people that they have been to me.
To go through such ordeals and still maintain their warmth and selflessness in being parents, that is what I love most about my mom/ dad.
—
A positive point was my almost saying “no” to hanging out with friends. Throughout my life, I have rarely said “no” to hanging out, which led me to feeling burned out sometimes. But the worse thing is that immediately after hanging out I would feel sad, and sometimes I would even feel spurned and hurt.
So yesterday, when a friend wanted to grab a drink, as there was something else I wanted to do, I stood my ground. I mean, I love this friend, and missing the premiere of GCB wouldn’t have been bad, but I’m proud of myself in standing up for myself in this area I rarely tread.
I have an unconventional relationship with my parents so my answers will be unconventional. These might not be the things I love most but they are the first things that come to mind. I love that my Mom has a career which she is passionate about and dedicated to, and that her career allows her to improve the lives of people who have experienced challenge in life by placing them in jobs that are suited to their special skills and abilities. This is the biggest positive influence my Mom has had on me, because I too am a very passionate person who puts 110% into everything. I love that my Dad does not make excuses for who he is. He recognizes his flaws and is open about them. I have seen my Dad tell people that if they don’t like who he is, they don’t have to be part of his life. I admire this about him and this quality in him has helped me to be more proud and accepting of the person I am. My Dad is proof that you don’t need to live for acceptance from others.
I did something nice for my Mom today by listening to her. It sounds very simple, but in our relationship it is a challenge for each of us to really listen to one another. I emailed my Dad and offered to organize a weekend where my sisters and I could visit so we could do some things together as a family. We have experienced some drama this year and I am looking forward to enjoying the best parts of each of my family members.
The message each of my parents would want me to reflect on is quite different from the other. I think my Mom would want me to have more loyalty to my family. My Mom believes that “blood is thicker than water” and tends to accept that family might not always treat each other well, but ultimately you have to maintain those relationships. I don’t agree with this and think that family relationships are like any other. They require effort from both sides, and you shouldn’t accept abuse (my Mom has accepted abuse and dished it out, so I think that is why she feels as she does). My Dad would want me to focus more on achieving financial stability. That is generally a good message, but I think he sees this as having a career that earns respect and good money, and acquiring possessions like cars, homes, boats, etc. Everyone wants to be comfortable, but I don’t agree so much with my Dad’s theories about money. My parents both have dysfunctional views of money, in that whatever amount of money they have, it is never enough. This has set them both up for a cycle of wanting and overspending without ever really meeting financial goals. I try to be more responsible with my money than my parents have been, and I think so far I’ve succeeded. However, I have a strong compulsive need to acquire material things. I make deals with myself, prioritize and try to limit my purchases to things that I can really extract some enjoyment out of. I don’t think it’s wrong to appreciate the little things in life and have a few guilty pleasures, if in moderation.
I think my favorite things about my parents reflect the real positive message I have extracted from our relationships, whereas I mostly reject the message they *want* me to take from them.
Positive thing about today: I had an opportunity to talk with some people in an organization I am hoping to be employed with, and got to learn more about how this organization makes an impact in the community. Even if I don’t get the job, I now know more about the organization and might be able to use that information to help someone else someday.
I recently wrote in my personal journal that just because you are family does not mean I have to like you… I love you but I don;t always like you…
Think my Mom is on your page, she thicks blood is thicker than water and we should give all, be all for each other. I am sure I don;t agree with that…
I don;t keep friends who treat me like crap, I can;t choose not to keep my family but I can choose not to keep the crap….
I often feel like the one on the outside looking in when it comes to family for this reason.
It is what it is ……………
Smiles
Agreed. Being family does not give someone license to mistreat you. By realizing that, we have done ourselves a huge favor! Thanks for replying!
You are most welcome for the response! I am an intelligent woman, I know I am not the only person in the world to feel a certain way, to experieince something, be that good or bad but it always “validates” that I’m not losing it or thats ” it’s not all me” when I read others walking a similar path…
All the best for a positive day – everyday!
Smiles
What Do I Love Most About My Mom and Dad:
Well, my dad has crossed over. What I loved about him most is how hard he worked to provide for me and my mom. I love that he didn’t push his atheism on me and love that he was from the cool part of the family, the one that included the legendary Pearl Bailey. I also loved that he played tennis with me and taught me to play, and did guy stuff with me. He didn’t seem to take it so personal when I acted like a jerk.
