I Can Only Control Myself

You know what's challenging for me, controlling my emotions when I can't control the people around me. We are human and eventually we will do something to let someone else down and someone will probably not live up to our expectations and let us down.

So what do I do when this happens? I wish I could say that I don't let it effect me but I often allow it to wreak turmoil on my emotions and get in the way of my choices for a day or so. 

The actions of others are out of my hands, the only person I can control is myself, this means I am responsible for my choices and my emotions, why are those darn emotions so hard to control? When someone lets me down, if I let their actions, which were never within my control, ruin my day, then I am relinquishing control of my life to those who surround me. 

I am writing this for anyone who is struggling through a situation like this but mostly to myself as a pep talk to remind myself that I can only control me and love others for who they are, not for who I wish they were. Wish me luck as I battle to take control of my emotions. 

Have you experienced something similar and how do you deal with it? 

Xoxo

Audrey 

You Can Never Have Too Many Friends

I am so blessed to have some of the best friends!  My girlfriends mean something special to me and each relationship is unique.  The older I get the more value I find in these relationships and the more I understand that friendships require work similar to a marriage.  They require time and effort from both people involved and as we grow up and go in various directions, we need to learn to still find common ground. 

Common ground can't just be our past either, it needs to be in the present as well, I don't believe a friendship can sustain time just because we were friends when we were kids.

I believe my friendships are important not only because they bring me happiness but also because each one makes me better for the other relationships in my life, whether that be with my husband, as a mom, as an employee or co-worker, they enhance me. I learn different things from each friendship and hopefully they each feel like I bring something unique to the table as well.

I don't think you can ever have too many friends.  One thing I would like to work on as a friend myself, is being more fearless when it comes to building new friendships and strengthening my current relationships.  Friendships take work and are a two way street, what would you like to improve about being a good friend?

I have loved all the visitors I have had since we brought Luke home and am especially grateful right now for the company and support of all our friends.