Thank You Cards

Thank you cards. Yes, yes that is the hill I will die on. Here's why. We live in a world full of entitled folks, young and old alike. Usually someone who feels entitled to all things rarely gives as freely as he/she takes. There is a purity of heart in giving. I recall an old adage or cliche, but a true one that says 'it is in the giving that we receive'.  A world full of entitled people is dangerous and unacceptable to me for many reasons, but primarily because nothing is free. Nothing is owed or given to you simply because you exist. You should not get a trophy or award if you didn't win. I mean, blood, sweat, tears WIN.  Everyone does not always feel good about themselves or their deeds nor should they, and it's humbling. We all pick our battles based on our own beliefs, moral fiber, ideals, and energy level on any given day. So, I get it. I totally understand when we may not be as consistent as we desire to be regarding various life matters. However, thank you cards is one I will not compromise on.  It is imperative to me that my children understand that they are not entitled to gifts "just because".  If they cannot write and sign (my kindergartener) or color/scribble (my 3 year old) a thank you card for someone who has gone out of his/her way to generously give them a gift, then they need to return the gift. Here's how I see it, if you can't take the time to be grateful, then you are not worthy of the gift. Not to mention, if I don't teach them gratitude now, they may be deluded into thinking they should continue to get things in life despite being a jerk.  Trust me, I would rather not do thank you cards.  I spend a ridiculous amount of time sitting next to them, coaxing them, and explaining to them the value of gratitude for others' generosity of spirit.  I threaten to take away said gift until the thank you card is complete, and it's exhausting. But, I believe so deeply in the lesson behind a thank you card that it's non negotiable. So, yes, the thank you card is the hill I choose to die on.

Narcissism

As I sift through the many status updates on Facebook and Instagram, I realize we are all narcissists. The worst part is that I am no exception despite my denial.  Mass social media has created a generation of narcissists. Not only do we take pictures everyday, all day of places, people and things, but our selfies abound. How can we possibly be living in any given moment or be truly compassionate and concerned about others when we are so self centered? An authentic connection and true interest in others is only skin deep now a days. This is going to get exponentially worse, I fear.  On the time table of my life, I can't find the month or even the year when the paradigm shifted. That scares me. We adults are also caught up in the world of social media, and our kids are watching.  My own sons peek over my shoulder as I fight not to become more of a voyeur.  But, the need is there like a dark; secret addiction. There are some days I go without getting online, but then other days it's like an itch I just must scratch. The ego is breathing like a beast underneath it all. I disgust myself.  Why? Because I know that social media is full of mostly bullshit; moments captured that represent only a fleeting emotion or place in time.  When our incessant boasts and selfies reflect our fantasies, hopes and dreams more than our realities, we miss the mark.  Something essential to the human spirit is lacking. We are cheating ourselves.  In 2015, I want to be more mindful for myself and my family. I want to seek out the authentic, "bigger than me" stuff that will make for thought provoking conversation and life. It's out there. I know it. I bet it's even on Facebook.