My mother used to always tell my sisters and I the following:

“It is hard to live with other people’s children."

At the time that she was telling us this, we were just beginning to date and could not figure out just what she was trying to say.  Thirty years later I get it.  My mother was saying that if we fought with our brothers and sisters who were raised by the same parents as us, what would we think would happen when we chose to join our lives with people raised by others? 

It is a challenge to find cohesive ways to get along with people, to go from me,  to me and you, him and her; to us, them,  and then us and them.  Team.  

There are ways to become comfortable with yourself so that you can function successfully as an us, we, them and/or they. I've learned those skills and it's helped me find a way to play well with others. That learning and teamwork leads to a peaceful environment where everyone can succeed.

It took me 30 years to understand the practicality of my mom's words but I heard her and it made a difference in my life. I look forward to sharing with you more pearls of wisdom and hope they have the same positive impact on you.

Laura

Several years ago I was in a workshop where a fellow participant shared a belief that her mother practiced. Since then, I have come to believe in it.  "Before you go to sleep at night you should ask yourself two questions:  Did you do something good for someone else? And did you do something good for yourself?"  The premise is that until you truly value yourself, you really cannot value others.  So, this week do something good for yourself each day.

Laura 

Salutations Tapestry friends!  Its the New Year and just about everyone is looking to revamp, renew, recharge...re-something.  One of the best ways to make the re-ing most effective is to find someone to lead you through the muck, to the place that you're looking to go.  Wading through each of our own journeys is almost always easier with a hand to hold.  As I look forward to the new year I'm hoping that I can hold a few hands through the journey to better self-understanding, acceptance and success.  I want to be a "re" leader!

Laura