Thou Shall Not Covet

I wrote this blog in 2007 and when I read it today for the first time since, I was proud of myself. I was proud of my convictions and my decisions. Proud of my family. So without further adieu...

August 3, 2007
This is my mid-year blog. I like to review personally every quarter, publicly biannually. I find it cathartic to look back and revisit my old perspectives.

I spent a month this summer between Los Angeles, Malibu and Phoenix. I braved the perils of traveling alone without my man, with our child, braved the oppressive heat of the desert, and spent a month away from my favorite place on Earth. Chicago.

I went for so many reasons I can't recall them all. Among the top reasons were the fact that I hadn't done a day's worth of scrapbooking since Jackson was born and my sisters were livid. Additionally, Jackson had so little exposure to other children, I was beginning to think that he thought the English language was for adults only.

I failed to mention, I also went there to visit my girlfriend Jaleea who was in the U.S. from Thailand, some old friends from college and post-college years, as well as to meet my Goddaughter, Sierra Nicole.

Before I left Chicago, I won't lie; I was discontent with many things in my life. I'd created a reality for myself which varied greatly from the one I had intended. I never anticipated that it would be a million times better than other peoples' reality I would have an opportunity to experience. I visited a lot of friends, and without going into great depth I want to say this:

"THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER!"

People; please don't waste your time, your energy, or your life comparing your situation, your marriage, your house, your anything, to anyone else's. Yes, we all know that there are people who appear to "have it all." They don't. Neither do you. Nobody does. There is a reason the Bible, in its Ten Commandments, suggests you not covet. Wanting what someone else has is ridiculous! What one person has and makes them happy may be a nightmare to you! Speaking from experience, it happens that way more often than you'd think.

Want what you want and don't be ashamed to have it!

The things that you take for granted in your life, the things that fulfill you, they don't always exist in other peoples' lives. Sometimes, YES! believe it or not, what you have IS special. What makes a masterpiece for another may be missing all of the intricate details that make up a masterpiece for you!

Be mindful what you wish for and grateful for what you have. Bottle your own brand of happiness, because buying someone else's simply won't do!!