Mother. Writer. Aging Rebel. Eternal Optimist

“Sometimes the most urgent thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.”

- Ashleigh Brilliant, English Author and Cartoonist

I thought it was time I declared what I have known and fought against this past week.  I need a blogging break.

In the past month, I’ve spent over half of it sick with the flu and bronchitis. I’ve organized a large kids party, and written a 90 page tender for a client. Life has settled down now, but I seem to have lost my blogging mojo.

This week I started and stopped at least three different articles. Wrote pages of rants about the level of misogyny in our latest football sex scandal. Yet, none of these thoughts can be organised and structured into a cohesive article.

I seem to be writing in circles, using lots of words, venting frustrations, but not making any real point at all. Kinda like now.

Add to that, I have renewed inspiration for my fiction and work to do for my changing career, and I think it best if I step away from the site and recharge the old blogging batteries.

Happy writing to all my fellow bloggers. Stay inspired. Live well.

I’ll return when I have something to say.

Kelly x

Flickr Photo by .Storm

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This week I am crazy busy, so I wanted to share an article on parenting that I read recently. It really resonated with me because it’s on the perils of perfectionism - a subject I know well.

Next week I’ll write my own take on this subject. But, in the mean time please stick around and tell me what you think of Michael Grose’s article.

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Do you have a child who is held back by the curse of perfectionism?

Many firstborns are afflicted by the curse of perfectionism.

The burden of being in the parental spotlight means that many firstborns will only star or achieve in areas where they are certain of success. So they tend to narrow their options by sticking to the safest path. They tend to be less innovative and adventurous than later born children.

Perfectionists can also be hard to live with. They make demanding partners and anxious children. They can be critical of those around them just as they are highly critical of themselves.

Their attention to detail can be infuriating and their inflexibility can be enraging. Much worse, being a slave to perfectionism means kids become observers rather than participants in many aspects of life.

9 Ways to Spot a Perfectionist

You can pick a perfectionist at 1,000 metres away because they share common attributes. Here are nine attributes that perfectionists share:

Perfectionists plan everything. They won’t go on a family picnic unless the route is known beforehand, the estimated time of arrival is decided upon and the weather is checked days out. Perfectionists like to be in control so they don’t leave things to chance.

Perfectionists are neurotic about order. Tidy desks, shoes neatly arranged in wardrobes and neatly stacked food shelves are de rigueur for perfectionists.

Perfectionists are critical of themselves and others. If a perfectionist paints a room he will focus on the inevitable thin spot rather than celebrate a job very well done. Subsequently they don’t enjoy success.

Perfectionists hate to leave jobs half done. They will stay at work until a task is completed.

Perfectionists procrastinate. Many perfectionists put off starting projects because they doubt if they can do them perfectly. Procrastination is not just a great stalling tactic, it is a protective strategy. They wait until conditions are perfect to start a job. The trouble is the time is never perfect so they never start.

Perfectionists don’t like to delegate. No one but no one can do a job as well as they can so they tend to take on far too much and they don’t trust anyone to do a task as well as they can.

Perfectionists apologise a lot. They will always find an excuse such as there is not enough time or money to do the job that they would like. Perfectionists always believe that they can do better or try harder.

Perfectionists don’t expect success. They are generally pessimistic and look for reasons not to do things rather than reasons to try things. Their expectations become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Perfectionists are governed by absolutes. They see the world as black and white and have strong opinions about what people should and should not do.

The best way to help perfectionists loosen up, lighten up and take risks is to develop what the great Austrian psychologist Rudolph Dreikurs dubbed ‘the courage to be imperfect’.

Dreikurs maintained that we have to accept our faults and don’t put pressure on ourselves to be superhuman or be better than others.

When we focus all our efforts on making a contribution rather than being better or superior then we are not held back by doing the perfect job.

Kids develop the courage to take risks and fail when they are less focused on themselves and more concerned about others. Perfectionists need to lower the bar they set for themselves and be realistic about what they can achieve. When they focus on others and develop more realistic expectations not only do they end up achieving more but they experience more fulfillment and contentment.

Michael Grose is Australia’s NO. 1 parenting expert. He is the director of Parenting Ideas, the author of seven books for parents and a popular presenter who speaks to audiences in Australia, Singapore and the USA. Get your FREE Chores and Responsibilities for Kids Guide when you visit Parenting Ideas.

