Listen to myself

While driving Jayme back to Boston we were talking about what she hopes to accomplish during the next softball season. She was venting about how she wants to be able to hit home runs because she feels that’s what gets all the attention.

Home runs are exciting and definitely add the dramatic flair to a game. It’s like a huge punctuation mark, but not everyone’s role is to hit home runs. And thus I shifted into motherly-advice mode.

We talked about how there's a need for balance on a team. Some are there to add power to the mix while others are there to get on base, however they can, and steal bases.

“Jayme, you need to see your skill set and know that what you bring to the table has value,” i said with great conviction and encouragement.

“Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you CAN do and be the very best at that.”

That is the very same advice I’ve given Sara over the years when she would fret about not being able to run or play sports (“like the others”) or any number of things. My focus was always about recognizing limitations, accepting challenges and focusing on what you can do.

Whoa.

Am I listening to myself?

I need to.

All my tears about a time gone by and the sorrow that goes with missing something so amazing … I’ve spent so much energy there that I’ve missed the power of what I can do.

I feel empowered in finally recognizing the obvious. It’s been right there before me all along clouded by a fog of hormones and sadness.

Whoooohoooooo! I’ve turned a corner out of sadness and into … hmmm … I’m not sure what I’ve turned a corner into yet, but I can at least look in the rear-view mirror and see that I’ve left darkness behind. I'm excited!