Just Livin' the Dream

So after reading "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert a few months ago, a few friends and I tossed around the idea of writing a book.  The idea was that it would be from 4 different perspectives of 4 different women (us) at different places in there lives.  

In EPL, Gilbert talks about "her word".  The one word that is yours.  Who you are right now, what you want, etc.  It's open for interpretation.  We decided to base our first chapter around "our word".  Since we never got past introductions, the book is, well, waiting for more.  

I have thought a lot about posting this.  The admissions you are about to read don't happen much.  And in no way are they a judgment on anyone who is totally miserable or unsure of themselves.  We all are who we are.

One last disclaimer:  In NO WAY do I consider myself a writer.  I am a talker who writes things down, so please be kind and have an open mind..(oooh, maybe I am a poet?) Here we go...

*******************************************************************
I love words. I delight in words. I surround myself with words, literally.

 “Just Livin’ the Dream” has it's spot on the wall in my home exactly where it belongs.  Yes, you guessed it, the laundry room.

It's there for a number of reasons, the obvious being the irony of it’s placement.

Every time I am sorting through dirty underwear and sheets, I look up and laugh out loud at the thought that this…all this..is everything I have ever wanted.

On one hand its hysterically sarcastic and ironic. On the other hand, it’s the God's honest truth. I am blessed with (and I will quote Hannah Montana here) “The best of both worlds”.

I am the mother to a seven year old boy who I love from the very core of myself. I am married to the man, who after 11 years still makes my stomach drop and (does the majority of the house work) and I have a career which allows me to create an environment every summer for the frolick and delight of children.  

Now,  I certainly don’t wake up everyday whistling or anything like that.  My son can drive me nuts and my husband (who is also my business partner) and I are constantly vying for supreme power. And, my work, at times, can seem incredibly overwhelming.

Still, when I chose my word, it was “Bliss”.  I strive to live in Bliss.  

When I say Bliss, I am not talking about giving in to every whim or spending my life on a beach in Tahiti with various cabana boys. I am talking about utterly true and incredibly deep contentment.  

To carry myself in this world in such a way that bliss, true contentment, can’t help but show up.

I have always had a happy and loving internal dialogue. This “comfort in my own skin”, this innate knowledge that I am complete within myself has always been there. Even during the worst awkwardness of adolescence and the first lost love of my twenties, I always knew I was okay and worthy. Worthy of love, respect, honesty, laughter and joy. 

Some people are born into this world with an amazing voice, or awesome athletic ability. My gift from God is an unwavering commitment to myself.

Many may look at my life and chalk it up to luck. And, believe me, I did have some luck...a happy, healthy childhood with involved, kind and loving parents. Growing up in a safe and close knit community. School was easy, I was attractive, I had a mustang convertible, you know, the chips were stacked in my favor.

But beyond all that, I just always believed I deserved to be happy. I deserved a mate who adored me, a job I was passionate about and friends who enhanced my life. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve worked very hard at my marriage, my career and being a consistent friend, but I never wondered if I was worthy of having them.

People like me, we aren’t spoken of much, with the lack of self -loathing or destruction, are we really don’t seem that interesting. God forbid we say anything about loving ourselves, people think we are crazy, boastful, shallow or living in extreme denial.

So here is my lesson. Its okay to be okay. Its okay to have a pretty fantastic life. Trials and tribulations will come and go.  So will pain and heartache.  But God has made you so incredibly strong and smart and funny and beautiful that to do anything less then celebrate the wonder that is you, is unacceptable.  He expects nothing less and neither should you.  

My word is Bliss.  What's yours?

© 2008 The R Family Diaries.  All Rights Reserved.

Comments

Candid Carrie said…
My word is a new word, wannabeyou.

No, not really. I need to think about my word. And it was so wise to do it in this manner and not tag someone to give their word. This was inspirational and reflective and powerful but humble. I like you.

We are from totally different beginnings, and middles, but our ends aren't that far apart (geographically yes). We love our husbands, our families, and our friends.

We believe that our destinies were predisposed, I am glad I paid very close attention on the way to the top of this hill I live on ... I struggled to get here and I learned my lessons well even though I didn't always enjoy the ride.

