When I was about 12 my family went out for ice cream. It was a hot day, so my ice cream was melting quickly and I kept getting chocolate ice cream on my face. All three of them were pointing it out and telling me where to wipe next. I was cleaning my face almost as much as I was eating the ice cream; I got frustrated. I asked them to stop telling me where the mess was until I was done. Well, they stopped alright. When we got home I saw I had been walking around for the past three hours with chocolate ice cream all over my chin and cheek. How embarrassing – especially at that age! Feeling hurt I asked my mom why they didn’t tell me. She responded they tried to, but I told them to stop, so they stopped.
What I meant was they should stop until I was finished. Without realizing it I spoke with tween girl attitude and they stopped altogether. Even though they allowed me to look like a toddler all afternoon, they stood by me. We walked in and out of stores with my face covered in dried ice cream and they never pretended they didn’t know me or that I wasn’t part of the group. It was my overreaction and huffy attitude which prevented me from hearing their advice and accepting their help.
Our families, biological or otherwise, can help us more than we realize. They help us edit and filter and they often offer advice and suggestions which could save us time, effort, and grief if only we would listen up. When we ignore the recommendations given by those who love us we risk making fools of ourselves. Tune in to those who have your best interest at heart and keep an open mind when someone who truly cares about you tries to give you advice. You may end up going your own way, but at least take the time to consider wearing a different hat today or not getting that lower back tattoo.
Shake-Up: List 5 Relationships
Create a list of five (5) people or relationships which help or empower you. These might be people who comfort you, advise you, or listen to you. They are the people you care about the most, and the ones who care about you. Make sure this list is labeled “Relationships” and save it with your “Positives” list where you can find it later.