Appreciating life and the things that you have.

       Today I had a big decision to make, but an easy one. I could have stayed home, made sure my son was asleep by noon so he would sleep tonight, or I could have gone to support an important person in my life through a very hard time at the hospital. Easy choice for me, but not so easy for Easton. It is 2AM and he is sitting in my lap as I write this. What is more important to you? Are you going to think only about yourself or are you going to think about how much another person really needs you although they do not say it.
       Life is so precious, I watched as a family was in pain for their family member who was fighting for his life. The pain in their eyes brought me back to a familiar place in my life. All I could do was be there, but I wanted to do so much more. When your life has come to an end, will you always be able to tell the loved ones how you feel? In some if not most cases that is not an option, so tell them now! Drive to your grandmothers who you have been ignoring because all she does is nag at you have to kids and give her a big hug, kiss her, tell her what she means to you.
        We as Americans take so many things for granted, but I am lucky enough to have a family who value those small, yet vital things. The other day we had no money to our name, no food in the fridge, I was so hungry that my milk would not come in because of low calorie intake. I watched as all my friends posted about dinner and posted pictures of what they were going to eat that night, the hunger hit harder. We didn't know what to do, we had 3 days until Jared got paid and we couldn't last that long. We borrowed some food from a friend and it ended up lasting us long enough.
         Jared came home today with a huge smile on his face. He said "babe, after all the bills, fines, and other expenses we still have a little spending money!!!". I was so proud of him because he has been working so hard to work extra hours whenever he can so that he could come home to say that to me. If it were up to me I would be working also, but as of right now Jareds schedule is too unpredictable and no matter how much I trust and love someone I do not trust anyone with Easton right now. I don't think they will do anything bad, I fear they wont know what he needs.
         All the little luxuries that are earned, given, inherited.. Most people take them for granted and don't realize how much they can do for others. This blog will be short, but I believe I made my point. If you have "things" and they are so important to you that you forget to think about others... Maybe you should try to do a good deed, help someone in need, or just pay it forward. Being blessed is wonderful and some of us have more than others. I don't see that as something to envy I see it as a goal. I will work to have what I want just like you did. Not all of us find our passions or have the opportunity to live in a safe home and have parents who talk to you about college or your future.
        Some of us are just getting by and have been since they were little. When the world comes to an end, something happens and we lose our home, or everything we own gets taken. ALL THAT WILL MATTER IS FAMILY. Gain knowledge that will help you in those time, you never know when you will need to feed your family. Buy a shotgun, learn how to grow your own food, study ancient ways of surviving. What we have available to us is amazing, but also cripples us. If something were to ever happen, could you be a farmer for your family, a hunter, a framer, a handyman, could you support your family if the luxuries were taken away?
        I think that is a good question to ask yourself. The knowledge is out there, learn all you can, I know I am. I want to make sure I am prepared for a disaster. None of your golds and silvers, bank accounts, or expensive things will matter. If money was worth NOTHING, could you survive? I am going to work everyday if I can towards that goal. I am going to read an article or a web page about how to do things on your own. We all call ourselves strong, ruthless, warriors HOW FUNNY! I have been homeless, I have been too hungry to eat, I have been left alone, I have had to fight for my dignity, had to had my innocence ripped out my hands! I may be strong, but I have a long way to go. As we all do.
       The more you give, the more you will receive. Don't expect to receive things or money, what you get will burn inside like a light you didn't know you had. The feeling is so great and you know you did your part. I am not saint, I am a sinner, imperfect, but that doesn't mean I cannot change. That doesn't mean that I can't try everyday to make my life better. I could be a better partner, by being nicer. I could be a better daughter, by calling more. I could be a better person, by expecting less perfection by everyone. Everyone can improve, I am starting today, right this minute. I am going to be a better mother by taking the first step and bettering myself. I am not a bad person who makes bad decisions constantly, but I am not perfect which means I can always try harder. What about you?

Love Chantal
Stay beautiful