You get what you need

There are often times when we (people) look at what others have and wished we had it ourselves.  Don't say not me, everybody has something they wished was different about themselves. Height, weight, hair, material possessions, relationships, etc. etc. the list goes on.  I believe there is nothing wrong with that... with wanting something.  I think it's natural to want things.  It's not OK to destroy what one has in an effort to get what one wants.

Let me explain this mess because I think right about now my Spanish to English mental translation is getting the better of me.

I have a good friend who is the most organized person I have ever met. Everything has a place, not a speck of dirt anywhere, laundry always done and put away, dishes always done, etc... I often wished I could be more like her. I even tried to be more like her.  I was exhausted by the end of the week and felt like a slave to my home and a maid to my children.  I'm not saying that she is any of these things but whatever she's doing, she has been doing for a long time and therefore this is not a struggle for or a job.  For me it wasn't just a change in how I handled daily chores, it was the constant need to change myself, my way of thinking and seeing life through the eyes of another person. I could not understand at the time, why I couldn't keep up the way she did, but soon I gave up the idea and went back to doing what I knew.

There was another time that I envied my cousin's hair.  We come from the same family line but she has what some in my family call "good hair" and I did not.  That just meant that someone should have taken the time learn and then teach me how to manage my own tresses.  I think this is where it all began.  People comparing me to my peers formed a person who felt inferior to others either because of looks, abilities or possessions.  Thankfully, I educated myself and learned quite a bit about people, behavior, personalities and how to avoid going down a path of self destruction.

I've learned that the grass is really always greener on the other side.  I remember people would say that to me and I never really knew how to translate that to make any sense to me.  My brain was always thinking "I grew up in the city, we didn't have much grass to talk about" or "what grass?"  Anyway, I figured it out, eventually.

Everybody has their issues. Everybody wants something they can't have. No one is completely happy all the time.  But most of us learn to deal with our issues, we learn to be OK with the want and content with what we have, and most important, we learn to strive to be happy and make others happy 100% of the time.

I am content with what I have, what I have accomplished and most of all, with the family that I can call my own.  I could not ask for a better husband (yes, there are times that I do ask for the impossible), I have beautiful, healthy, intelligent kids (let me brag, they're mine, all mine) and while I do admire what others have, how well they keep their home, and how easy it is for them to excel in their area of talent, I can honestly say that I am happy to be who I am today. Life would be so boring if we were always getting what we wanted.

You can't always get what  you want

But if you try sometimes, you just might find,

You get what you need! (Rolling Stones)

Who are you giving a "time out" to?

Today, I'm giving myself a "time-out" and the weather is perfect for this.

It rarely rains here in Guantanamo, Cuba but for the last two weeks we've had these clouds looming in the distance, dropping water by the buckets over the mountains and on the other side of the bay.  Now it's our turn. It has been raining for 2 days, on and off, but enough to give the trees, grass, and flowers a nice start for the summer.

I personally love the rain and rainy days, especially if I don't have to go anywhere or do anything.  It's one of those days perfect for reading, catching up on emails, writing, and relaxing.  The house is quiet, the kids are in school and the chores are just about all done.

So today, while I can, I will just take time out to do only what I WANT to do.  I'm on "time out" from chores, responsibilities, and school work and I am going to enjoy every quiet minute I have to spend with ME.

Try it.

Terie

Prompt is courtesy of Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop.  Stop by and start your own :-)

Outdoor Wednesday - Iguana by the Bay

Outdoor Wednesday is hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.  Stop by to see what other fantastic outdoor pics others are showing off!

This friendly iguana was looking food at the Bayview Restaurant - we're not allowed to feed the iguanas, for obvious reasons.

My little man spotted what he calls "a crocodile."

And of course, the view is just amazing from the restaurant, inside and out.  I really can't complain.  Living in Guantanamo has been an experience like no other and to think I have 2 more years to go.

Glad to be back, now that school is out for me and I am done, for now! So happy to be free of text books, papers, and late night writings that are not necessarily fun.

Enjoy your outdoors today and everyday!

Terie