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Signs of the Times

It's amazing how much a decade can change a person. I was thinking yesterday about my life ten years ago, and I hardly recognize the old me. Practically every element of my life is different than it was just a few short years ago. Here are some of the things I recognized:

1) Then I thought I didn't want to be a mother. Now I'm so happy God trusted me to be the mom of a 10-year-old boy and almost 9-year-old girl.
2) Then I was quite private and dignified about bodily functions such as using the restroom or adjusting my underwear. Now terms like "fart, wedgie and poop" are completely normal everyday language.
3) Then I was lonely a lot. Now I can't even remember the last time I was lonely.
4) Then I had a career that consumed my life and I loved it. Now I can't imagine returning to the job that required so much time and energy for something so insignificant.
5) Then I didn't have very many close friends because I worked too much and they all had kids. Now I can't even count the number of good friends that I have, most of whom I met through my childrens' school or activities.
6) Then I didn't have a church that I thrived in. Now I have a church where I get spiritually fed and and supported every time I attend. When I don't attend, several people check to make sure we're okay.
7) Then I shopped almost every day to combat boredom. Now I don't even remember what being bored felt like.
8) Then I thought PTA moms had no life. Now I just finished a two-year term as PTA president contributing to the education of mine and other people's kids.
9) Then I never bothered going to parks. Now I rarely miss a week going to a park, sitting in the sunshine, watching my kids enjoy the beautiful weather.
10) Then I was 10 pounds lighter, but I thought I was way too fat. Now I'm 10 pounds heavier, and I think I look pretty decent for a chick my age.

It's weird how time changes us, mellows us, makes us richer, deeper people than we were before. Even if life isn't perfect, it's still generally very good if you stop long enough to take a peek.

Comments

Unknown said…
You are such a hoot! Ah, I can't say the 'f' word but have another term for that which I will keep to myself. You on the other hand have such a way of expressing yourself that it all seems dandy and makes me chuckle.
7/19/2006 3:03 PM
Anonymous said…
You hit that one 100% dead on! When I used to come visit you from the suburbs of NYCity ten years ago I would go home and tell Rick how sorry I felt for you because you were so lonely - by the last time we visited you, about five years ago, you were so happy. You were happy before, just because you are the kind of person who chooses to be happy in whatever state you are in and you had a good hubby, but that last time it was a different happy - Mommy, church, friends, etc. had made your life complete. So glad your life evolved into the current one.
7/19/2006 4:23 PM
Susannah said…
What a wonderful post, and equally wonderful comments. Wow! I feel so honored to evesdrop on all of this. Oh, by the way, pleased to meet you. Sounds like you have a very fulfilling life. Thanks for sharing.
7/22/2006 2:37 AM
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