Get a hold of Michael’s sensational new book Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It at http://www.michaelgrose.com. You’ll be astounded when you learn about your birth order personality and how the position in your family impacts on your life!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Grose

Flickr Photo by Trixi

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“Often we allow ourselves to be upset by small things we should despise and forget. We lose many irreplaceable hours brooding over grievances that, in a year’s time, will be forgotten by us and by everybody. No, let us devote our life to worthwhile actions and feelings, to great thoughts, real affections and enduring undertakings.”

- Andre Maurois
1885-1967, Writer

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I wasn’t going to post because I’m down with bronchitis at the moment, but I came across this beautiful quote today and just had to share it.

I think many of us know the benefit of releasing life’s dramas and consciously choosing where to focus our time and energy. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to let go of our ego and its attachment to being right or pointing the finger when we’ve been wronged.

The problem is every minute you expend time and energy on so-called problems, that’s time you’ll never get back to enjoy all that is wonderful in your life.

I was so stressed about the birthday party I just threw on the weekend, mostly because I really wanted it to go perfectly and MusicMan seemed blase about all the work involved. But, now a lot of my anxieties seem so silly.

The party was great. Bunny had a blast, and there were no major hiccups. Even if there had been, I don’t think it would have dulled the enthusiasm of a bunch of over-excited pre-school children. So, why did I spend all last week worrying?

Hopefully, I’ll remember this lesson, and relax the next time I try to organise a party, or someone doesn’t behave as I would like.

What about you? Do you dwell on all the little hiccups and grievances of life, or have you already learned this valuable lesson ?

Kelly

Flickr Photo by Bern@t

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I’m organizing a 5th birthday party for Bunny right now. It’s going to have 40 people or so and a jumping castle and we’re taking over my father’s property, which has the room to host large gatherings. I had my wedding reception there and that was loads of fun, so hopefully this party will be just as successful.

We haven’t thrown a party this big since his 1st birthday, so it’s a big deal. Add to that I am not the most domesticated woman in the world and you could say I am more than a little stressed.

At times like this, it’s so easy to fixate on the successful completion of one goal that you forget lasting happiness doesn’t come from one special event.

The real impact you make on your child’s or partner’s lives comes from how you treat them and what you share with them every day.

Do I hope Bunny remembers his 5th birthday party? of course. But in years to come, it’s doubtful he’ll remember this party as much as the daily legacy of love and acceptance that we strive to provide and and the multitude of little moments that make up his life.

With that in mind, I thought I’d start a list of 21 Small, But Powerful Ways To Build A Happy Family:

1.  Read together

Bunny and I read at least two books a day. We like Dr. Seuss books, especially The Lorax and Scary Pants. He also tortures me with Thomas the Tank Engine paperbacks - we have a whole library of them and I can’t wait for the day I can donate them to the nearest charity.

2. Cook together

Bunny likes to bake muffins and cakes, but doesn’t eat either. Strange child - can’t believe he’s mine!

3.  Play music at home and dance around the lounge room

The idea is to make as much of a fool of yourself as possible. If you’re just swaying your hips a little and waving stiff arms while your kids go wild with break dance moves, you’re not getting into it enough. You need to upstage them; show them how it’s really done with some serious over acting. Think Mick Jagger and Tina Turner, Madonna or some head banging, skipping air guitar a la AC/DC.

4.  Encourage your child’s passions and creativity

This is a video that MusicMan and Bunny made together recently. It shows you just how obsessed my son is with Thomas and how bizarre my husband’s sense of humor is. I take no responsibility for either

5.  Watch films and cartoons together

Our family favorites are Madagascar, Ice Age 2 and The Lion King. Share old films from your childhood that are appropriate to your child’s age level. I introduced Bunny to my love of Scooby Doo, and MusicMan showed him the original Superman recently - Bunny thought it was great.

6. Play board games and sports as a family

We enjoy Trouble in our house, and the whole family likes to lay into the boxing bag or kick a ball around our local reserve.

9.  Go to museums and art galleries

Expose your children to culture, history and art in a practical setting and they will gain an appreciation for creativity, ideas and learning that will serve them throughout life. Talk about the pieces you find interesting child and ask your child what they like and why. Make sure you listen.

10.   Make sure your family receive your best, not the left-overs

Juggling work and family life can be demanding and drive one to the point of exhaustion or near insanity. Don’t let the pebbles get in the way of the big rocks of your life. Prioritize what’s important and learn to leave work behind. MusicMan and I do struggle with this, but it’s something we are aware of and a daily discipline. What I do know is my  family deserve my best qualities, and I think the following quote sums this up perfectly.

