When I was a child I was taught a wee rhyme by my mother.
'Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me'.
As an adult, I firmly hold on to that rhyme but I have changed 'names' to 'words' when I recite it in my head.
There is another famous saying: The pen is mightier than the sword.
It is true. Damning words can linger when published and be reread when saved.
But the written word is often the word of a coward,
or of someone who cannot justify their words when challenged,
or of someone who is simply full of spite.
It is quite a cryptic start to a blog post isn't it.
What are these words that Lu is speaking of?
The words will remain with me.
To be honest I am indifferent to them.
They were horrid, and not worth another moments thoughts.
I don't think you'd believe me even if I did tell you!
But they have made me reflect on my life a bit and on my decisions.
They have made me thankful for many things.
So here goes, here are some of my thanks.
1. I am so thankful for my extended family. I have a wonderful collection of aunts and uncles on both my maternal and paternal side. I am proud to be a member of both lineages, and I love that when I shared the words that were sent to me, with them today, they all sent me beautiful messages of support and love. I don't know where I would be without my aunts in particular. If I can be as compassionate and as caring as them throughout my years I will be proud of myself.
2. I am thankful that I am of strong character. My 31 years have seen some amazing highs and some devastating lows. Those of you who have followed my blog for a while will be aware of some of these curve points. Those points are what make my story and what created the courage that I have to embrace change. I have made some tough decisions regarding people who have repeatedly hurt me over the years. Sometimes it is tough to turn and walk away but sometimes it is the best thing for you.
3. I am so thankful for my Dad. He doesn't always agree with my decisions but I find that I can speak to him about everything and anything. He is always rather level headed with me and will warn me when he things I will regret a decision, but will listen and try to understand my reasons when I explain why I made that decision. I adore introducing him to my pals and my pals know that if they pass the Paddy test of approval they are pals for life. Irrespective of the path his life has taken, he never speaks ill of those around him or those from his past, and chastises those who try to. I don't understand his patience and my lack of it sometimes frustrates him. But he is my rock, and I trust him more than anyone with my biggest doubts and darkest secrets...
4. I am thankful for Irish proverbs/phrases. Another one I will use is 'If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all'. Sometimes I struggle to hold my tongue. Sometimes I can go a bit ginger. As I progress through adulthood I have gotten much better at minding my 'p's and 'q's. It is easier to rise above bitterness and continue to do the best I can for those who treat me with kindness and respect.
5. I am thankful that I don't have regrets. I am not perfect, I have made mistakes but I have learnt from them. I am proud of who I am and what I have achieved with my life. I have learnt who I can rely on through all the various trials and tribulations. I have learnt through my mistakes how lucky I am to have such solid support from my family when the going gets tough, and even more when life turns up smelling of roses.
I guess the point of this blog is this:
I stand by my decisions.
I have no regard for your words.
What is done is done.
And I wish you well.
All the best,
Lu
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