Mommy moment

Growing up being the kind of kid that would do anything for anyone, just so they’d like me and include me, I’ve always worried my daughter would end up in the same type of relationships. So when in daycare, at the age of 4, my daughter’s ‘friend’ Danielle had her crawling on all fours playing doggie I got a little upset and had a talk with my daughter about people who say they’re your friends and then take advantage of you.

Now my daughter is almost a teenager. Thank goodness there are no more Danielles to have her crawling on all fours; now there are different, scarier threats out there… other teenagers. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not assuming all my daughters new friends are out to use her and take advantage of her, but I worry about it. This is a new school for her, she is making all new friends, and she likes to make people happy. I can only hope I have taught her well. I do trust her judgment… it’s just all the other kids I don’t trust. This is only because I don’t know them… yet. I plan on knowing as many of them as I can so that I can feel good about whom my daughter is hanging out with.

I’m not in Kansas anymore.

Love hurts...

Let me ask you something... why do people who claim to care about us hurt us? Ladies, 1 out of 3 of us has most likely been in an unhealthy relationship at least once in our lives, unfortunately. I was in such a relationship some years ago. It ended well, however; the 'friend' relationship started to deteriorate... rapidly. One night, after yet another unnecessary argument, I found myself on my back on the front lawn being choked by a 6’6”, 200 lb man. I was stuck… I thought it was over… I struggled, to no avail… I was lucky in that the fear of going to jail stopped him when someone called the police. Had I known then what I know now that night would have turned out a little different. I wouldn’t have been a willing victim.

I started martial arts in December of 2005 and it is the best thing I could have ever done for myself. My confidence in my body’s capabilities has greatly improved, and I have discovered a renewed desire to enhance myself. Today in class I was fortunate to have a one-on-one session with my instructor as no one showed up for class. We went over several ways to break free from a choke. Not just chokes from a standing position, but also while being pushed, and while someone is sitting on you. I learned quickly, I soaked it up, and committed all of it to memory. What he taught me today could have come in handy those many years ago. It also reinforced my commitment to the martial arts and to developing my skills. I HIGHLY recommend the martial arts to women everywhere. Not only will you see physical changes, but you will feel changed. Confident… strong… healthy… centered…

Our bodies are temples. Don’t let anyone trash your temple.