Elene "Sissy" Lopez's Blog
October 20, 2014
Brave and Courageous...
I look back on 2014 and can't believe all the change that has occurred in my life. It seems like it was years ago that I left the home I knew for over 20 years, the neighborhood I resided in for 44 years, my job of 16 years and the immediate family that I was accustomed to having a mere arms length away to move cross country - but it has only been about 4 months.
I got married, picked up and relocated - something I could have never imagined myself doing. I was never going to remarry or leave the city and people I loved - but I did. This is what I have learned is part of being a military spouse. I think about the families who have been doing this for years and am in utter awe of them. I struggle with the adjustment of a city life where everything was at my finger tips to having to drive to do just about everything (especially when driving was not something I did and in fact feared - still do at times - although having a 90 minute commute to and from work has helped to subside that fear).
You don't know how brave or courageous you are until you have no choice but to be both.
I look at my 16 year old in amazement as he started as a junior in a new high school, in a new state and didn't blink. I would have been sick to my stomach - and in fact was terrified for him on his first day.
My husband is a pro at all this and takes it in stride. He has calmed my nerves and his steadfast support has really helped with the entire transition.
Some people may not see any of this as a big deal but for me it was huge. I am a creature of habit and breaking out of all that I was use to was terrifying. It is interesting how other people react to the changes you as an individual are experiencing as well. I found myself on more than one occasion sitting with myself and saying "you are going to be fine." The what ifs wouldn't leave me alone. What if this wasn't the right choice, the right move, the right path? The little voice in my head kept saying why is it about right or wrong? Why not just life challenges and experiences? Thankfully, I knew enough about myself to know that I had to step out of my comfort zone and live life as it was meant to be lived. To challenge myself and take a chance on the unknown. How will you know if you don't try? So try I did. I have good days and lonely days. I miss what was comfortable but try to give myself credit for being courageous – I have always been the type to minimize my accomplishments but today I am going to say it. I was brave and courageous. I had to let go of people, places and things to take this step and I did and little by little one day, one step and one moment at a time I am living this life that has been gifted to me.
I got married, picked up and relocated - something I could have never imagined myself doing. I was never going to remarry or leave the city and people I loved - but I did. This is what I have learned is part of being a military spouse. I think about the families who have been doing this for years and am in utter awe of them. I struggle with the adjustment of a city life where everything was at my finger tips to having to drive to do just about everything (especially when driving was not something I did and in fact feared - still do at times - although having a 90 minute commute to and from work has helped to subside that fear).
You don't know how brave or courageous you are until you have no choice but to be both.
I look at my 16 year old in amazement as he started as a junior in a new high school, in a new state and didn't blink. I would have been sick to my stomach - and in fact was terrified for him on his first day.
My husband is a pro at all this and takes it in stride. He has calmed my nerves and his steadfast support has really helped with the entire transition.
Some people may not see any of this as a big deal but for me it was huge. I am a creature of habit and breaking out of all that I was use to was terrifying. It is interesting how other people react to the changes you as an individual are experiencing as well. I found myself on more than one occasion sitting with myself and saying "you are going to be fine." The what ifs wouldn't leave me alone. What if this wasn't the right choice, the right move, the right path? The little voice in my head kept saying why is it about right or wrong? Why not just life challenges and experiences? Thankfully, I knew enough about myself to know that I had to step out of my comfort zone and live life as it was meant to be lived. To challenge myself and take a chance on the unknown. How will you know if you don't try? So try I did. I have good days and lonely days. I miss what was comfortable but try to give myself credit for being courageous – I have always been the type to minimize my accomplishments but today I am going to say it. I was brave and courageous. I had to let go of people, places and things to take this step and I did and little by little one day, one step and one moment at a time I am living this life that has been gifted to me.
April 15, 2014
Overwhelmed...
This is what happens when you have too much to do. There is so much going on in your life that your emotions and thoughts are in overload. There is just too much on your plate and not enough resources, time, finances, energy just not enough.