But it is my world now and I am staying right on top of it and I will wave to you while you sit on the top of yours. Look at us in our parallel universes, are we the fortunate ones?
Lula! said…
Wow...I need to think about my word. Will get back to you.

And lemme tell you this--you ARE a writer. This was so good!
Wow! Amazing--you definitely touched on something there. It's okay to be okay! I often find myself apologizing for not having more problems or whatever.

My word now is without a doubt: thanksgiving! Nothing like a diagnosis of cancer and the cure of cancer to make a person want to give thanks to everybody and everything!
Alison said…
This is a wonderful post. You are right--it is a gift to believe in yourself. I've been very blessed, too, but for some reason I have struggled with believing I was worthy. I always felt I had to "earn" everything good by being perfect. And since I knew I wasn't perfect, I secretly (almost subconsciously) expected bad things to happen to me to even the score.

I am a lot better now. But I will have to think about my word. Maybe "grace." Because I don't have to deserve good things--they are mine through grace.
Tiffany said…
Carrie- I like to you too. I'm waving right now!

Lula! Come back with your word!

Angela- Thanksgiving is it. Amen to that.

Hairline Fracture- Grace is perfect. It is yours through Grace. You said what took me a page in one sentence. Thank you.
Anonymous said…
Wow. This one has me speechless! Or typeless?
Heather M
Connie said…
On a lighter note my word for today is "Crap!" as in 'crap that damned Cardinal is back and rapping on the window!' UGH ~ I think it has even taught a momma robin nesting abouve our entry way the same trick cuz she's doing it now and again ... this flippin' bird is absolutely driving me crazy! 3 days ... 3 days of this lunitic behavior!
Anonymous said…
Mrs. Romero,
I love your post!!!!! My word has changed from "duty" to "ok". I know that may not seem wonderful or exciting but it's working for me. I have recently developed a sense of inner peace, (no matter what life throws at me, I "know" I will be "ok"). It makes me smile just thinking about it. I can't wait for my word to be "worthy"! I'm a work in progress, what can I say.
I love you,
Rachel
Jennifer P. said…
So did you hop into my brain and tell me just what I needed to hear today? Because this was it! I embrace all that same stuff about myself that you do, adn hope---one day----to find someone who appreciates it. Thank you so much for this. I love a writing style like yours. Conversation writing is very comforting, like talking to an old friend. Well done :)!
Insane Mama said…
ahhh, Bliss is the perfect word!
I would center my word around peace, which I gues also means contentment. And I don't mean peace in the world, I mean peace within my home, my relationships, and peace with God. Peace is what I am striving for on most days!
Anonymous said…
Harmony....It represents all I feel at this point in my life regarding family, love, work, and life itself. I'm in a place I want to be and very happy about it.
~Sheila~ said…
Good to know ya.

So living by you and having wine would be good..only if the wine was beer and you lived closer to my location. (hee hee)

The "subway" Jared.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
This is such a wonderful post.

It is so wrong that I can't stop singing the best of both worlds.
KatBouska said…
Ooh good one!!! You guys should seriously go forward with that book. I would totally read it...as far as my word...

blessed.

I love this post!
Heather said…
The song to go with this post is "Ode to My Family" by the Cranberries.

That comfort in your skin is what I first noticed about you and you are by far one of the happiest people I've ever known. That's saying alot these days.

I'm still thinking about my word. It changes alot for me. I'll get back to you on this one.
I am right there with you on loving words. I am surrounded by them. And I am a big fan of humor and irony...hence my blog name :-) And like you - and I think like Angela - I don't have anything to complain about. Not that I don't. But I am most thankful that I have a life without major drama. And my word: content (which is fun because you can pronounce it two ways...and it becomes more meaningful :-)
Debbie said…
I love your words. I love that you write like we are sitting down for a glass of wine to catch up. I really love that this reflective side of you is so positive and affirming..that is at it should be. Not to sound trite, but my word would be "blessed." I am living the dream, and I know it. I have far more than I deserve, and I am grateful for that. And I give all the glory to God in Heaven. Mrs. Romero, I think this was my favorite post of yours!
KatBouska said…
I keep coming back to see what new words people are coming up with. What a fun game!!