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don’t be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning ‘good morning’ at total strangers.”

- Maya Angelou, Poet, Writer and Performer

11.  Make birthday cards and craft projects together

Bunny is the official card manufacturer in our house, and I’m sure the extended family wouldn’t have it any other way. Lately he’s starting to differentiate between “girls” cards and “boys” cards. Girls get pink coloring and sparkly bits and boys get car drawings, monsters and dinosaurs.

12.  Have coloring, drawing and painting time and resist the urge to direct your child or tell them how to “do it better”

All children are naturally creative and experimental. When we critique their artistic efforts or involve ourselves in their work to make it fit some standard in our own mind, then we invalidate their natural expression, sending the message it’s wrong or needs fixing. Actions like this are what smothers children’s creativity and batters their confidence, turning them into stiff adults, sure they “don’t have a creative bone” in their body.

13.  Set up a focus on heritage and family and connections

Look at family pictures and talk about people who are important to your child’s life, especially those who they might not see a lot of. Show them photos from your childhood and talk about what you liked to do and share memories from your family.

If you have a particular religious affiliation, strong value system (I had a creative, free thinking upbringing) or cultural background, ensure your children learn about where they come from and what you believe in. You can’t enforce these things in my opinion, but it always helps to understand our parents and heritage, even if we later choose to ignore it.

14.  Embrace your inner child - blow bubbles, fly a kite, have sword fights, make sand castles and scour the beach for shells and signs of ocean life

Children are the best excuse you’ll ever have to stay young at heart. Let them lead you into their world and you might just tap into a well of joy that will keep you smiling, improve your energy and enthusiasm for life and help you live longer too. Remember, to show respect for others while playing to set a good example for your children. Nature and other living creatures are included in this - respect for all living things.

15.  Turn the music up in the car and sing loudly and off-key

Don’t let your child be the one to always pick the music. Share your favorites with them too. Bunny is currently loving this old dance favorite of mine, though I wouldn’t show him the music clip as it’s too adult for a pre-school child.

16. Be honest and forgiving

Be honest when your children ask questions. If you don’t know the answer, tell them you’ll get back to them. Keep your answers appropriate for their age and level of understanding, but don’t lie. It destroys the trust between you.

If you believe it is better they not know the details about something (eg. divorce) then explain what you can and tell them some matters are private and/or for adults only.

Don’t act as if mistakes are the end of the world or bad behaviour makes you a bad person. Your children will disappoint you and upset you some time. Accept it. Forgive them.

And forgive yourself for your own weaknesses and so-called failings, you’ll be doing them a favour there too. By keeping open channels of communication and building a forgiving atmosphere in the home, you’ll build trust and your children are more likely to come to you later when they’re in trouble and really need you.

17. Be a parent, not a friend

This means stick to your values and don’t let yourself be swayed by what other kids’ parents are doing. Bunny doesn’t have computer games yet because I think there is plenty of time for that. I want him to enjoy his own creativity before he starts investing himself in someone else’s.

Don’t do what is popular now if it is not in your child’s best interests long term. We need to be their guide and sometimes this means making hard decisions that will incur the dreaded “I hate you” screams. I have already experienced this and it hurts, but that’s parenting and I am sure I have a lot more to look forward to.

Be strong for your children so they know they can lean on you. While you may sometimes feel sad or scared (it’s okay for them to know this), make sure that no matter what, you are the one in charge, the one who will fix things. Do not let your children take on adult worries they cannot process or repair. It heightens anxiety and can be emotionally crippling. When you say “No”, stick to your guns or you’ll appear weak and leave yourself open for a lifetime of whining.

18.  Say “I love you” at least once a day, preferably a lot more

Children need affection, so lay on the cuddles and kisses. Even once they think they’ve outgrown this (Bunny is already rationing MusicMan and recently told me he was a big boy who didn’t “need” a good night kiss), respect their boundaries, but tell them they are never too big for cuddles. After all, they will want something to rebel against, so why not have it be mom and her kisses?

19.  Visit the library and browse book shops

Books offer a path to another world. They can inspire, educate and stimulate a child’ imagination, and by encouraging an appreciation of books and reading you will not only expose your child to new ways of thinking, but you’ll help them at school as well.

Exposing your child to a variety of books - fiction and non-fiction - will help them to be a more empathetic, questioning, informed and involved citizen of their country and this world.