It is said (and quite often I might add) that God only gives you what you can handle. This doesn't mean that you won't feel overwhelmed or brought down to your knees in tears - it means that he knows you can handle whatever is going on...YOU GOT THIS!
Are there times when you want to say "No God - I don't got this!" "I don't want this!" "Give me something else!" Yes - there are those times but God help me - I know it could be worse, so very much worse. So I will allow myself these moments of being overwhelmed. I will trust in the God of my understanding that I can handle this and be extremely grateful that I have the abundance of blessing that I do around me. I will force myself to be grateful - because I should and have every reason to be.
If you are feeling overwhelmed - you are not alone. It is ok to give in to the feelings that being overwhelmed brings - just don't stay there. Ok? You will get through this! I have faith in you - have faith in yourself. It is ok to ask for help also - you may not get it but ask anyway. Step away if you need to. Just for a moment - it will allow you to rebuild and recharge.
Deep breath - inhale - exhale - a few more times with your eyes closed.
Ok, now back to life.
It is said (and quite often I might add) that God only gives you what you can handle. This doesn't mean that you won't feel overwhelmed or brought down to your knees in tears - it means that he knows you can handle whatever is going on...YOU GOT THIS!
Are there times when you want to say "No God - I don't got this!" "I don't want this!" "Give me something else!" Yes - there are those times but God help me - I know it could be worse, so very much worse. So I will allow myself these moments of being overwhelmed. I will trust in the God of my understanding that I can handle this and be extremely grateful that I have the abundance of blessing that I do around me. I will force myself to be grateful - because I should and have every reason to be.
If you are feeling overwhelmed - you are not alone. It is ok to give in to the feelings that being overwhelmed brings - just don't stay there. Ok? You will get through this! I have faith in you - have faith in yourself. It is ok to ask for help also - you may not get it but ask anyway. Step away if you need to. Just for a moment - it will allow you to rebuild and recharge.
Deep breath - inhale - exhale - a few more times with your eyes closed.
Ok, now back to life.
March 5, 2014
Change...
There are a lot of changes going on in my life. All good but stressful nonetheless. I have lost sight of the good and have allowed the stress to dominate. Lucky for me I took a class today given by Chrissy Scivicque of Eatyourcareer.com. Pretty good stuff and although the class was about perception, opportunity and perspective in you career it applied 100% to my personal life as well.
Chrissy talked about stretching yourself out of your comfort zone and allowing growth to happen. She talked about taking responsibility of your career (and your life). If only she knew that in a few months I will be embarking on one of the greatest adventures of my life.
Here are some of the things that I carried with me when I walked out the class:
1. It is about progress not perfection - this has always been one of my favorites - give yourself credit for what you have accomplished - don't minimize because it wasn't done to perfection [perfection is overrated].
2. Having a breakdown can be a window to a breakthrough - love this. It means next time I lock myself in the bathroom crying I can not just focus on the emotional but also look to see what I can learn about me.
3. Begin with the End in Mind - S. Covey. - See yourself where you want to be and figure out how to get there. Not getting there isn't an option.
4. Recognize your value - Choose to see the value in what you do and who you are.
Chrissy offers a lot of inspiration, wisdom and thought provoking words, really glad I had an opportunity to hear them.
Chrissy talked about stretching yourself out of your comfort zone and allowing growth to happen. She talked about taking responsibility of your career (and your life). If only she knew that in a few months I will be embarking on one of the greatest adventures of my life.
Here are some of the things that I carried with me when I walked out the class:
1. It is about progress not perfection - this has always been one of my favorites - give yourself credit for what you have accomplished - don't minimize because it wasn't done to perfection [perfection is overrated].
2. Having a breakdown can be a window to a breakthrough - love this. It means next time I lock myself in the bathroom crying I can not just focus on the emotional but also look to see what I can learn about me.
3. Begin with the End in Mind - S. Covey. - See yourself where you want to be and figure out how to get there. Not getting there isn't an option.
4. Recognize your value - Choose to see the value in what you do and who you are.
Chrissy offers a lot of inspiration, wisdom and thought provoking words, really glad I had an opportunity to hear them.
