This year has been an interesting one over here. As a family we have been growing stronger and I have been building better healthier friendships….
……And some not so great ones. And that leads me to my first resolution for the year. I am only going to nurture the things that nurture me. I am going to stop killing myself trying to impress people. I am not going to keep going on and on when clearly they are just not that into me anymore. I am worthy of love and do not deserve anything less.
I have also rekindled some great friendships that I had no idea why they had faded. Why didn’t I ever ask why they faded? Was I the one who was not being nurturing to someone who needed it? The second thing I am going to work on is open and honest communication. I bite my tongue so much that is is swollen and bruised. I have a voice and this year I will be using it. (with all the grammatical errors intact)
Lastly, I need to patch the bridge with my family. I am not close to many people with whom I share blood and I am sad about that. I need to open up the communication with the people who helped mold me. I need to go back and show my children where we came from and what I have struggled to stay away from. They deserve to know their history.
And with all this lighthearted fare I leave you..
Danielle Said:
on January 3, 2009 at 5:35 pm
You know I love you.
And I am glad to be one of the people that you nurture and that you allow me to nurture you. I think you do bite your tongue more than you should. It’s good to let some of it out! I have been working on re-connecting with the family members who want to connect too. We have been calling all of the grandmas once a week or so. Eleanor loves talking to them and they love to hear her ramble on. I’m looking forward to some new friendships this year too. 
Pauline Said:
on January 5, 2009 at 10:46 am
Friendships can be so tricky. I feel like it is a life long process, learning how to be a good friend and how to recieve friendship from others. I feel like I have just started having healthy friendships since Sophia’s was born. It’s a work in process though . . .
I can say for certain that I have really enjoyed getting to know you more this year and am looking forward to spending more time hanging out with you. I hope you feel the same way. I am really insecure about these things too.
radishly Said:
on January 5, 2009 at 12:01 pm
These are all challenges in my life as well. Being a socially awkward introvert doesn’t help. Having a toddler (child?!?!) doesn’t help. Maybe knitting would help.
Rebekah Said:
on January 5, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Hooray for more Drunk Outspoken Joi! Bring it on! Also…I hope you are still that into me, because otherwise? I’m a stalker….
Shawna Said:
on January 5, 2009 at 4:45 pm
Woman, you ARE deserving of love and nothing less! I’ve found too that friendships can sometimes wax and wane. How much we have to give each other fluctuates at times and it can cause hurt feelings on either end. It’s a hard balance to keep an open heart and healthy boundaries. It’s taken me a long time to learn that and I’m still learning.
I wish you much luck on your path to open and honest communication! It’s another thing I’m consistently working on. In doing so remember-you are not responsible for other people’s reactions. Little Yogini (that’s me) says “if you are honest in a loving and kind way, then your part is done.” The tricky part can be being honest with yourself about where you’re coming from in your communications (if you’re speaking in anger, judgment, or compassion, love etc.) and being clear with your intentions. That’s just a few things I’ve picked up along my own path…
Thanks for sharing and I hope the new year brings you lots of joy and peace!
Amy Said:
on January 15, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Sounds like some great things to focus on! I plan on spending a great deal more time with you this year!