“In your life, you will always find someone who is better than you, smarter than you, prettier than you. So never judge yourself against another human being because you will always fall short. Judge yourself against your own self and whether you are your better self today than yesterday. Be your best self. Live your best life.” (Oprah Winfrey)
Long before I knew who Oprah was, I had already been living the philosophy of never comparing myself to another person. Thanks to my mom for raising me this way.
And then I became a mother…
What a challenge it was in the beginning! Compared to other moms, am I doing a great job in raising my children? Am I supposed to feed on schedule or on demand? When the baby is crying but she is neither wet nor hungry, do I carry her and hold her, or do I let her cry it out (to foster independence)? When the baby’s developmental milestones are not on schedule (i.e., going on his tummy at 3 months, sitting up at 6 months, crawling at 9 months, walking at 12 months, etc.), is it because I am not stimulating my baby enough?
Then I would remember how I was raised – not being stacked against others or being measured against any standardized research findings. I was treated as an individual, whose only goal was to become a better version of myself and myself alone. I decided that I would do the same for my children. After all, I would never have been comfortable and confident in my own skin if it weren’t for this kind of upbringing.
Ah, to reflect on whether I am my better self today than yesterday. Two years ago, on my 27th Birthday, I started the practice of reflecting upon an area in my life that I would want to work on until my next birthday. I would assess my progress from time to time. A study group handout called “The Wheel of Life” made my way, right around my following birthday. It was perfect for my reflection exercise! The wheel consisted of nine areas (that I have slightly modified):
Spirituality & Personal Growth
Long before I knew who Oprah was, I had already been living the philosophy of never comparing myself to another person. Thanks to my mom for raising me this way.
And then I became a mother…
What a challenge it was in the beginning! Compared to other moms, am I doing a great job in raising my children? Am I supposed to feed on schedule or on demand? When the baby is crying but she is neither wet nor hungry, do I carry her and hold her, or do I let her cry it out (to foster independence)? When the baby’s developmental milestones are not on schedule (i.e., going on his tummy at 3 months, sitting up at 6 months, crawling at 9 months, walking at 12 months, etc.), is it because I am not stimulating my baby enough?
Then I would remember how I was raised – not being stacked against others or being measured against any standardized research findings. I was treated as an individual, whose only goal was to become a better version of myself and myself alone. I decided that I would do the same for my children. After all, I would never have been comfortable and confident in my own skin if it weren’t for this kind of upbringing.
Ah, to reflect on whether I am my better self today than yesterday. Two years ago, on my 27th Birthday, I started the practice of reflecting upon an area in my life that I would want to work on until my next birthday. I would assess my progress from time to time. A study group handout called “The Wheel of Life” made my way, right around my following birthday. It was perfect for my reflection exercise! The wheel consisted of nine areas (that I have slightly modified):
Spirituality & Personal Growth
Marriage & Family Life
Extended Family & Friends
Health & Fitness
Physical Environment
Recreation, Fun, & Play
Career & Vocation
Money & Financial Security
Citizenship & Community Service
I think whether you are a parent or not, it is an important exercise to meditate on which area(s) in your life needs your attention.
You have probably heard of the saying, “If you can’t pay as you go, you’re moving too fast.” While it is referring to the crazy nature of financial debt, I think it applies to our life in general: If you can’t PRAY as you go, you’re definitely moving too fast! I can’t imagine my life without prayer and reflection. It is in the quiet moments that I spend with GOD and through His most amazing grace that I am a better person today than I was yesterday.
As one of my favorite songs that I learned as a child goes:
Little by little everyday
Little by little every way
Jesus is changing me
He’s changing me
My blessed Savior
I’m not the same person
That I used to be
Though it’s been slow, growing
But there’s a knowing
That someday, perfect I would be!
As one of my favorite songs that I learned as a child goes:
Little by little everyday
Little by little every way
Jesus is changing me
He’s changing me
My blessed Savior
I’m not the same person
That I used to be
Though it’s been slow, growing
But there’s a knowing
That someday, perfect I would be!
I am nowhere near perfect...
But there is certainly a reason to celebrate and rejoice in the fact that I am GOD’s work in progress!
If I am His clay and He is my Potter, what could possibly go wrong?
Dear Lord, Thank You for the dawn of a brand new year in my life and for loving me despite my imperfection.
3 comments:
I check your blog daily to see if there's something new :) Glad there's one today.
Thanks for reminding me of that song. I needed that too.
Little by little everyday ...
He's changing me ...
Ate Auds,
I must admit I do not read your blog regularly, but after today, I will start!
Thanks for the inspiration today... When parenthood arrives at my door, I will be sure to consult you - the work in progress Mommy =)
-Reese
aawww ganda na naman nito mareng auds, very inspiring talaga. Please don't get tired of posting new okie... Muah!
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