And yes, that picture of Laina is very sentimental to me. I know it's dark, it's not professional, and she's not even making the cutest baby face. But I remember the moment like it was yesterday...the dim room...sleeping daddy....hospital noises...muffled nurse voices. It was very special. I can't wait to share all of this with them someday!!
LaQuintamomof3 said…
Today my word seems to be choas! (Not really what I strive for).
I want to give this some thought and Mrs. Romero you are an amazing writer!
Missy said…
Love love love this post! Excellent timing to encourage me to think about my word. It is "breathe". Becaues that is what I have to keep reminding myself to do these days, and when I do, everything falls into place without all the push-and-pull that goes along with trying to force something and/or someone to be different than they really are.

Thanks for being unapologetically YOU! That is a rare gift in this wild world. Your post makes me think of a famous Nelson Mandela quote that asks why anyone would shrink from being wonderful and glorious, as you are a child of God! I might need to post that one on my blog soon...
I can't remember how I ended up at your blog, but I am really enjoying it!

I have to think about my word...

And you are a fabulous writer!

Blessings!

Mrs. Q
Live.Love.Eat said…
Thank you SO much for stopping by my blog. I do think your book club will love you, even more that is, for the cheesecake tarts and the dip. I would have commented earlier but I have been reading your blog for about an hour now!!! I love it and this post? It's beautiful. I have been feeling this way myself for quite some time and I couldn't have said it better myself. My word would be BLESSED. Every morning, when my son is awake enough to hear me, I thank God in front of him for another gift, another day with my son and husband and all that he has blessed us with. So, yes, BLESSED it is.
Anonymous said…
Happy SITS day and I'm so glad you're the saucy blog o' day because your writing is a joy to read. I envy you the feel-good-in-my-own-skin trait!
Eve said…
I like the way you think!!
Tanielle said…
Great way to be. I envy that...but I do feel very blessed most of the time, and even enjoy the talents I was born with. Thanks for the thoughts, great post and happy SITS day!
Xazmin said…
Bliss is a wonderful word. I'll have to think about mine. I loved this post. I almost want to print it and hang it up! Thanks for being happy, and reminding everyone else that they should be too!
AndreaLeigh said…
But God has made you so incredibly strong and smart and funny and beautiful that to do anything less then celebrate the wonder that is you, is unacceptable.

^^Beautiful words. Thanks for sharing. I've got to ponder a little on my word.
Jennifer said…
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing! I'm not sure what my word is and I can't even think of the appropriate one today. But this blog has inspired me to really ponder what's important in life... and keep a good perspective on things!
Sapphire said…
Loved this! It is okay to be okay...so important.
Anonymous said…
Wonderful post, thanks for sharing it!!
cat said…
Survive! Some days I think that is my word. Other days I think it is juggle - I am always doing that, and other days it is content. Great read girl.
Anonymous said…
Today my word is positive. I need to stay positive to stay calm and make it through the day.
MsTypo said…
I think that my word changes almost daily. *sigh* Somedays it's "plan" and others it's "accomodate" but from time to time i think it's "dream."

Happy SITS day! :)
Oh my. You ARE a GREAT writer! I can't wait to read more of your posts!

I honestly don't know what my one word would be- it probably wouldn't be flattering though! LOL! (although dreamer would fit well)

Happy SITS day!
Anonymous said…
I think, for me right now, the word is Lost. Since I hit my forties, I've been trying to find my way.

I loved your post and am envious of your take on life - good for you!
Sandy said…
This is a great post! Thank you for sharing:0)
Unknown said…
I was going to say my word was content or happy, because I am happy w/ who I am, but you hit the nail on the head w/ Bliss.
You are definitely a writer! Check out Don Mills Diva. http://donmillsdiva.blogspot.com/2009/01/write-on-respect-blog.html
Tiffany said…
Excellent post. "It's okay to be okay". I really like how you carry yourself in a way to enjoy and be content with the gifts you've been given. A great lesson for all of us.
Anonymous said…
Another great post! I've enjoyed reading your 3 SITS posts so much.

My word? Hmmm... I'm not sure. I'm getting there, though. Maybe I'll have a word this time next year. I'm figuring things out.
BloggessJ said…
AWESOME post....Not quite sure what my word is though.
Wonderful, inspiring post!

