Strong Pioneer Roots

OK, so this past weekend I had to go to the home going service of one of my amazing friends that had to leave us too soon (I'm thinking my next blog may have to be about Charlette, so much to learn from that woman!).  I realized something this past weekend (OK, a lot of things, but lets focus on one).   Charlette's life touched so many different people.   At the funeral, there were a lot of my classmates there.    It has been about 16 years since I graduated high school, and I can admit, I have a HORRIBLE memory (seriously, its an issue!).   I was so thankful for one of my friends since either middle or elementary meeting me there, because I kept saying, "Melissa, who is that?   I know that face!".    I kept hearing too though, "Who is that?   You look just the same but I don't remember you".   Hahaha.  It was a trip.

I think what stuck out to me, is that we were all family because we all came from the same place and that was a bond.   I know most of those people, whether we remember each other or not, we have each others backs.   It was a feeling of being back home.   I have lived a lot of places and made some amazing friends (and am so thankful for that!), but nothing beats the feeling of being back home and being by family and people you grew up with.

Its been awesome to see all of us reconnecting there and on Facebook either.   People telling each other whether we remember each other or not, I got your back.   Im here if you need me, Im praying with you.  Also, what else better way to honor our dear friends memory then to see this grow?  Shed be proud fellow Pioneers! (yes, my mascot was a Pioneer, his name was Little Willie, go ahead and laugh).

Our high school motto was "FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION".   I have for years thought that was so cheesy and made fun of that.  But looking at all my people and seeing and hearing their stories, we all have one, and that motto keeps staying strong.  We do not fail because we keep on ticking.   Proud to be a part of such a strong group of people.

PS--Yes, I know I stick out like a sore thumb!   My friend Melissa and I somehow got centered the only two white people right in the middle.   Yes, we all laugh about it!   Nobody cares.  Hahaha

Lasting Change

 

We all have things in life we need to change about ourselves.  Its what keeps us growing.   I am seeing way to often people changing for the wrong reasons though.   Change is a part of growing and building character.    But in order for that to be a lasting change, it has to be because it is change we believe needs to happen.   When people change for another person, that change will be reversed.  People let us down (its a part of life) and when that person upsets us, disappointing us, goes away, etc. then we go back to that bad habit.

This applies to all types of changes!   Breaking addictions (from food, alcohol, pornography, smoking, people, all of them!), personality flaws, codependency, and more.

The worst ones to break are the ones that are bad for you (as in healthy or as in wrong).   If you cant accept why that thing is so bad for you, you will not be able to walk away from it completely.  That in itself usually will bring out even more damage because since you never accept why it is so bad, you start doing it in hiding to disguise not changing.   I know so many people who have been hurt by this first hand.  If it is something  that deep, seek help, seek genuine accountability.  It will improve your life so much!  I promise....

Even if it is smaller scale change, having accountability is key.  I am blessed to have friends who can see through my bluffs (sometimes more then I do myself!) and hold me accountable.   It is a good thing to see you have people around you that love you that much!