Workshop Writings

Persistence
by Fran Lindmar

I haven't given any thought with regard to my contributions to the universe. However, since I have to write about it, I guess I better start thinking of some.

Throughout my life, many people were responsible for shaping the kind of person I am today. My parents, teachers, friends, children, husband, and many other significant people taught me many things. I learned the value of integrity, loyalty, love, responsibility, and persistence.

I brought these principles to my marriage and passed them along to my children. I believe I did a good job because my children are wonderful adults and they are wonderful parents.

For the most part, these values worked well except for the “persistence” one. I used persistence in going forward with education and career and that was good. However, with my marriage and family I didn't do so well. Instead of persisting in the right direction, I was continuously taking charge, even if I had no business doing so. I had to be in the middle of sibling problems and trying to solve them — their personal therapist. In my marriage I tried endlessly to change my husband to be the man I thought he should be. Well, those issues cost me plenty.

Finally, one day, I was so burned out from trying to fix and control, I just knew if I didn't shape up, it would cost me plenty. One might say I hit rock bottom. I came to a realization to stop all of it and reverse gears. I can now add to my legacy that I am a person who realizes when I am wrong and I own up. Later in life, persistence paved the way not to be right most of the time and to love unconditionally.

Since I had to write about this, I want to add even more to my life by giving selflessly and volunteering for a cause worthwhile. In fact, I have started already and feel great for doing so.

WwW

Always Prepared — I Think Not
by Kara Bogdanoff

When did I feel I was properly prepared for something? Almost never. When we go out to start a new job do we think we're ready to tackle it? I used to be scared as hell each time I started a new job but I went and took notes and worked at it.

Parenting. I don’t care how many kids I babysat for or took care of for a week, it does not prepare you for that small bundle of joy you give birth to. I looked at my son's tiny face and panicked. How was I going to take care of anything that small and not break him? How would I know whether he was wet or hungry (dumb me, it was usually both). Could I be with them every day for years and cope? Well, I did learn and I did survive it all and now I sit back and laugh watching my children cope. Now that the kids are teens I chuckle watching the parents struggle knowing they did so much of the same to me. It’s fun seeing it go around.

WwW