Garbage In, Garbage Out........

A long time ago, in a different stage of life, I was a computer programmer.  I wasn't very good at it, but I did learn some things that I can apply to different aspects of my life.  One of those things that I learned is "Garbage In, Garbage Out".  In programming (at least when I was doing it in the age of punch cards), this meant that your data was only as good as what was put in the program.  If you didn't set the parameters exactly right, then your data wasn't reliable.  And so it is in life...if you don't set your standards just right, the results will probably not be what you expected or wanted.  If you let garbage in, for example, negative thinking, your life will be negatively affected.  If you set your standards to keep out the garbage, your results may well be better than you had expected.  Sounds easy, doesn't it?  Well, it isn't....this is something that I struggle with on a daily basis.   For me, negative thinking is much easier than positive thinking.  There are three kinds of people:  The glass is half full people, the glass is half empty people, and the thankful there is even a glass people.  I would like to think that most days find me in the latter group but it is an effort.  The effort is worth the result, though, because my life is so much better when I let go of all negative things in my life...even if it's just for a few moments.  Negative people, negative thinking, negative habits, negative attitude....all need to be programmed out in order to get the positive results I want in my life.  It is definitely hard to make those cuts...especially negative people, but it is essential in order to keep a positive attitude of gratitude for the good things.  Envy, jealousy, greed, hatred....all these things are counter-productive to a successful life.  I wrestle with them daily...sometimes even hourly....but I don't want to be a negative thinking person.  It does sometimes appear that negative people get ahead while positive people suffer...but...that is negative thinking, too!  How sneaky it is that it can worm it's way into our mind without our awareness!  Life is a struggle in so many ways.  Learning to be thankful for the glass whether it is half full or half empty is my goal.  Garbage In, Garbage Out.......

What I want to accomplish

This is just for thoughts on life in general, my life in particular and random things that come to mind. Please don't  take offense as nothing is directed at anyone specific.  I am just trying to get my thoughts in some sort of order and make room for new ideas.

Life Advice to my kids..both born of my flesh and born of my heart

 Okay, you don't want to hear the words and maybe you won't even read the words, but I have to tell you anyway.

Life can suck....big time... and how you deal with it is a measure of your faith in yourself and how you fit into the world around you.  I wish I could promise you that there wouldn't be hurts, disappointments, rejections, and sorrows but the truth is that it isn't in my power to do so...believe me, I wish it were.  You have NO idea how much it hurts me when something is hurting you and I can't fix it.  You MUST believe me, though, when I say that there is NOTHING that can make you a failure but YOU when you give up on yourself. 

I know you are hurt and you feel like it's the end of the world, but it isn't.  Life will go on with a detour or a side trip, but it DOES go on.  If someone rejects you...it is THEIR loss, not yours.  You were born for a reason and even though you don't see it now, you will NOT be distracted from the purpose you were meant to achieve. 

Life is a bumpy, bumpy road.  The detours we take on the journey make us stronger, more resilient, and better.  What goals we set may not be the goals that were set for us when we were born.  We may have to keep trying over and over until it's the time that God (or Karma or Fate or whatever term you want to use) decides is right. 

Better people come into our lives, better opportunities arrive, but only if YOU KEEP BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.  I can't do it for you.  I can and will always be standing right beside you to help you on your journey, but you have to remember that it is YOUR journey and not my journey. 

Unfortunately, sorrow and pain are part of learning and loving.  I will help you learn to get through it but I can't make it go away with a kiss or a hug or even a phone call.  You have to fight your battles.  I have given you all that I have so that you have a good foundation upon which to build your life but you have to provide the strength and the labor.

Nothing worth having comes easily...Adversity will make you appreciate your achievements.  It's an old saying, but it's true.  Don't fight the struggle and don't give up.  What you dream for yourself WILL happen if you continue to pursue it. 

Love,

Mom