Sandy Speaks…

We all make mistakes.  Can you imagine making yours in front of 111 million people?  And in an age where news travels faster than the speed of light?

Before Christina Aguilera could even finish the incorrect sentence of our National Anthem, her blunder was Tweeted and Facebooked out to millions.  Yet, she continued on with grace and skill.

In the following days, the majority of bloggers, reporters, and tweeps focused on the fact that she’d made a mistake instead of giving her credit for having the courage to continue on without breaking down.

I believe there are three valuable lessons to take from Christina’s Superbowl experience.

#1 – Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. You, no doubt, heard this from your parents and Kindergarten Teacher when you were a child.  As adults, we often forget the importance of empathy.  Instead of automatically criticizing or poking fun whenever someone messes up, let’s shower them with kindness.  Say something positive and stay away from feeding the negative.  After all, isn’t that what you would want if it were you?

#2 – Own up to your mistake. Whenever I screw up big time, I often want to hide from the world.  I’m sure a part of Christina wanted to go home and bury herself under the covers.  Instead, she remarked:  “I got so caught up in the moment of the song that I lost my place.  I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through.”

#3 – Have the strength to carry on. Watch the video of Christina singing on Superbowl Sunday.  She hardly misses a beat after the mistake.  She keeps on singing with all of her heart and soul.  Someone else may have stomped off or burst out in tears.  The next time you make a mistake, gather your courage and just keep going.

Yes, we all make mistakes.  If your next one takes place in front of millions (or even a handful), give me a call – I’ll jump on Twitter & Facebook and let the world now how wonderfully courageous you are for putting yourself out there!

(Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

When I told my four year old son it was my birthday, he exclaimed, “Yay!  Do you have cake and presents?”  I groaned to myself.  How could I have forgotten to get a cake for myself so he could help me celebrate?

I explained that he and I were going to celebrate Mommy’s birthday the following day.  The next morning, he ran to my room and told me he had the best dream last night… all about cake!!!

We ran downstairs.  He placed some candles on the small cake I’d purchased the night before.  Then, he looked around and asked “Where are your presents, Mommy?”  “Well,  I don’t have any presents and that’s okay.  We’ve got a yummy birthday cake and candles to enjoy!”

He became overwhelmed with emotion.  He started looking around the house, saying “I have to give you a present, Mommy.  I need to find some flowers to give you.”  The more he searched, the more upset he became.

As my heart was breaking, my eyes fell upon a bouquet of plastic flowers in my office.  “I found some flowers, Jake.  I’m going to lay them right here.” I said, as I took the flowers out of the vase and laid them upon his arts & crafts table.

He sang “Happy Birthday” to me and helped me blow out the candles.  Then, he told me to close my eyes.  When I opened them, he was standing in front of me with those plastic flowers.  With the sweetest smile, he said, “I got you some flowers, Mommy!”  I could not hold back my tears any longer as I thanked him profusely for the gift.

“Why are you crying, Mom?”  I hugged him tightly and replied, “These are happy tears, Baby.  Thank you for being so thoughtful.  I love you so much!”

I experienced so many emotions that day.  A little sadness plus lots of pride, happiness, determination, and gratitude.  And, I developed a whole new respect for single Mothers everywhere.  In our quest to “fit it all in”, we sometimes miss important details.  Isn’t it wonderful when your child shows you that, even though you don’t do everything perfectly, you are teaching him/her how to be thoughtful, giving, and loving?  That was the best birthday gift I’ve ever received!

On January 8, 2011, six people (including a child) were murdered and fourteen others were injured (including Rep. Gabrielle Giffords) in a tragedy that rocked our great Nation.

Since then, the United States has been blanketed with snow in 49 out of 50 states.  As I continue to pray for those affected by this sad event, I keep thinking of how wonderful it would be if our Country were blanketed with peace and love.  I keep thinking of the great example we would be if we exercised our right to have opposing views in a calm and respectful way.

I believe this change can happen if we all start with our own lives.  Let’s honor the memory of those who died by letting go of any anger, resentment, and jealousy we have against another.  Let’s start a movement by treating others with respect, even during times of disagreement.  Let’s look at opposing views as a way to open our minds, which always expands our lives.  Let’s accept that, even though others may be “different” than us, they are still God’s creations.  Let’s be aware that each one of us is being looked upon as a role model by someone and keep our words positive and filled with love.

Let’s wrap this peace and love blanket tightly around ourselves and our loved ones.  And, give gratitude that we can start fresh.  And, we can start NOW.

Ahhhh… doesn’t that feel great?!

Image: Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net