January 19, 2014
Life isn't Rose Garden....
I haven't blogged in minute but was inspired to do so today.
There have been a lot of changes going on in my life and there are still more to come. I am excited, happy, scared, worried and alive.
My life isn't just a garden of roses. It also has lilies, daisies, chrysanthemums (yeah I had to google that) as well as thorns and weeds. All and all it is my garden with a variety good and difficult areas.
I never quite understood the type of person who enjoys when someone fails or waits for the moment when someone is down to say "I saw that coming" or "I told you so." Truthfully, I am probably guilty of saying that at times. How fucked up of me - time for some self reflection on why.
I am comfortable and content with where I am right now. I am still on my learning path and I don't expect it to always be smooth but at least I know I accept where I am, what happens and the work I am doing to better myself as a person, mom, daughter, friend, sister and woman. It is about progress not perfection and I know I have made mistakes and will continue to do so. I can go to sleep accepting accountability for them.
Don't you hate when you are so busy looking around at what is going on around you that you don't even know you stepped in shit? Maybe you should go clean off your shoes, then again, maybe you are comfortable standing in shit.
There have been a lot of changes going on in my life and there are still more to come. I am excited, happy, scared, worried and alive.
My life isn't just a garden of roses. It also has lilies, daisies, chrysanthemums (yeah I had to google that) as well as thorns and weeds. All and all it is my garden with a variety good and difficult areas.
I never quite understood the type of person who enjoys when someone fails or waits for the moment when someone is down to say "I saw that coming" or "I told you so." Truthfully, I am probably guilty of saying that at times. How fucked up of me - time for some self reflection on why.
I am comfortable and content with where I am right now. I am still on my learning path and I don't expect it to always be smooth but at least I know I accept where I am, what happens and the work I am doing to better myself as a person, mom, daughter, friend, sister and woman. It is about progress not perfection and I know I have made mistakes and will continue to do so. I can go to sleep accepting accountability for them.
Don't you hate when you are so busy looking around at what is going on around you that you don't even know you stepped in shit? Maybe you should go clean off your shoes, then again, maybe you are comfortable standing in shit.
October 2, 2013
September 24, 2013
Believe in your dreams...
The people who love you want you to succeed. They may not see eye to eye with you and may in fact not have a belief in your goal but that doesn't matter. As long as they love you unconditionally, give you a positive flow and space to fall and/or grow with a little dignity. So if you know someone with a dream, let them know you believe in them....as long as they know that the dream is not in lieu of responsibilities but in addition too.
It also is an amazing feeling when you can look back and say "you see I told you I would do it!" and they are humble enough to say you were right.
It also is an amazing feeling when you can look back and say "you see I told you I would do it!" and they are humble enough to say you were right.
September 12, 2013
Here is your list of required school supplies.....
Every year I get a school supply list and most of the time the same crap is on it.
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebooks
Subject Dividers
Folder
Pens & Pencils
Pencil Sharpner
Pencil Case
And every year I see the same items not being used. My kid never has the pens I bought but always ones he finds in class. The case is usually found mid-school year under the bed - with the unused pencil sharpener. Last year's composition notebooks are only half filled. Subject dividers are not used because he has 5 different composition notebooks and has a tendency to shove the sheets in any available folder - no matter what it is labeled.
Then my kid wonders why I just cut out the first half of last year's English composition notebook to use this year. Went through all the old binders and accumulated a stack of unused loose-leaf paper….Staples was charging $5 for a 500 sheet pack….Oh hell no.
"Damn ma – you have me going in as a sophomore like this?"
He is lucky I don't send him in with a tablet and chalk or a bucket of dirt and a stick.
Go earn that scholarship baby!
Loose-leaf paper
Composition Notebooks
Subject Dividers
Folder
Pens & Pencils
Pencil Sharpner
Pencil Case
And every year I see the same items not being used. My kid never has the pens I bought but always ones he finds in class. The case is usually found mid-school year under the bed - with the unused pencil sharpener. Last year's composition notebooks are only half filled. Subject dividers are not used because he has 5 different composition notebooks and has a tendency to shove the sheets in any available folder - no matter what it is labeled.
