“Yes, we are imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid, but that doesn’t change the truth that we are also brave and worthy of love and belonging.”
-Photos: Music in Many Forms, Cayucas
The week began with us compromising with our kids to find an activity to participate in- all of us in one room, without having a meal, but wanting a shared experience. As with most households with lots of different ages to appease, we surprisingly (and a little reluctantly) found ourselves watching the Video Music Awards on MTV. We kept an open mind and without voicing our skepticism outwardly, we began watching. After the opening act, tears clouded our eyes, our skepticism waned, and the evening began to unfold. We were brought into the veil of our teenagers’ world, the music they listen to, the messages behind the music, and the issues and battles they are facing each day.
As we find ourselves uncomfortable and vulnerable being our adult selves, we are reminded of the many things that our children are facing that we are unfamiliar with. Yes, we were all young, but in a different place and time. We repeatedly remind ourselves to be humble, to dig deep, to take a step back, and to try to see things from their vantage point, and it is not easy! Despite our good intentions, we make many mistakes in trying to get it right. In trying, however, we help ourselves find ways to connect, understand, guide and parent.
What is the music representing and what are the messages that are being conveyed (The Best and Worst Moments from the 2017 MTV VMA's and Logic the rapper’s powerful platform)? There are many messages and all convey complex ideas, feelings and opinions.
A Natural Gift of Love, Morro Bay
Our hearts and prayers are also with the people and families that have been and will long be affected by the natural disasters being felt around the world. The devastating floods in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Texas remind us of our good fortune in having shelter, food, water, family, and community. At this time, we take comfort in the positive actions many are taking to rescue, support, and shelter others.
Our shared journey continues to remind us to connect and open ourselves up to learn and share.
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. ”
Additional Resources:
Got Self-compassion? The Muscle to Train for your Emotional Well-Being
Good Resources from one of our favorite websites, Hey Sigmund:
All That We Share: Something to enjoy watching from the National Council on Family Relations and a reminder that we all don’t fit into a perfect box (3 minute video)
Perfectly imperfectly yours,
