The Tiny Steps We Make in Life Can Be True Treasures

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. I had way too much to eat, my kids got way too many presents from Grams and now I have to find room for all the new stuff. It looks like Toy-R-Us exploded into my living room! But now that the hoopla is over and things are calming down a bit, I feel like I can relax for the first time in weeks.

I know we all get a bit more sentimental this time of year. My brother, Cam, has to be one of the most sentimental people out there. He sent me an email yesterday that touched me so much I had to tell all of you about it. Those closest to me know that Cam and I had a rough childhood. Our mother did the best she could with what God gave her but she just wasn’t strong enough to get help for her issues—not even for us. It was very difficult at times but, somehow, we made it. Cam and I were very close and I believe that closeness was what got us through to adulthood. And I also believe our experiences from our childhood made us more empathetic, emotional and more passionate about helping those in need, especially children. I’m so grateful for that because so many people either can never get over their bad experiences or become dark and we’ve both reached out in healthier ways to keep ourselves strong.

I’m also grateful for my gorgeous kiddos. I was given children that have specific needs. Yes, it can be difficult on some days…very difficult on others…but it’s okay. I think I was given them because they needed something from me that only I could give them. And that, to me, is scary but so incredible. They give back to me and teach me new things every day. What would I do without them?

I have great friends, a beautiful family…I’m very blessed. I think Cam’s email touched me so much because he showed me how all the tiny steps I’ve made throughout my life—even the most excruciating ones—have brought me to where I am right now. And I’m finally in a place where I can mix my experiences into my writing in a positive way. I have a great job as a writer because not only do I get to do what I absolutely love, I can set it aside and come back to it when my kids need me more. Writing has helped me through tough times, brought me close to some of the most fantastic people I’ve ever known and has taught me a lot about myself as a mother, a woman and what I’m capable of.

OH! And did I mention that my brother is an amazing poet too? He pours all of his sentimental emotions into his beautiful poems. Our writing and other creative talents were the best part of my mother so I’m proud to carry those with me. Jaimie, my oldest daughter, reads far beyond her grade level and writes little stories too. I guess each tiny step we make in life really does take us to where we have to be, doesn’t it?

What are you grateful for? How many tiny steps—or giant leaps—have you made to get you this far? How can you make those experiences into amazing top-notch stories? Be sure to take time each day to journal or write a story about them. Those are the true treasures you want remembered always.

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve!

Chynna

www.lilywolfwords.ca
www.lilywolfwords.blogspot.com
Author of “I’m Not Weird, I Have SPD"
Author of “Not Just Spirited: A Mom’s Sensational Journey With Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)” (Now Available!)
Author of “The Sensory Diet: Setting the Sensational Child Up For Success” (To be released January 2011)

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