Short Story: You’re Appreciated More Than You Know

Once upon a time in a small town, there lived a woman named Rachel. Rachel was a creative, smart and hardworking individual who always put her heart and soul into everything she did. She worked as a teacher in the local elementary school and was passionate about nurturing young minds. However, despite her best efforts, it often felt like nothing she did was good enough.

Every day, Rachel arrived at the school early, prepared engaging lessons, and poured her energy into creating a positive and inspiring learning environment for her little scholars. She stayed late grading papers, and making sure each child received personalized feedback. But no matter how much effort she put in, it seemed that her dedication and love for teaching went unnoticed.

Rachel’s colleagues, on the other hand, always seemed to receive praise and recognition. Her friend, Stephanie, who taught in the classroom next door, would frequently receive accolades from parents and administrators. It was as if Rachel’s efforts were constantly overshadowed by others, leaving her feeling unappreciated and undervalued.

As months turned into years, Rachel’s sense of frustration and self-doubt grew. She started questioning her own abilities and whether she was cut out to be a teacher. The feeling of inadequacy weighed heavy on her shoulders, and it began to affect her enthusiasm for her work. Her once-vibrant classroom now seemed dull, and the spark in her eyes had dimmed.

One evening, as Rachel sat alone in her classroom, she received an unexpected note from one of her former students. The heartfelt message expressed gratitude for all she had taught and how much of an impact she had made. It was a reminder that even though her efforts might go unnoticed by some, they were not in vain. Rachel realized that her work had touched the lives of many students, even if she didn’t always receive immediate recognition.

With newfound determination, Rachel decided to focus on the passion that had initially drawn her to teaching. She remembered the joy of seeing her students learn and grow, and she chose to persevere, not for the accolades, but for the children she cared for deeply.

Over time, Rachel’s dedication and commitment became evident to those who truly mattered—her students. They began to appreciate the hard work she put into their education, and their success became her greatest reward. Rachel learned that her value as a teacher could not be measured solely by external recognition but by the impact she had on the young lives she touched.

In the end, Rachel found solace in the knowledge that, though it might sometimes feel like nothing she did was good enough, her true worth was measured by the hearts she had nurtured and the lives she had influenced. And that, to her, was more precious than any accolade.

SunDate: Kitty Hawk

Attempting to resume normal activities, I awoke early this morning with the idea to go on a SunDate. WheneverI have to travel, my first thought is Simba…how long will I be gone?…who can check on him?…should I take him? Can I take him?

The last question has always ended up as a “No”. Today I opted to bring him along. He was so excited yesterday when I told him he’d go on a road trip and then I left him…

I know…bad pet Mom…breaking promises…

Well yesterday I was close to the mountains so today I opted for the latter…and made my way to the beach…

Before making the decision to bring Simba, I was going to bring canvas and paint markers to finish a piece and start another…bringing him meant he’d need all my attention since this was his first car ride this long and to the beach.

Was I really going to do this? Sundays are for self care lol. Fuck it…come on S. Leon, let’s go.

He watched me pack up the car and lock up the house before hopping in the backseat and sitting quietly as if I’d forget his 88lb ass was sitting behind me lol

We started with a quick stop to get some treats and a small bag of dog food. Then gassed up, got some breakfast and got on the road.

An hour into the ride, I couldn’t breathe. Small disclaimer…somewhere along owning Simba, I developed an allergy of some sort. But I can’t bring myself to get rid of my him. I’ve rearranged where he sleeps and all just so I can keep him. It’s not official but he is definitely my emotional support pup. I’m ever so grateful he cannot talk…he knows all of my business…I tell him everything. Poor pup, he probably needs therapy.

Well we made our way to Kitty Hawk. I’d never been to the beach here and he’d never been to the beach period so I figured it would be special to share a first with him.

Traveling to the beach was easy, he put his head out the window and took a nap or five until we made it. Once he got out of the car he stretched, smiled and jumped on me for a hug then we were ready to get our feet in the sand. The beach wasn’t too populated today so finding a nice spot was effortless. I set up our area and he just took in the change in scenery for a while. Everything was going great until a group of people came and set up camp right next to us with a puppy.

Simba’s 1st Beach Trip

Simba is also quiet antisocial. He doesn’t really have dog friends other than Shortbread. He’s just like his Mom lol.

The puppy caused such chaos. I wanted to pack up and leave but I took the opportunity to show Simba he can coexist with other people and animals away from home. To get him to calm down, I had to pat his butt and repeat “sit” until he sat down, and then I had to rub his big body until he stopped shaking. This was going to be a long day…but we got this.

After about 3 more of those episodes where he almost took down our cabana, walked all over me and even once jumped in my lap, we were able to lay in the sun and just chill. The introduction to the ocean would come before we left.

Overall he did well on his first beach trip. Enjoying chicken meatballs and water, playing with his rope and putting sand all over me.

We managed to almost make it off the beach without being approached by any strangers!!! I was impressed. I began to think I need to bring Simba out more often, he’s my people shield lol.

He slept most of the way home before sticking his entire head out of the window to do real boy dog shit. We ended our adventurous day at Sonic Drive-Thru where we learned they to have pup cups!

This guy had the day of his life and it’s not even his birthday yet lol. I too enjoyed my crazy fur son and our QT. I can’t speak dog but I hope he knows I love and adore him and was glad to have him tag along on my SunDate.

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself

Have you missed me???

It’s been about 2 months since my last blog post. And if I can be honest…I have actually missed writing (typing). However, trying to get back into the groove has been a little hard after not doing it for such a while. I’ve struggled to come up with a blog topic since I announced that I was back. So please bear with me while I get back into the swing of things.

