Going out on a limb

I recently read an article on why someone writes. It has inspired me to dive back into the world of writing. Years ago I thought I was quite good at getting my thoughts down on paper. Even if most of it was in the form of a nasty gram directed at someone who pissed me off.

I feel a little awkward as I write now. The years as a wife, mother, and employee has somehow dulled my creative side. Not that I'm complaining. Those roles are an important part of my life. Now that the kids are for the most part self-sufficient, and I will be facing an empty nest if a few short years, I feel this is a great time to go back to something I enjoyed. Even if it is for no one else but me.

In reflecting on some of my old writings, one in particular stands out. While in Nursing school I wrote a paper on Erythroblastosis Fetalis. If I could pull off an "A" paper on red blood cells in my 20's, surely now that I am in my 40's, with many more life experiences, I could write a blog.... Right?

The one thing that I foresee as being a stumbling block is topics to write on. I will no doubt be writing mostly about ME, since that is what I know best. Also, writing about the kids and how I have grown as a person since they came into my life. I think there is no greater calling than being a Mommy. It's ironic how I started out, not having a clue, and still somehow winding up with terrific kids. Maybe it was no accident? I did not have great parents myself, so I swore that I would not do it "their" way. Was it because I was so hell bent on doing it differently? The one thing I can tell you for sure, without the writings of Dr. James Dobson, my first child would have never made it to adulthood.

OK, lets start with that. The "First Child": The "First Child" was a very strong willed child. I remember one day in particular. I was so angry, frustrated and confused on what to do with her, I had to lock myself in my room so I would not hurt that tantrum-throwing-carpet ape. I remember sitting against the door crying uncontrollably. Even after days liked that, we somehow were able to parent and guide her without breaking her spirit. She is still strong willed, which I am thankful for. No one is going to persuade her into do something she feels is moral wrong. She has her own mind and is able to think for herself. I feel we truly helped to guide her into the person God meant her to be.

The "First Child" is now 18 and one of my best friends. I never believed I could love someone so unconditionally. She has taught me patience. She has taught me how to forgive. She has taught me how to stand up for myself. She has taught me how to stand up for someone I love. She has taught me how to pick the fights worth fighting. She has taught me how to be thankful. She has taught me how to be proud. And now, her greatest feat; teaching me how to let her live her own life, without loosing the belief that mommy will always love, and be there for her.

OK, that felt good!

I am very excited to be starting this venture. I am even more excited to see how I progress.