If I had to pick one word...thankful.

No, my life is not always a bed of roses, whose is? But, I am thankful for who I am, for my husband & daughter in my life, for my faith....
Wow...one word. Mine would be blessed. I have the most amazing husband who I know loves me with all his heart, I have fun and beautiful children who are such a pain in the neck one minute, but turn around in the same sentence and do something so adorable that I forget what a pain in the neck they are, I am blessed with talent and able to do what I LOVE for my business... BLESSED.

Thank you for the insight...now I just need to work on the being happy with me part. :)
jubilee said…
I think more women need to hear this so they can stop feeling guilty for being okay.

My word: joy

Happy SITS day to you.
Ronnica said…
"Bliss" is definitely a great word. I'm not sure what mine would be, if I had to choose.
Tori said…
That was sooo good. I used to be in that place....right now I'm in a time where its tough for me to focus on the good stuff with all the mundane struggles I have going on. Thanks for sharing and helping me refresh my mindset back to what it used to be. God bless!

Happy birthday too, SITSa! :-)
Unknown said…
Wow, can I tell you how much I loved this post? This is SO how I feel! I faved you on technorati, too!
Lisa said…
I am SO trying not to hate you...

Not really. I'm happy that everything is on track in your life. I think it's great to take the time to think about that as well!
happy FB day at SITS!!! wooo hooo! ok, and you having good internal dialogue makes me want to be your bud!!! you rock my face off! way to go! bliss is awesome for your word. i think i choose 'forgiven' as my word.
-Bridget said…
My word is gratitude.

I didn't have the life you did growing up, and I'm ok with that. All of the things that have happened to me and how I chose to deal with them, have pointed me down the path that I am on today. Today I have an awesome husband, two amazing children, a good career, and a life that in short, I should just be grateful for.

And I am.
Heather said…
Beautiful post, and you are a great writer! I think it really helps give perspective that everyone has trials and tribulations at some point in their lives, even those who had the chips stacked in their favor. Pain is part of the human experience, and your continued optimism and ability to strive for bliss is inspiring.
Ali said…
Wonderful post--I love that word:) I have a poster of a handsome racecar driver in my laundry room:)
said…
Well, now you've went and forced me to think.

If I had to distill it down to one word, it would be hope, or promise.
Karol said…
I'm definitely going to have to take some time to think of my word. I love your post.
Vickie said…
This is a grat post. Made me think. I need to feel happier. I do have what I want and my life is pretty good. Thank for reminding me.

Lets see, my one word is: trying.
Reeni said…
What a thought-provoking post!! I love your word! Mine is content.
Patricia said…
What a great post. I think I'm gonna get that Just Livin the Dream sign for my laundry room. We do need reminders on a daily business that we are... living the dream.

My word ... Joy. That's where I'd like to live. :)
Hmmm, lovely post Tiffany! And yes...you are a wonderful writer! Now, for my word...this might take me a minute...I want to say 'content' but that's a dream right now, hehe. I think my word will be HAPPY! I am so happy to have a wonderful husband, three great healthy gals, two pups...a shelter, food, blah, blah, blah! I'm not sure exactly what my future holds as far as career, etc...but I am definitely Happy with my family and friends and I know I'll always have that. Thanks for making me ponder this...now I'll be thinking about this all day, hehe.

And where is that Wenda? She's going to be a crazy busy lady today, but I need to search!

Jamie :-)
mommy4life said…
I am BLESSED! And it would do me good to remember it more often!
Anonymous said…
I thought your post was just terrific! There are times I find myself not appreciating my life as much as I should. Reading your post reminds me just how great things really are! Thanks!
Michelle said…
I love your outlook. While I didnt have the kind of home life you did...I love my life now.

Blessed is my word. I am so blessed. Maybe one day I will write a post about that too.
Willo said…
I love EPL and I love the idea of a word. Mine is "present" because right now is the only moment that truly matters and when I remember that, I am well.
Anonymous said…
Great post.....i don't know what my word is right now. Maybe "transit" or "search" because right now i'm still searching for my place in life and in transit to my next stage.

Happy SITS day!
Chandy said…
Mine would be LUCKY because my family and my husband are a "needle in a haystack" find! They are just awesome! I can't complain!

