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| In the mountains of Nicaragua |
Just over a year ago I traveled with my two children to Nicaragua. I learned HUGE lessons from this trip-some immediate, some upon reflection. So when I was asked to be a guest writer about ’embracing abundance’ on G.G. Vandagriff’s blog, this experience came to mind. Here’s a sample:
” I get really tired of excuses. In fact, in my classroom when my 8th and 9th graders try to excuse their behavior, lack of homework, or unpreparedness I tell them kindly yet firmly, “Excuses are useless.” Initially a quizzical look forms on their face, and then they start to stammer…which is exactly when I interject my reasoning. Everyone has issues. Everyone is busy. Everyone can blame someone, something, or some “whatever” for anything. But what’s the point? It’s not about the excuse. It’s about being responsible, respectful, honest and courageous enough to create the kind of success we want in life. Some get the idea more quickly than others. I just hope that before they end their year with me, they’ve at least thought about it…”
To read more, please click over to G.G’s blog-you’ll not only get to read the rest of my Nicaraguan life lesson, but you’ll find a blog and website full of intriguing writing. G.G.’s bio says, “My new book “The Only Way to Paradise” is the result of intense immersion in the Florentine and Tuscan culture, and most of it was written there. Of course, the art and landscape are spectacular, but what makes my heart sing are the people. I think that they are born with a genetic tendency to agape (unconditional love).”
So go on, check it out! Why not?
Jennifer Wolfe
Jennifer Wolfe, a writer-teacher-mom, is dedicated to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life by thinking deeply, loving fiercely, and teaching audaciously. Jennifer is a Google Certified Educator, Hyperdoc fanatic, and a voracious reader. Read her stories on her blog, mamawolfe, and grab free copies of her teaching and parenting resources.
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Comments: 10
mamawolfe
October 13, 2011Hi Susan~ Thank you. It really is frustrating when adults aren’t being good role models for our children-they are ceertainly watching!
Susan Kane
October 12, 2011I think this country is seeing the results of lack of responsibility and accountability! Let us pray and hope that this lesson is learned by all, especially the next generation. Good blog.
mamawolfe
October 12, 2011Hi Dee~ I’m so happy that you’re finding the ability to trust yourself. As I age I find I rely more and more on intuition and instinct.
Hi Elisabeth~ thank you. What a profound compliment.
Elisabeth Hirsch
October 12, 2011Such a wonderful post with amazing points.
You bring out the best in people 🙂
My Inner Chick
October 11, 2011—I’ll take a look. Thank You :))
Dee
October 11, 2011Your guest posting today made me think about my own priorities. Unmarried, I never had to put children or husband first and myself last.
But always I put what others wanted for me before what I wanted for myself. It’s taken me years to learn to trust myself. To trust my instincts and intuitions. To be a seeker who is unafraid to step off the edge into the unknown.
Your posting made me consider all this. It also helped me rejoice that in the last couple of years I’ve found more surety within myself.
Thank you.
mamawolfe
October 11, 2011Hi Michael Ann~ I completely agree with you. It’s hard for moms to put themselves first, to find the balance. It’s so important, though!
Hi Sandi! I’m glad my post allowed you to think about yourself…I couldn’t ask for more! And yes, Nicaragua was amazing. I’ll blog about it more int he future!
Sandi
October 11, 2011I love your comment to students, “Excuses are useless. It’s about being responsible, respectful, honest and courageous enough to create the kind of success we want in life.”
My exact view! My response is very similar when students start making excuses. It’s especially distressing when it’s their parents who are emailing or calling or writing an excuse for the kids!
Reading the rest of your post tonight really made me think about the excuses I make for myself, when often I just don’t want to do something someone wants me to do. I need to be more honest myself.
Thanks for gently bringing that to my attention!
The Nicaragua trip sounds like it was life changing, and something you’ll always be grateful you did.
Michael Ann
October 11, 2011Oh, what I meant by it sounding familiar was the excuses I made when my kids were small. Putting myself last in line behind my kids and husband. Kids should definitely be our priority but we shouldn’t lose sight of our own needs in the process.
Michael Ann
October 11, 2011Great article, Jennifer! It really made me think. You and I have talked about this all before, moving through your fear and doing things anyway, even though you are scared. Forgetting the excuses. That all sounded familiar! I am amazed that you just signed the papers and took that trip “without much hesitation.” I’ve felt that way before, where it’s almost as if someone is pushing me from behind and I just ACT on something, and then thing, “How did that happen?” I call that divine intervention 🙂