Raising an open-minded, accepting teenage daughter is a whole new experience from raising an open minded accepting Child!

I've prided myself on raising my daughter as a beautiful hearted, open-minded, accepting of all people, young lady. Last night, I found out that perhaps I didn't do a completely awesome job after all. We were watching one of the singing shows...I don't normally watch them, so I don't know the names of them or what that one was called; you know...the ones that people go on to try to get a contract. Group of men were up there rapping, doing an absolutely amazing job when my 13 year old yells out "They were really good but they are REALLY ugly! Do you think they will still get picked?!" I was completely in shock. Here is my girl who I've always been honest with about so many things. She has been accepting of people with special needs, those who are GLBT, those who are different, she understands that people are people no matter their gender, sexuality, race, or religion. But then here are people that she didn't find to be physically attractive, so she automatically yells ugly?! How did I miss that one?!?! How did I miss that just because you personally do not find some one's looks appealing that it makes them ugly. Hopefully I got through to her. We sat down and I explained to her that Beauty is not on the outside, but on the inside. Just because some one's looks weren't her cup of tea, did not make that person ugly. I told her that there were people out there who thought those men were beautiful and that went for everyone. I explained to her that judging someone by their looks said way more about you than it does the person being judged. I explained to her that until you get to know someone, you can't decide whether they are ugly or beautiful and to remember that when choosing friends, or even partners when she gets to the age to be thinking of such things. I hope I did the right thing. I was completely thrown so I did my best with what I had to work with! I love my babies and want them to make up their own minds about their beliefs and feelings. I want them to be their own people but I would like for them to have open mindedness and acceptance to base those beliefs and feelings off of. Love my little family and learning as we grow together!

Listening to how Those I help talk about and act towards me

     For as long as I can remember, I have lived my life trying to make everyone happy and leaving myself for last. Lately though, I have looked at those people that I have recently been living to please, I realize that not only can I please everyone all of the time but these people also are those that seriously need to take their knives out of my back. I know that I cannot handle anymore before the kindness that was left in my heart after the world kicked most of it out of me, bleeds out into a puddle on the floor and I become a bitter woman who feels nothing but hatred and betrayal toward everyone and every thing around me.I feel these feelings clouding my heart and soul, even as I am writing this post
      I don't expect a thank you or to be paid but these people are supposed to be family or friends. I feel like if I help and give as much as I am able and even more, I should be able to ask every once in a while for help the few times I need it. Not be trash talked to everyone until you need me to drive you all over town, or babysit, or give you money, or time. Not to KNOW that my children have no food in their mouths, but yet you take money that should have been mine had I not had a painful procedure done, buy 4 bags of groceries with it for your house that has food and don't even think to get a pack of hamburger or a can of beans for my family with the 40-50 dollars that should have been mine. I've done everything I can for these people and the time I'm in a rut, I get called lazy, someone who does nothing but try to borrow from them, because I need a small amount of food until I get paid. I'm so over trying to make these impossible inconsiderate people happy all the damn time. I'm ready to please me and my children first and then worry about others. My first step to doing this is to start taking time out for ME and be selfish for my children and me. This means no more loaning, doing favors, or anything else for people unless I WANT to. NOT because I FEEL OBLIGATED or because you GIVE ME A GUILT Trip!
      . This is a super long rant because I NEED to VENT! No, I don't want your sympathy. If you want to comment, feel free. I am here now, writing this down, simply to remind myself whenever I begin feeling generous to those who I have allowed to make me feel inferior, of the reasons that I stopped trying to make everyone happy and start working on my happiness for a change. Thanks for reading, or not reading, whichever you decide. Whichever makes YOU happy :)