20.  Teach your kids how to play hopscotch

It’s simple, free and fun for all. And it’s actually kind of strenuous for moms and dads who don’t work out enough.

21.  Have family rituals

Rituals are important for giving our children a sense of connection, belonging and security. They don’t have to be grand activities or take a lot of time - it’s the routine that is the most meaningful.

Bunny spends one night a week with his grandma and pop and they have their own routines there that he looks forward to. At home, MusicMan and Bunny build extensive train tracks together, while I am the one he usually does drawing and jigsaw puzzles with. As a family, we also read two books before bed each night and there’s a certain chant I say as I kiss Bunny into bed.

How do you create your family? Do you disagree with any of my ideas or have any tips you’d like to share with us?

Kelly

Flickr Photo1 by Kenny MØller and Photo2 by Zeetz Jones

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“The quality which makes a man want to write and be read is essentially a desire for self exposure - like one of those guys who has a compulsion to take his thing out and show it on the street.”

- James Jones, Author

I like to keep my thing in my pants, where it can stay out of trouble, but that doesn’t mean I don’t agree with Mr Jones and the flashing tendencies of writers.

Writers are funny creatures who thrive on dichotomy. We’re often brooders and over-thinkers with the added disadvantage of huge, fragile egos.

We injure easily and fancy ourselves as a lone duck, yet we feel compelled to expose our vulnerability and risk inevitable rejection all for the possibility of admiration and the thrill that comes from seeing our words - our emotions - in print.

Being a writer makes no sense.

The financial rewards for novelists are slim. All writers are rejected at some point. None of them take this well, but still some part of us perseveres. Craving attention, so sure that our stories must be told.

Are we delusional? Narcissistic? Unstable?

There are plenty of famous authors who are evidence to this fact. Dostoevski was addicted to gambling, while William S. Burroughs preferred opium.

Virgina Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, Hunter S. Thompson, Graham Greene and F. Scott Fitzgerald are just a few who attempted suicide (some successfully).

And Raymond Chandler, Truman Capote, Jack Kerouac and Dorothy Parker were proof that writing genius and alcoholism could be very close friends indeed.

It’s enough to make a budding novelist pack it in. I have a child to raise, a mortgage and travel habit to finance, relationships to maintain.

I don’t have time for an activity that sucks away the hours, has me living in a fantasy world and jeopardizes my sometimes tenuous grip on emotional stability.

Why do I persist?

Because I have no choice.

I write because I must. I write to keep the demons at bay. To give a voice to my fears and a home to the ugliness within. I write to channel my emotions and frustrations. To seek validation that I exist.

I know I’m not writing enough when I become depressed, argumentative, and generally too disagreeable to live with.

The upside is I am usually so depressed I cannot see I’ve stopped writing, so I don’t feel bad about it. The downside is inevitably MusicMan gets fed up with me being a basket case and challenges me to get back to my projects.

Usually this acts as a trigger, forcing me into a brief moment of clarity where I can see I’m spending far too much time thinking and brooding and not enough time transferring all those juicy emotions onto the page.

The trouble is, writing can make for an exhausting life - this ability to be transfixed with every emotion and behavioral defect of ourselves and others.

I often wish I didn’t feel so much and create so many other worlds in my head. I fantasize what it would be like to enjoy practical, grounding pursuits, like football or gardening.

I wish I could be a hardy, over-confident type - the kind of person who breezes through life, not noticing the hurdles waiting to trip them up. The kind of person who doesn’t see the people on the sidelines, hurling rocks at their head, or the changing shadows of relationships.

But then, would I still be a writer if it wasn’t for those incessant voices in my head?

Maybe I’d put all my years in copy writing to good use and be a successful internet marketer instead.

That’s not to say that all writers are neurotic, introspective hoarders of angst. No, I’m sure some are upbeat, uncomplicated souls who let life wash over them, never slowing them down.

I have never met a writer like this, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.

Maybe they just all hang out together, basking in their joviality, thumping proud chests and sharing stories of literary brilliance. Conspiring to keep the rest of us out of their confident circle.

Kind of like those successful internet marketers.

Kelly

Flickr Photo by aindschie

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A woman goes to the doctor for her yearly physical.
The nurse starts with certain basic items.

‘How much do you weigh?’ she asks.
‘62kg,’ the woman says.
The nurse puts her on the scale.
It turns out her weight is 70kg.

