YEP! LEARN TO SAY NO! Whether it’s a task at home, church, girl scouts, etc… we live in a culture where we spread ourselves way too thin. For those who are my age, it’s all about being a “Good Little Girl…and doing the right thing.”

A lot of this attitude comes from 12 years of Nuns. Also, growing up in the 50/60’s era.

Huh? Read Bill O’Reilly’s Old School. It’s hilarious!

When I first got married, the “Be The Best” syndrome overwhelmed me. I wanted to be the best farm wife. Good Lord, I learned to do things that I never dreamed of doing. Gardening, canning, remodeling, parenting, you name it.

Oh my hubby was trying to make it on the farm, so we had to do everything right according to the mother-in-law.   All I will say is, now my hubby and I are the best in-laws ever. We are totally hands off.

At the time, I was trying to prove what a great farm wife I was…LOLO…..My husband didn’t know any better than I did ,at the time.

Putting up corn is a huge task. Tom and I usually do it a fast, easy way now. The 2 of us can put up enough for us for a year, in an afternoon.

Back in the ‘80s,when the kids were home, we put up corn with another family, and made it a fun day. We had a crew of nine and put up about 100 pints in a day.

However, back in the 70’s before we both new better, their came a day when the lights came on in my head. Thereafter, I LEARNED TO SAY “NO!!!”

We had been canning freezing, just the 2 of us. My man had fieldwork; therefore, I was on my own to put up corn for mom and Col. Grandpa, since they were on a trip.

Thinking that I had to be all things, to all people, was an ill mindset. Man O Man! Did I ever learn from my mistakes.

I worked my day around the little ones, and got the job done! Being close to exhaustion doesn’t even come close. I put up 25 pints for them and for us……ALL BY MYSELF! Yes, The Little Red Hen was on a roll!!! Somewhere there is a photo of all of the corn blanched, and piled upon the freezer, ready to be cut. To me, it seemed as if it were 1000 ears of corn.

HERE’S THE CLINCHER………upon return from their vacation, I informed the mother-in-law of my accomplishment. Her answer, ”Oh the Colonel hardly eats it that way. He calls it pig food!”   WELL LA –DEE-DA!

Trust me folks….my husband and I both learned a hard lesson. You NEVER,EVER have to be all things to all people to prove your self-worth.

My sister and I always say, ”Life begins when you make choices.” Trust me when I say, “I made a huge choice that day.”

Finally and forever, especially in his family situations, I started to accomplish goals written by my favorite author, Dr. Wayne Dyer. I read the book PULLING YOUR OWN STRINGS,

and began living the author’s legacy.

May the God of Self-worth ignite his truth and wisdom within your soul.

May you realize that you don’t have to give, give, give, in order to live……and be happy.

Love,

Granny