Then my kid wonders why I just cut out the first half of last year's English composition notebook to use this year. Went through all the old binders and accumulated a stack of unused loose-leaf paper….Staples was charging $5 for a 500 sheet pack….Oh hell no.
"Damn ma – you have me going in as a sophomore like this?"
He is lucky I don't send him in with a tablet and chalk or a bucket of dirt and a stick.
Go earn that scholarship baby!
July 31, 2013
Not everyone likes broccoli...
Some people love broccoli, I happen to be one of them. I also like carrots and brussel sprouts, although I am not a big fan of celery or cucumbers. While broccoli may offer certain nutrients celery may offer others. The point is everyone is different. Situations that anger some may amuse others. Two kids can grow up in the same household and remember the past differently. It is what makes us human. We are not PCs where we all can get an anti virus and operate the same way. Our senses (and life experiences) allow us to have different thoughts, perceptions and reactions to what we see, taste, smell, hear (or in my case not hear) and feel.
Keep an open mind to those around you. If you choose not to do something give someone else that same right. Let them choose.
Some children like to read others like to draw. Do we tell the one who draws that they should draw less and read more because it is better for them?
The fact is I love broccoli and that is what I choose to eat. Kudos to you on your fondness for celery - I promise if I see you munching on a stalk I won't say ewwww that is disgusting (unless you dipped it in shit - in which case I may say it in my head, turn away and possibly gag). I may even be open to a suggestion you have on how celery can be incorporated into different meals (I will eat it if it's in soup) but please don't constantly reiterate to me how much better celery is for me than broccoli.
Keep an open mind to those around you. If you choose not to do something give someone else that same right. Let them choose.
Some children like to read others like to draw. Do we tell the one who draws that they should draw less and read more because it is better for them?
The fact is I love broccoli and that is what I choose to eat. Kudos to you on your fondness for celery - I promise if I see you munching on a stalk I won't say ewwww that is disgusting (unless you dipped it in shit - in which case I may say it in my head, turn away and possibly gag). I may even be open to a suggestion you have on how celery can be incorporated into different meals (I will eat it if it's in soup) but please don't constantly reiterate to me how much better celery is for me than broccoli.
July 19, 2013
What motivates you...
Nothing more motivating than desperation! You are motivated to get out of bed if you have to pee really bad. You will run really fast if you are being chased....unless you are being chased by someone you want to get caught by...let's say hypothetically speaking Channing Tatum (in which case the chase may have just been reversed)...I digress.
I look at my home and see a wreck. I want it to be clean but I don't feel motivated to clean it....unless someone calls and announces they will be there in 15 minutes - at this point every closet becomes a junk refuge.
I get these brief (like a blink) spurts of motivation. I get an idea and I want to make it happen...but I want it to happen like now not so much later. With that said I have a great Movie pitch....so anyone from let's say Happy Madison Productions or some other production is interested shoot me a message. Oh hell I might as well get it all out there. I also have an idea for an animated short, which can lead to something long term - I promise this is better than my idea for a camel toe guard - although I still stand by the need for the elimination of camel toe, hoof foot & ball toe.
Point is I am currently in the middle of my motivational blink. I am taking steps and reaching for more. Who's with me?
I look at my home and see a wreck. I want it to be clean but I don't feel motivated to clean it....unless someone calls and announces they will be there in 15 minutes - at this point every closet becomes a junk refuge.
I get these brief (like a blink) spurts of motivation. I get an idea and I want to make it happen...but I want it to happen like now not so much later. With that said I have a great Movie pitch....so anyone from let's say Happy Madison Productions or some other production is interested shoot me a message. Oh hell I might as well get it all out there. I also have an idea for an animated short, which can lead to something long term - I promise this is better than my idea for a camel toe guard - although I still stand by the need for the elimination of camel toe, hoof foot & ball toe.
Point is I am currently in the middle of my motivational blink. I am taking steps and reaching for more. Who's with me?