My relationship with my mom has been more challenged. But what I love about her is that she always wanted the best for me and was an advocate for some of the avenues I wanted to explore. She was behind me traveling to Spain when I was 15 and persuaded my dad to go along. I love about her that she is, in her way, very generous, and not just to me. She is the one person on either side of the family who helps other family members when they are in need, often without even asking. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned of the struggles she went through as a child. As the darkest member of an otherwise light-skinned half-Filipino family, she was discriminated by her own family. Even though her mother treated her badly, it was she who didn’t hold a grudge and helped care for her towards the end of her life.
Well, I’m going to cheat (with the excuse that I’m late) and say that the good thing I did for my mom was last Saturday, when I made my weekly visit to her house. I’ve FINALLY learned to just be with her and not judge her and enjoy her company even as she slides down slowly mentally. I took her to do her shopping, walked her dog, and hung out with her. I’m her only child and this is my responsibility, but I’m happy to take it.
Sunday, the day of this challenge (I wonder why I didn’t get the email) was a wonderful day, full of many blessings. I’ve finally turned the corner, it feels, after what has been a ten year slumber. It feels good to be connected to my mission and living it. GOD, it feels good.
What Do/Did You Love Most About Your Mom/Dad?
– My mom is awesome. She was my best friend growing up; we could – and still can – talk about pretty much anything. She always put my wants and needs first, which wasn’t necessarily a good thing, but it certainly made me feel loved. She has always supported me and believed in me, no matter what I do.
Reflect on your parents’ message to you.
– Both my parents are still alive.
Identify at least one positive thing about your day.
– We got to see some adorable turtles on our walk today, as well as black swans!
What I loved most about my mom, who has been gone since 1984, was her sense of play. Sometimes she would be in a playful mood and just dance (she had been a professional dancer, a skill I never learned). When I was a teenager, it used to embarrass me that my mom could let go and just have fun. But as I bacame an adult, I learned to appreciate this quality very much. I myself find it difficult to let go and just have fun, but there is that part of my mom in me that can sometimes do it. And when I play, I feel good. :dance: So I guess the message she gave to me in this is :don’t take myself too seriously and have fun and play sometimes.
One positive thing that happened today was that my 14 year old son deigned to allow me to take him shopping for shirts and a book. We had a companionable time together (rare sometimes).
My father passed away when I was young. I had one more year before I graduated from College. I pretty much had to grow up on my own career wise. The one thing my father drilled into me was that the harder I worked the more money I will earn to live a comfortable life for my family. It wasn’t that money equals happiness. Money provides a sense of comfort that most people take for granted.
After my father passed away, my mom moved back to her home country and loves every minute of it. She always tells me it’s because of my father working so hard she get’s to live like this. Yes he was always on business trips, busy with work, but I got to live a life that I appreciated. I was lucky to be born to my parents. We got to travel all around the world when I was a kid. There was never a time my father had to tell me we can’t afford something. (With in reason. I know I asked for a lot, and he taught me I can’t have everything). But this sense of comfort is the thing I will never forget from him.
I called my Mom last night and talked to her for 30 minutes. We talked about her health, maybe even coming back to the US for a vacation. It was a nice long talk I had with her. I’m the youngest child and she always treats me like a kid. Last year I was promoted to a high level executive position and she still thinks this is some part time job, or did the company make a mistake. I’m too young…. I know it drives me crazy some times that she treats me like a kid, but I know I will miss it when the time comes.
I told my mom last night that I’m still going after my dreams, and not to worry about me. My dad’s love was tough some times, but this is why I won’t give up on going after my dreams. She replied back, you go after your dreams. She’s waiting for you…
Positive things for today: I still got to talk to my best friend today. Even with the traveling. I got to talk to her. I’m closer time zone and distance wise. But not quite close enough to see her and give her a big hug for all the support she has been giving me. But the fact I got to talk to her in IM made my day.
Both of my parents were loving and generous, ready to give a hand to anyone. This is a family trait shared by my father’s mother — when she died, people stood out in the rain at her funeral because they couldn’t get inside.
My dad is dead and my mother is elderly and quite frail but she retains a sweetness that everyone who meets her comments on.
I am fortunate enough to have one of the greatest fathers to have ever walked this earth, he is a hard working man that has strived to put his children first and is a fierce protector of our family.
Growing up for my siblings and I was a little different to most of the “normal” families around us. Our mother walked out on us when my sisters and I were only young, which was a hard thing for her to do but was a choice that today I am greatful for. You see, my mother, mentally is not well.
When most fathers probably would have gave up, my father stood proud and was there for us through thick and thin. He raised three girls on his own (with the support of my amazing Grandparents), for anyone with teenage girls- you could probably sympathise with him! we were shocking brats- not spoilt brats- just brats that took sides and ganged up on our father with tricks and eloborate allabies to get out of trouble for oue mischievious ways. We truly we little buggers that would drive anyone mad.
