My favorite part of my day is when someone inevitably tries to get me to say something hateful to be used against me at a later date. Today someone tried to engage in a conversation about white privilege. First of all, I can’t have a two minute conversation with you about something like that and later have you claim to know anything about me.
Welcome to my Ted Talk.
I realized just now why I don’t like to get into political debates; I can’t speak for other people, I can only speak of my own experiences. So here’s me speaking for me: the reason I am where I am is because I didn’t know what to do with my life. I didn’t like asking for help because I thought it was a form of weakness. I grew up poor but I got good grades. I probably could’ve gotten a scholarship based on my SAT scores. I just didn’t know. I’ve had good opportunities, I just chose wrong.
And as far as choosing wrong, my life isn’t that bad. I’ve only had an inferior job because other people told me I had an inferior job. I didn’t notice. I thought the important part of life was having integrity and being a good and genuine person.
The key to a good life is gratitude. I know I have it far better than a lot of other people do. I can’t speak for them or their opportunities, you’ll have to ask them.
I’m posting this just in case you’re ever tempted to engage in small talk with me.
Bethene Zetterquist Photography 
Helping someone get through that phase in life where we blame everything that has gone wrong in life on our parents or society is hard.
I remember calling Dad when I went through that phase. I remember Dad telling me what grandpa told Dad when going through that phase. Later I came to understand that I’m am an adult who is responsible for my decisions, and the consequences of my decisions.
I realized that as I have made mistakes, so did they. They did their best and had the best intentions. Reflecting on my day to day stressed and struggles I tried to place myself in their shoes. After all, raising 14 kids, managing careers, bills, and everything else that comes with life couldn’t have been easy. I realized that I should have been honoring them for what they did RIGHT. Realizing that I’m not sure that I could have filled their shoes, nor would I have wanted to; I became greatful for all of their sacrifices and perseverance.
I realized that I was not a victim. The struggles I went through made me stronger. Those struggles became blessings. Now more thought has gone into my decision making process. I still make bad decisions, but tomorrow is another day to make those corrections, to learn, and to grow. For me, there was a liberation in taking responsibility for my actions. My hope is that others going through that phase find a process to make it out on the other side positive, liberated, and stronger.
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I couldn’t agree more. I love you sister. ❤
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I love you too!!
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I remember after telling my friend Paula about our childhood…..
Her response was shock and awe.
She said she thought that I was born with a silver spoon in my hand. 😆
Honestly, All I can do is give praise to God.
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Haha yeah, you had it even harder than I did. I’m sure you’re sure for sainthood. 😇🥰❤
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I dunno about that. 😉
Thanks though. ❤️
Fingers crossed 🤞😇
It’s just like you said…. Assumptions.
The mistake that is made (in my opinion) is assuming why and how a person got to the place they are in life.
I’ve been lucky enough (I suppose) not to think of or question this. I’ve never thought myself more deserving that another. After all, I don’t know what I don’t know, and I’m sure that is allot.
Allot, allot. A ship ton. An armada. 😉
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I can tell we were raised by the same mother. ❤
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I dunno about that. 😉
Thanks though. ❤️
Fingers crossed 🤞😇
It’s just like you said…. Assumptions.
The mistake that is made (in my opinion) is assuming why and how a person got to the place they are in life.
I’ve been lucky enough (I suppose) not to think of or question this. I’ve never thought myself more deserving that another. After all, I don’t know what I don’t know, and I’m sure that is allot.
Allot, allot. A ship ton. An armada. 😉
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