Why did i take a break?

Life. Simply put I got distracted by a whole lot.

what happened during my break?

I took a couple of trips in and out of state. My parallel sibling deployed across the country. I started “Sundates”. I dropped my trash Internet service provider for T-Mobile Home Internet. My daughter graduated from Elementary School and returned to in-person instruction after being home for 2 years. I finally got my old HVAC unit out of my house and to the curb by myself. (I cursed the company that installed my new unit for having poor customer service and being unreliable assholes) I experienced a relationship hiccup. My daughter had a birthday. I discovered a great vegan restaurant during one of my conquests. I purchased paint markers and changed my life artistically. I finally got my hands on some Krispy Kreme Cinnamon rolls (they were so overrated). I managed to fit into my bridesmaid dress for my cousins wedding (I ceased all physical activity during my hiatus as well). I accumulated a garage full of pallets, thanks to my best friend for a project. Those pallets are still in tact in my garage. I interacted with my family for the first time since my Mother passed away. I’ve painted quite a bit, written absolutely nothing. My house locked me outside. I downsized my already microscopic circle. My oldest started middle school and my youngest started Kindergarten. I found out that my daughter’s vision was jacked and she had to get glasses. My son dislikes school and wants to stay home.

what’s next?

Well, I plan to not take another unannounced hiatus this year. And since I am an avid procrastinator, for accountability purposes I’m recording my blogging goals here.

  1. I plan to document my traveling journeys. I would love to document and share the details of our trips with pictures and links to must see attractions.
  2. I think I’m finally ready to release my first book for presale…(not really sure about this one). Sneak peak will be released here first!
  3. I love writing, and I’m really trying to get back to doing more of the things I love. Now that the kids are back in school, I will create a consistent blogging schedule.

I’ve missed my WordPress notifications so stay tuned…I’m glad to be back in my blogging element again.

You are Magic!

Magic (ma-jic)
an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source

The attempt to define magic is difficult at best. It is used more as a word to describe, rather than one that can be defined. The same can be said for who you are. We attempt to define ourselves, yet no adequate words exist to describe the complexity of who we are. We can describe what we look like, the type of work we perform, our ethnic heritage or gender. Yet, that comes nowhere near the truth of what animates your being. You are a mystery. You are magic. 

Scientists have been searching for the origins and meaning of existence since the beginning of time as we know it. Various religions have been born out of an attempt to define the indefinable. We often engage in the endless pursuit to define who we are, where we came from and what is the purpose of our existence. We often times measure ourselves against others and their accomplishments. We are overwhelmed each day with media images of what is thought to be acceptable or unacceptable in the eyes of society. There is always an ongoing quest to explain the unexplainable.

Truth of the matter is, you are who you are and that is ever changing. You are amazing. Every morning when you open your eyes, you begin a new journey. The choices and decisions that you make color and change who you are. You are a unique, magical being. Have you forgotten this? Have you allowed the world to take away your magic and dull your sparkle? Each time you have a thought or task and give it life- you are creating! From preparing a meal for your family or doodling on paper during a meeting. Everything you do adds a different layer to who you are. Life is a complete mystery and by accepting this fact you become one with it and are able to maneuver though it. 

Think back and remember the last time you were really in tune with something you wanted to accomplish. Remember how easy and enjoyable it was to put together all the pieces of the puzzle to create the final outcome? You were not anxious or the least bit concerned about what other people were thinking or doing. You were one with the energy of your creation. That same dynamic is possible in all aspects of your life. By becoming one with the magical energy of who you are, you create. In the same token, you can also create your own limitations by putting up walls of fear and inadequacy.

So…embrace your power; consider what you create each and everyday and don’t sell yourself short. If you can put together the ingredients to make a cake, you can use the same recipe to create anything else you desire. Create a recipe that works for you. Be consistent with the energy of what you want to bring into your life. If you have made several attempts with no apparent success- try a different way. Add or remove something from the recipe. Be in tune with the Universal force of magic. 

Where is your energy at this moment? Are you focusing on life affirming activities or caught up with what someone else is doing or not doing? Is your energy directed on how to get someone else to change or do what you want him or her to do? What is the topic of most of your conversations? Think about the last conversation you had- were you sharing hopes, dreams and ideas or were you complaining about how things are not going the way you want them to? A large percentage of our words, thoughts and energy are given to what is going on around us. By understanding and knowing that you are a powerful, magical being- you regain the power that is wasted on things you cannot control. You cannot control another persons emotions or actions. If someone is in your life and they are causing you distress- it is because of your choice to allow them to remain part of your life. If you are not happy with the situation you are in, you have a choice to change it. You are not your past. You are not what someone did to you or what was taken from you. The events and people in your life have served to shape who you are at this very moment. The events of today, will further hone who you are tomorrow- and so on.

To become a truly empowered being, you have to reach deep down inside of yourself and utilize your own power. It is not important as to what your spiritual or theological beliefs are. What is important is that you understand the fact that you are a creator. What do you want to create? Peace, harmony and joy or chaos and drama? Are you always feeling angry and frustrated? Being angry or frustrated is only beneficial if it serves to steer you another direction. Conflict can sometimes be an incredible catalyst for change if you use the energy to move. Choose to take a different path or look at things from a different perspective. It does not matter how you do it, the important takeaway is that you get into a place that you want to be. 

You are who you are and that is perfect. Do not allow anything or anyone to diminish and cage your personal power. Allowing your inner self to grow and blossom is a process. Enjoy the journey!