Over the years, we have had our differences. There have been times where he and I have driven each other up the wall, arguments that have hurt really deep and times where we have been distant. All the while, it would not take long untill Dad made it better with a big hug.
One of the greatest things I love about my Dad is that he always makes me feel safe. This morning I was reflecting on a moment that my life was nearly taken, my friend and I went on a road trip to see friends and on the way back home, in the rain, my friend fell asleep behind the wheel causing the car to spin out of control and over an embankment into trees. It was one of the most scary moments of my life, after crawling from the car the first person I wanted to see was my Dad. When he arrived to the scene at 5 am, he walked over with a pale face looked at the crumpled up car in the bushes and swept my friend and I into his arms, it was all ok.
He always has been my idol, my safety, my inspiration and my DAD. I love him so very much and thank god every day that I have him on earth with me.
Today, I gave my Dad a HUGE hug and shouted him and my Nan (who filled in as my mother) a beautiful lunch. Any day is perfect as long as I see them smile, today I have been blessed!
What did you love most about your mom and dad?
I loved their integrity, their faith in God, and their belief in their children. I loved the fact that they felt helping others was an essential part of who they were. I loved and miss their physical presences every day.
Do something for them today.
I called my Aunt Sue because my parents are both gone. It was good to connect, and we had a nice chat. I was glad I called.
Reflect on your parents’ message to you.
Perhaps, it’s what you give away that matters most. And, be strong and happy!
A good thing today.
With the help of friends, we got our square foot garden frame built today. Windows open, birds singing…a marvelous day.
What do you love most about your mom and dad? Here is my story: My parents were not married, and they separated before I was born. I’m not exactly sure why, but I was not in contact with my dad until he reached out to me when I turned 18. When I was younger, my mother married a wonderful man, my stepfather. I love my mom, stepdad, and dad very much. My mom is very loving, she lets anyone into her heart, and tries so hard to help people out, no matter what. Our family is very close and we’d do ANYTHING for each other. My stepdad is amazing, I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to marry my mom. He loved me and my brother (his stepson), unconditionally, and always treated us as his own children. I even changed my last name to his. And my dad, though I didn’t meet him until I was 18, we’ve had a wonderful relationship. I have never met anyone with so much passion. He loves people and culture so much, and always wants to learn something new. How many people can say that?!
Today I’m going to reach out to all of them (I live 800 miles away from my mom and stepdad, so maybe a phone call?) and just let them know how much I love them, and how grateful I am to have them as parents.
One positive thing about my day: I reached out to a family member today just to say hi, and it made her day. I love making people smile!
Caught up!
Oh, and this is a hard one. My parents are kind of weird and proud, and not in a good way. I probably shouldn’t qualify my answer, but darnit, they’re neurotic.
So, what do I love most about my mom and dad?
I really appreciate that my parents raised me with solid, old-fashioned values about family, integrity, faith, work ethics, and honesty. I’m glad too, that they made so many mistakes in raising me that it was an easy decision to raise my kids completely 180 degrees differently in terms of time and appreciation. I LIKE my kids. My parents didn’t especially like theirs. I’ve grown to be okay with this.
Do something nice for them: gee whiz, do I have to? :rolleyes: okay, okay. I called my mom yesterday, and she asked for photos of the inside of my new house. I’ll take pictures tonight and email her. I’ll try to call my dad again right now.
I’d like to add a note about my mother-in-law: when my now ex-husband was so undone by bipolar disorder that I couldn’t have him in the house anymore, she took him in, and kept him with her for the last 6 years. He’s currently under a restraining order from her, and I check on him (he lives in his truck next to the coffee shop). He was almost okay for most of that time. Yesterday, I talked to her about how he’s doing this month, and she told me that she doesn’t blame me for making him leave years ago, even though it was hard on her. Her forgiveness was a balm to my soul. She is currently taking care of her youngest daughter, who is dying of cancer. Her kindness and guts are awe-inspiring. When I can, next week, I’m going to spend a couple of days there, so she can go home and rest.
Today’s happy spot: So many to choose from!
– I got a heartfelt apology from a friend who overstepped his bounds yesterday. I was willing to let it go, but he felt it Really Important to make amends. I think it helped that yesterday was Forgiveness Sunday.
– I signed contracts releasing me from one salaried position, and taking on 2 contract positions. I’m silly happy about this!
– The sun has returned enough that I’m no longer riding to work (and back) in the dark – much safer, and prettier!
Wow Susan, I love that you mentioned your mother in law. She sounds like a wonderful lady.
