Arrogance

It sometimes amazes me when I see an arrogant person. I am a confident person, but by no means perfect, nor do I desire to be. You see, making mistakes is how we learn. I have to admit I do pride myself on trying not to open my mouth if I am ignorant or uninformed on a matter. I do think most of the time, I try to be right if I discuss things. But what continues to amaze me is the number of people who have to boost their own ego by putting all others down. Who never admit mistakes and therefore, are arrogant beyond their means.

I experienced this first from my father, now deceased. He was arrogant, never wrong, yet lonely in the end. He never lost my love, but ceased to have my respect because of his arrogance. He was a hard working blue collar man, not educated past his high school diploma, but demanded that all in the household obey his "laws" regardless of their validity. When it got to the point that his rule became ridiculous, it tore the family apart. His pride and arrogance separated him from the rest of us eventually...

Since him, I see arrogance as a weakness. Usually accompanied by a person who needs to put others down to make themselves feel better about their own being. They may be intelligent, but lack self confidence in some aspect. They are ruthless to some, sometimes demanding, putting themselves above all others. For some it may be they feel superior because they have money and they equate that with power. Others may feel they have superior brainaics over another. The one quality I see in them, is they are unable to laugh at themselves or be realistic in looking at humankind. We all mess up, do silly things. Being able to laugh at oneself and accepting of your good and bad strengths is a truely balanced person. Those unable to do that are truely at a disadvantage. Realizing that there are many ways to be intelligent and being able to laugh at your ignorance in whatever field that may be...is truely intelligent!

Family Finds

Sometimes I overlook how fortunate I am to have such an unusual, wonderful family. No, we don't always get along or see eye-to-eye on things, but we have lots of attributes most families are without. My siblings and I grew up probably somewhat impoverished but never really knew that or felt like that. I can't remember a Christmas or birthday that didn't leave me feeling special and lucky.

The backbone of the family is my mom. She is such a special person! I've been fortunate that we've always been close, even when I was a rebel teen. She makes the holidays special and never ceases to amaze the family with her traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. The gatherings are her home are always full of fun, warm memories. Her life has not been easy but she makes the best of all situations. Although she's 77, she still plays games with the great grandkids and even tried "Guitar Hero" with the rest of us this Christmas.

My siblings and I are different in many ways. Yet, any given one of us would be there for one another. We all have some of the same characteristics. When we all meet together, there will always be stories and laughter.

Then there is my personal family...my kids. When I reflect on them and their accomplishments, I feel lucky and very successful. As a single mom with many "strikes" against all of us, I would say we've overcome them all and beaten the odds. We celebrated my "baby" graduating from college this December. All three of them not only hold degrees, but put themselves through college. They have a great work ethic, have great personalities and even get along well with each other.

I listen to others talk about family gatherings...dreading them...bored through out their duration. I can't say my family is like that. We laugh at ourselves and each other. We work hard, play hard and embrace life. I don't know how long we'll be blessed to gather together to make these great family memories...but I do know...I'm lucky to be in my family!!

Blog Writing...

After reading other blogs, and attending workshops on blogs...I have finally launched my own! It seems as if blogs are somewhat an online diary. Maybe not for your most intimate thoughts, but never-the-less a personal insight into personal thoughts and feelings. I've always enjoyed writing, and we'll see how this works out for me.

My college professors would tell me that I should write a book...perhaps this will be the start. Many writers think that you need pictures, quotes and eloquent words to be a successful writer so that others will long to read your words. As an educator and an avid reader...there are all sorts of reasons writers are successful. First, it depends on what you enjoy reading. But most importantly it is passion from whence good writing appears. It is an ability to communicate to all people and emotion triggers the passion of a writer. Given passion, great writing comes forth in your voice.

I once knew a very successful saleswomen. When asked her secret to selling, she simply said..."It's emotion... You have to find the emotion that moves that person." Writing is like that too. If your writing makes one reflect, think and ponder, then you are successful. I hope to do that from time to time. If you don't like what I write, simply quit reading! If it makes you think, then congratulate yourself in growing as you read!