The nurse asks, ‘Your height?’
‘5 foot 8,’ the woman says.
The nurse checks and sees that she only measures 5′ 4′.

She then takes her blood pressure
And tells the woman it is very high.
‘Of course it’s high!’ she screams,
‘When I came in here I was tall and slender!
Now I’m short and fat!’

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I had to post this. I may not have literally shrunk over the Easter weekend, but I have definitely consumed enough to FEEL short and fat.

It’s all MusicMan’s fault for spoiling me with a plethora of chocolate. I can’t decide if he was just being generous, or if he means it when he says my butt is too small, and this was his strategy to rectify that.

Either way, I think it’s working. I swear my jeans were tighter when I slipped them on yesterday…

Kelly

Flickr Photo by alasam

Sorry. Comments Closed

With Easter almost here, my mom’s birhday this weekend and my son’s 5th birthday on the horizon, my life is full of love, chocolate, gift buying and party organizing.

I wanted to send you into the Easter break with a thoughtful post, but I’m not feeling particularly contemplative. Instead, I thought I’d honour the joy in my life by sharing a short animation about an octopus who will do anything to be with his love. It’s kid friendly, sweet and guaranteed to help you start the Easter holidays with a big smile on your face.

Wishing you all a happy and relaxing Easter. See you back here towards the end of next week.

Kelly x

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I have a confession to make. I have been a crap commenter this year.

I try to speak up when I get the chance and I still have a full Google Reader that I work through every couple of weeks. However, between work, trying to post here once a week, my other creative pursuits and family commitments, my commenting juices have run dry.

To  make up for dropping so far out of the commenting ranks of the blogasphere, I have taken up sharing posts I enjoy on Twitter (follow me here).

Twitter has become my new workmate since I started spending more time at the computer, writing and editing. It keeps me from getting lonely and gives this solo freelancer a much needed sense of community. If you want to promote a particular post, I’m always happy to help out with a stumble or a tweet, so feel free to call on me.

Today, I’m sharing a video of my latest celebrity obsession, the quirky, super smart funny-man, Russell Brand. Russell is a British comedian who was recently in Australia. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see his live show, but I am utterly infatuated with him, and this video of Russell on our popular night-time talk show, ROVE, is not only a perfect showcase for Russell Brand, but it really shows you the Australian sense of humor.

The video is just the beginning. I also have a long list of links to memorable posts I have enjoyed recently.

The following articles and videos have intrigued me, made me reconsider my beliefs and new ideas, had me railed up and shouting, and made me laugh out loud. Hope you find something here to enjoy.

Rusell Brand - The Wrong Passage: Revolution

Russell writes about the G20 demonstrations and the British media’s reaction to his peaceful participation. I told you I was obsessed!

Delightful Work: Daily Decision Strategy
Delightful Work: Killing-what-scares-you

And double feature from Tom Volkar - who constantly amazes me with the wisdom he brings. Truthfully, I could link to every one of Tom’s posts because they are must reads, but hey I need to leave some room for…

MomGrind: Suffering for Beauty
MomGrind: Stay  At Home Moms Protect Yourself Financially

Another double feature because Vered is on such a roll at the moment, writing compelling and relevant articles for women.

Awake at the Wheel: Trapped by your Ego

Jonathan Fields talks about how hard it is to transcend ego as we make more authentic life choices - a topic I have much experience with because my ego has taken a battering in two different phases in my life. First, when I made the decision to leave my corporate marketing career and become an ESL teacher after years of indecision. Second, when I left my teaching career to become a full-time mom.

With two moves I went from high status to low status to NO status. I’d love to say I was at peace with that, but nothing could be further from the truth. It was painful and humbling. Though ultimately the right choice as both decisions led to my current career/family life balance. I don’t have the mix right just yet, but am definitely on the right path.

Some other great articles are:

Awake at the Wheel: Outlie This: Breaking Research Reveals Talent Gene?

Cath Lawson: Why the Sauce Might Make More Money than the Pie

Cath has perfected the art of writing about business in the most inventive and humorous fashion. Business will never be seen as boring again.

Express Yourself to Success: Criticism and Feedback Arent the Same

Laurie wrote this article with business relationships in mind, but I think it has relevance for parenting too. Check it out. Tell me what you think.

Abundance-Blog. Marelisa-Online: Creative Insights from The World Wide Web

Make sure you watch the Elizabeth Gilbert video Marelisa talks about. It’s outstanding.