Congrats today!

Fello SITStah sending you some FB loves!
Veronica said…
You say you aren't a writer, but you are definitely a writer! Very good at expressing your thoughts through the written word. Great! I have no idea what my word is. But you've definitely given me something to think about! Thanks :) Happy SITS day!
what is my word? that might depend on the day, I think!

Happy SITS day!
Rachel Lundy said…
Happy SITS day to you. :)
Lori said…
Wow...what is my word? Tired? No, that's no good.

Content? No, working on that one.
Loved. That must be it. Regardless of all my downfalls, ranting, and fussing, I will always have the love of my hubby and little ones.
Hmmm...maybe it should be caffeine...
What A Card said…
Nicely written...you didn't have anything to worry about, not being a "writer"!

Happy birthday/SITS day!

My word: silly ;P
Alex the Girl said…
I think you'd make a lovely writer. You have a way of identifying with the reader even though our lives are def. different.
Unknown said…
Great post, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm not sure about my "word", I'll have to give that one some thought.
bigjohnsgirl said…
Great post. Now I have to figure out what my word is.
KatBouska said…
My original word was "blessed"...I like that one.

But when I was reading the post I couldn't remember what my word was. I think I want to change it to "grace". That's my favorite word. And Laina's middle name.
Fiauna said…
My word I "smile." For me it means: See Miracles In Life Every day. You get it? Yeah, I have it written all over the house.
Rayna said…
I really liked this post. I have had a favorite word for a while but not one that describes and motivates me. I should work on that.
Marrdy said…
You really are a writer. Maybe you should change careers. I think most days my word is tired....Teenagers!
Donnetta said…
Beautiful.

My word...have to really think on it. May be a later post. :)

Happy SITS!
Amanda said…
Wow that was a great post!!
Anonymous said…
That's a good word.

Mine is Hope.

I still need to read this book.
What a fabulous post! I'm pretty much on the opposite end of the spectrum. I never had a lot of self-confidence and I never felt like I was entitled to the wonderful things in life, but I've gotten some of them anyway, which has left me mostly surprised and grateful for small favors. But it's inspiring to hear from someone who does feel that way about herself. Hopefully, I'll get there one of these days.
debi9kids said…
FANTASTIC! Just a beautiful beautiful honest and open post :)

My word is blessed.
Beth said…
Beautiful post. Definitely a different way of looking at life than I grew up with. But I like it. A lot. Definitely something to think about & to strive for. Thank you.
Mrsbear said…
Quite an uplifting post. Thanks for sharing it. Happy SITS day.
Sandra said…
This will take a lot of thought on my part. One word, huh? I'll get back to you on that.
Pam said…
My word would have to be "joy". I try to fit a bit of joy into each and every day. Even if it's as simple as finding some quiet time to read.
Unknown said…
This is one of my favorite posts- Great, great job.
Strength -- I never saw that in myself until recently -- people had told me for years that I was so strong - but I couldn't see past my pain or the current drama to understand what they were talking about. Now that I'm a little older, I can see it - and the best part is that now it gives me confidence - Because I now I know I have the strength to endure anything.
Leslie said…
Every word that I want to be, I'm still striving for...like peace, joy, and grace. But I am a better woman today than I was before and it's all because of the grace of God. So, I'm going with spirit.
Anonymous said…
Happy SITS day (late)

This was a wonderful post, and I agree with some of the comments.. you ARE a writer!

I have no idea what my word is yet. But you've inspired me to figure it out and make my own post.
Tabitha Blue said…
Oh, bliss... I love that!! I really haven't thought about a word for me before.. but I love this and just might steal it!!


:)
~Tabitha~

freshmommyblog.com
Tracy P. said…
That's funny, as I started to read, I was thinking, "contentment"--and then that's what came out in yours too. This is a beautiful post!

Happy birthday and SITS day, both better late than never! Blessings to you and your guys!
Michelle said…
Oh that was beautiful. I love this post. So sweet, and you're right that you're so lucky. It's a rare gift to be happy.
Rachael said…
What an amazing and beautiful post! I don't know what my word is, but now I'm going to think about it!

Popular posts from this blog

Blogging for Dollars?

My Big News and a $100.

Facebook Fiasco