Wonder Woman

     Friday at work was Super Hero Day.  We got to ditch our normal dress code of khaki pants and navy shirts in favor of super hero tees and blue jeans.  Most of us jump at the chance to wear something different, so lots of super hero shirts were around the store.  I have exactly one super hero shirt and it was bought specifically for the day.  As I wore my Wonder Woman tee, I felt the exact opposite.  I have had a rough couple of days.  I let some small things get to me and I probably over reacted to the big things that happened.  Luckily, I have some great people in my life who reminded me of several things.

     The first thing that I reminded myself is that I can only control my actions.  I cannot make others say please or thank you.  I can't change years of habits in others.  I can walk away when I am frustrated.  I can call others who know what I am going through.  I can take some time and pray before I respond.   I can count to ten before I say anything.  I can respond with kindness...even when I don't want to be kind.

     The second thing that I was reminded of is that I am not alone.  I have Jim with me every step of the way.  He understands what I am experiencing right now.  I have friends that are walking similar roads to mine.  They are here for me when I need to talk.  I have resources when things get really rough.  I have God with me always...even when I fell completely alone and have no words to us, He is holding me.

     The third thing that I was reminded of was my magic word...BALANCE.  I need to remember that there are good times along with the bad.  I need to make sure that along with the needs of everyone else in my life, I take care of myself as well.  I need to sometimes put myself first, find my quiet time, the time that allows me to be me.  And the thing with balance is that sometimes others come first...but my time is there as well.

     The last thing that I was reminded of is that I am not Wonder Woman.  She is a fictional character who has super powers and a cool invisible airplane (at least old school WW did, I haven't seen that new movie yet).  I am not perfect.  I need to stop berating myself for not being perfect.  I need to set clear boundaries in my life.  I need to continue to make healthy choice for my whole family.  I need to ease up on myself.

     I am no Wonder Woman...and that's okay with me.