There Are No Excuses...

There are no excuses...

For your ignorance and jealousy. We don't need to teach you what you will not reckon with. For our efforts would be futile.

I know what it's like to be slandered. I do know what it's like to work tirelessly at work, parenting, chores and athletics. And have abilities taken away by a criminal, bad medicine and the like.

I know what it's like to be shunned, teased, unwanted, unparented. I get it.

At the same time, when I witness someone excelling, more than likely I will be happy for them. I can barely understand it any other way. How could we not all wish each other health, wealth and incredible progression in our living, and our dreams?

My husband used to say, "You're a product of your environment." 

I used to not like that saying. It was because I didn't understand it. For I knew I was not like either of my parents. I was not a drunk, a liar, a drug addict, and so forth. I wouldn't abandon my family, my children, or our pets. I am not sarcastic. I will do everything to see the good in someone until they prove me wrong. And that takes much. I've had people shocked that I'd give someone respect way before I actually knew them at all. And after that it does take alot to lose my respect for you. Many times I just walk away, leave them be. Remaining silent, that's what I've done. 

I came from being a possession as a child, to being an equal partner in a solid marriage with my husband as an adult. The second part of being equal I believe is miraculous. 

As a child, I was told a few things. One was, "Children are to be seen and not heard." And another was, "Don't speak unless you're spoken to." The first one I didn't and don't agree with. The second one has merit

 It's more apt to watch your words and your intentions with them. It does not work for every situation, nor everyone. Yet, it is something to understand and know how to apply.

As I watch the Olympics, which has always fascinated me. I hope that it fascinates humanity. Enthusiasm must not be lost on anything. Much less jealousy which is a form of hatred. So too, Bigotry a form of hatred.  

When an individual thinks another person has an advantage due to race, color, creed, etc... That there is a problem. 

There are books to educate all of us. I could name them to demonstrate to the reader that their assumptions based on fear or gossip or disinformation are baseless. 

The way people get to the Olympics in general is first through their own will. My old boxing coach said, "Three things you got to have. The three D's my uncle would say: Dedication, Discipline and Determination."

Yes, those are extremely important. Then you need support, great coaching, a great plan with wiggle room, and a great attitude. Attitude is what you're going to need when all your chips seem down.

In my life, I had little to no support with one exception with regularity, my husband. The people that get to the Olympics have quite a bit more support. However, we should not be grudge them that. Some of us, for whatever reason don't always get that blessing. We get other blessings. And when we become introspective enough and get real quiet that blessing or blessings we have will become clearer.

Those who haven't found that quiet space, most of them are not searching for it. They are not allowing it to be present and it's on them, not society. Calling oneself out on that issue, is the beginning of one's own success.---Jody-Lynn Reicher