My mother-in-law is just the sweetest person on this earth….I love her so much. I should have mentioned her and my father-in-law in my post. :) Thanks for sharing your story!
Susan, I think it’s so great that you and your ex’s mother are in touch and can be loving and honest with each other. Yahoo on the contract positions!
Hello everyone,
i actually talked to mu om today and i told her how much i loved her and why i didn’t show that to her as much as she deserves and that was a great experience and i am glad i did that and that made her very happy.
I loved my late dad very much,it is sort of hard thing for me to talk about that but he was very similar to me and i loved him for everything that he was.
And about my mom i admire her for her strength, for being such a good role model that everything is possible and that you can achieve a lot by work and good relationships with people. All and all she is a great and devoted mother.
So i think i had a great message from my parents from life, work and philosophy…
And i had a great day today, i went to my trainings and i continued on my road to self growth…and i had that great conversation with my mother as well as great workshop on motivation as road to success.
the possitvie thing I want to shear today is that Im happy to have a job, it is a good feeling to go home in the end of the day ! feel that you have worked well and are appriciated !
My Mama has passed away and due to a history of abuse, I have no relationship with my father. My favorite thing about my Mama was that she was SO in touch with her inner child… she used to have tea parties with all her grand daughters. She bought them all American Girl dolls that looked like them….and they would bring their doll babies to the tea parties. The doll babies would have their own tea cup and all (little miniature ones). She would make little gift boxes out of sugar cubes by drawing lines and bows with frosting. She was so ultra talented. She sewed clothes for all the babies too, and she had her own baby. She also had a miniature one. Her doll was Emily. Emily was buried with her when she passed away. I also loved her appreciation for nature,but I unfortunately didn’t realize it until after she died.
I would like to have known your mother. Blessed granddaughters…and you :angel:
What I love the most about my mom is how helpfull she has alway been. No request is ever so big that she will not try her best to help people. She is one of those people that would not expect anything in return. She is the least selfish person I know.
I called her today, just to have a small chat she was so happy just for that phone call. She lives far away but we stay in contact every now and then.
I would say that the thing with my mom I love the most is her wisdom. Over the past few years especially we have grown closer through conversations. I have grown to not only respect but to also trust her opinion on different issues. Though I am still not doing everything the way she would want, I think that I am learning a lot from her during these conversations. Later today I plan to call her and thank her for her wisdom.
As for my dad, well he died when I was really young. It has taken me years to come to grips with that, and something I still fully do not understand. I have though felt his presence around me throughout my lifetime, which is something I am greatful for in my life. I think later today I will take some quiet time to thank him also for always being by my side though things.
Aside from napping and a trip to the dog park, the positive thing of today was the newspaper article about my upcoming talk at the local NABJ chapter meeting. It was super cool to see my name listed as a guest speaker, then to hear about the article as I walked in the building today. Kind of makes me feel better about my work. Now to just figure out what to say before Saturday.
The thing I love most about my parents is that they have always let me have freedom of choice in my life. I don’t think they have done this consciously but at every important decision in my life, like what subjects to study, which uni to go to, what job to do, where to live, they have never intervened, or tried to put me off doing something, or made me feel like I can’t do something. The thing I love now used to upset me quite a bit as a kid, because sometimes it felt like they didn’t care: I thought, they didn’t care what subjects I studied (they never knew when I asked them), they didn’t care what I did with my life. But I know that not to be true at all, and instead now I am grateful that they never molly-coddled me/overprotected me, and let me make my own decisions. I have worked abroad quite a few times and they never stopped me from doing so, even to some places they know nothing about (like Slovakia, Austria). I’m not sure that if I were a parent, I would be brave enough or trustful enough to let my young daughter do these things, and I admire them for letting me go and do whatever I want and for giving me enough trust, respect and responsibility. I’m so grateful for their trust in me. (Even if they themselves aren’t consciously aware of the fact they give me so much trust, which I don’t think they are).
Something nice to do for my parents: well I’m currently working abroad and so is my dad (in a different place) but I’m going to Skype my mum to say hello and see how she is as she recently had to deal with an attempted break-in – i’ll check up on how she’s doing and hopefully offer her some reassurance. Whenever I call she always thanks me for calling and I know she really appreciates it that even though I am far away, I make an effort to keep in touch regularly, and more regularly than my brother and sisters who live in the UK!
Positive things for today: eating and sharing some things I baked yesterday with some colleagues and students I teach, sending a card to a friend, successfully accomplishing a day at work, being organised enough to pre-prepare lunch and cooking for my flatmate when usually it’s the other way round!
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