Jungle of Life: Money Does Grow On Trees

Jonathan Crossfield: The Top 50 Australian Blogs on Writing

Jenny Mannion - Heal Pain Naturally: We Are All Healers - The New Basics of Healing

Blogging Without A Blog: When a Picture Speaks 1000 Words

Barbara takes an opportunity to move away from talking about writing to post spectacular photos from some very talented bloggers.

Problogger: Building an Empire around our Blog

I’m working on what my empire will be. Right now, it’s the size of an ants nest, but one day, ROME.

Attraction Mind Map: Cultivate Positive Money Beliefs by Busting 10 Myths

I’ll need money to go with that empire of mine.

Illuminated Mind: The Lie of the Four Hour Work Week

Zen Habits: The Cure for What Ails You - How to BEAT the Misery of Discontentment

Productive Flourishing: The E-Factor - The 10 Traits Of Successful Creative Entrepreneurs

Her Bad Mother: Abortion Means Never Having To Say You’re Sorry

New British Advertisement for Domestic Violence - Featuring Actress, Keira Knightley

Tim Brownson - A Daring Adventure: Life-coaching - What does Rich and Happy Mean to You?

Mommy Mystic: What is Spiritual Parenting

Lisa really made me stop and think with this article on what role I hope to pay in my child’s life and spiritual development.

Write To Done: How to Make Your Site Go Viral on Twitter

Good Life Zen: How Being in a Rush Kills Beauty

Sources Of Insight: Life Frame

Mamamia: I Don’t Believe in Total Freedom of Speech

David Airey: Sex, Lies and Photoshop

From the video:

“I would say 99.9% (of images) are retouched… Maybe five years ago it wasn’t so much… but now it has to be. You can’t have blemishes and …lines under eyes and wisdom lines and all that stuff. They diminish them, they get rid of them”

“When you’re talking about the Hollywood types, they have  a personal re-toucher who does this all day long… Not one picture is released without their permission.”

Informative, disturbing and a perfect illustration of why you can’t believe media images anymore.

Vagabondish: Ways to Save Money Now So you can Travel Later

Think Simple Now: The Cry of My Soul

Urban Panthers Lair: A Funny Thing Happened at the Graveside

Mark Hayward: 8 Irrefutable Ingredients for Effective Copy - The Jimmy Buffet Way

Lets Live Forever: What if? A Movie Review

Someday Syndrome: The Theory of Suckiness

Marc and Angel Hack Life: 28 Ways to Slay the Delay

Because procrastination and writers goes hand in hand…

Okay, have I delivered enough to keep you busy reading all weekend? If  your answer is no, then take note of the following..

Get up from the computer now and go outside - you need a life!

Have a good weekend everyone.

Kelly

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“What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.”

- St. Therese of Lisieux, Patron Saint of Flowers, Growers and Florists. Also known as ‘The Little Flower of Jesus’

I would describe myself as a spiritual person, though not religious. I don’t follow the teachings of any particular church, yet I have a strong faith in a higher power, and appreciate the healing and hope that can come with prayer.

Nevertheless, when I came across the words of St. Therese of Lisieux today, I did have to stop and ask myself whether I was really comfortable sharing the prayer of a Catholic Saint.

If I’m not Catholic, can I really hold up the words of a deceased nun as enlightening and inspirational, and ignore the obvious faith that underscores those writings?

In the end, I decided quotes and prayers from saints can still provide wisdom for non-believers or differing believers. An empowering message of love and inspiration stands alone, regardless of the source.

Therefore, for all you other Non-Catholics, let me introduce St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as The Saint of the Little Way - which means she advocated “doing the ordinary things of life with extra-ordinary love”.

Acclaimed as “the greatest saint of modern times”, St. Therese was canonized in 1925 and is one of only three women to hold the honour of Doctor of the Catholic Church. This is one of her prayers:

‘May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.’

Beautiful, don’t you think?

Kelly

POSTSCRIPT

Maureen of thereseoflisieux.org has brought it to my attention that this prayer is NOT actually the work of St. Therese of Lisieux, though it is widely attributed to her. Seeing as Maureen is a devout Catholic I tend to think she knows what she’s talking about.

I apologise for the mistake, though I want to assure you that I did search and find sources to indicate the author was St. Therese of Lisieux and I believed that when I posted. Again, sorry for the confusion. I am glad I managed to find out about this interesting woman though, and I still love the quote, whoever the author.

Flickr Photo by Lyubov

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