Until
recently, I relied strongly on other’s support or approval. Support demonstrated approval, for me. In order to leave my director’s position,
pursue my dream (Creative Beginning Steps), and return to college, I relied on
the support of my family, primarily my husband.
Without his support, I would still be in the classroom (which would have
been fine), wondering if I could handle returning to school at
my age. Many of my
family and friends (and acquaintances) had long lists of why-nots, and I knew that
financially my dream would put a tremendous burden on my family. However, my husband believed in me, and he
promised to be behind me 110%; the extra 10% provided the support that I
needed. Without his support, my life
would be very different today. I would
be in the classroom wondering many what-if’s.
Through this process, I learned to think independently, rather than rely
solely on the support of others.
The support
I receive from my husband, son, and friends are emotional support. Their support means the world to me. After my mom passed away, I relied on their
support in ways that I never imagined existed.
Their support gave me strength and continue to give me power to hold on to my
mom’s memories.
On a daily
basis, my schedule is such that, without the support of my husband (he sounds
pretty awesome, huh?), I would be a basket case. My husband is retired, and yet, he works
harder now than when he had his own business; how ironic! He works constantly with me in our business,
and he is a tremendous support around the house. I barely have time to work on workshops,
teach at the college, and finish my homework; there are not enough hours in the
day to cook, clean, and wash. Together,
we support each other, and these chores get done.
When we talk
about practical supports, I guess that my computer supports me a lot. It makes every aspect of my job a bit
easier. Being able to save information
and do research from home is a huge support to me. Although I love going to a library, I do not
know if I would have the time to physically go there a zillion times a week. I cannot imagine
having to present my workshops without the use of a PowerPoint.
My pool
supports me. Sounds strange, right? It’s true, though. When I get depressed or overwhelmed, I like
nothing more than jumping in the pool with a specific raft and floating. It makes everything wonderful again, and I
return to the house ready to conquer the world.
Our pool is relatively new to our home, but I cannot remember a time
when it was not here.
Supports are extremely important in my life, and
with all of the changes that I’ve made recently, I depend on them, and yet,
they give me the freedom to be me… and go after my dreams
Yes, your husband sounds pretty darn amazing! I LOVE that you look at your pool as support. It is important to recognize what we do that calms us, relaxes us, and allows us to take a sensory break so that we can return to the world ready to take up the tasks ahead of us. Without the self-monitoring we can often get so mired down we are no longer happy or productive. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHaving a husband that supports you really helps a lot. My husband encouraged me to go back to school even though his is also in school. We just try to balance each other out. So far we are surviving. Isn't it amazing how we rely on computers so much these days. Like you I am glad that I can take this course from home and look up information in my p.j's. A laptop would have been handy when I was in College back in the day.
ReplyDeleteOh, my - I don't know what I would do without my computer! Although... you are making my pool sound more and more inviting as the weather warms up. One thing that I really enjoy about reading all of these Blogs is how diverse the entries are and how much I let slip from my mind or take for granted.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding what a wonderful resource "down time" is to my daily survival and how important it is to live life instead of just existing. Love the poem.
Lois, I so love that you acknowledged your computer and your pool!! We all have so many different ways to release our tension and it important to recognize them. If we forget about them, the tension builds and builds and builds until we cannot function anymore! And for all of us, working at home, online to finish our degree, a round of applause for our computers. Though I do miss the world we had before technology took hold of us, I do so appreciate all I can accomplish and learn while being at home each day.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, your husband does sound awesome! I am lucky to have a wonderful husband as well that picks up the slack at home when he knows I have a lot on my plate to handle. I think I am very fortunate for having a good man in my corner!
It is so wonderful to have the support of your husband and son. I don't know how it feels to have the support of a wife but just looking from the elders in my family and know it is great support. I'm sure the pool relax your mind and allows you to release stress or anything related to stress.
ReplyDeleteI never looked at my computer as support but I must admit I rely on it in more ways than one. From school work and research to keep in contact with family that live out of state. I cant forget all the priceless pictures on my computer. I need to take time out and thank my computer
ReplyDelete