Laura

Non-traditional.

What traditions have you not kept that your parents had?

Not many, thankfully.

❌ Self-loathing

Nope, not at all.

❌ Drink and a smoke, all day erryday like it goin outta style!!

Well, I drink from time to time.

But definitely not in the same manner.

Who are these people, anyways? Do I even know them?

I know it sometimes seems like I may have had a bad childhood, but I didn’t, not always.

Definitely not. ❤️

I had a wonderful grandmother.

There were people and places that showed me love that I’ll always go back to.

People and places that can’t be found elsewhere

For all of it, (yes, even the not-so-great parts), I’m still thankful because it made me the person I am today -stronger, wiser, and able to break through the barriers, stereotypes, and the pre-determined, set-in-stone mentality that binds others to not be able to move forth in life.

And while sometimes facing those challenges can be hard, it taught me something very valuable that many people struggle with (besides independence). That is:

To enjoy your own company, to really like yourself, as a person.

And to love yourself.

Those are two powerful things that no one else can ever take from you.

I’m still waiting for my mountain view, though! 🏔️

I’ve healed, a lot.

For which I am ever-grateful.

And I do actually enjoy traditional things from time-to-time, things that are sacred and special, but in the right setting, with the right people, and with love.

Not at the expense of my sanity.

Casual also is always welcome and has its place, too. 😊

Have a great day, everyone.

38 comments

  1. Sounds very familiar to my own experience. I hear some of my siblings complain about how we were raised, our poverty, our religious immersion. I tend to not blame so much, nor do I regret much. I made do, found fun and contentment. I found lots of adventure and made do with what I had. Most things I took in stride. No regrets. My success in life has been mostly the result of the odd circumstances I came from. I certainly can’t blame my parents for their choices/mistakes. They were as human as I am…and knowing that…who am I to judge anyone. I can only judge myself.

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    • Thanks for sharing! Right, not everything is always sunshine and rainbows, but it just is. I had some really great memories, and some not so great memories. And I think that goes for a lot of people, as well. I took pause in writing this prompt out because it does make me sad in some aspects, but it’s not the be-all, end-all, and I’m a happy person overall, I’ve tried my best, and I’ve been pretty lucky and successful in many aspects of my life, but I did actually put forth effort. If someone can relate to that, I’m happy. 😊 and yes, I don’t blame my parents so much as they have their own cross to bear, and it’s not for me to judge. Would I have liked for them to put the bottle down and been more present? Would I have liked to not have to grow up as fast as I did? Sure, but I also recognize they have their own problems that are separate from me. And I’m still happy about the person I’ve become.

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    • Thank you Mary, much appreciated! We can only do the best that we can with what we’ve got. 😊 and hopefully, the strength gives us the courage to change course when needed.

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  4. I didn’t miss the Great American Smoke-out from my youth. My parents weren’t so responsible for that, and even if I was a smoker myself for years, I always hated the holiday haze at my grandparents’ house. Ugh. Cough cough.

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    • Yeah I often wonder if it’d affected me later on in life. However, also a sign of the times I guess. They had a cigarette for freakin everything! Now everyone vapes. I definitely don’t miss it. Hated reeking of cigarette smoke, that’s for sure. Blah 😒

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  5. Vulnerable and so empowering! You’ve taught yourself so much! I always love your images with your Grandmother, too. ❤ ❤ ❤ Thank you for posting.

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    • Thank you ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ very much so appreciated, I think sometimes we’re given what we can handle in life, and what’s needed to learn so certain things can help us grow, I suppose 😊

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  6. Beautiful and perfect, humor along with nostalgia! Love the images and the portion of learning to not just like yourself but love your being struck a chord with me … (15 years old smacked with this premise). Not a popular or traditional view during those times and towards your rebellious spirit a special nod, it takes hard grueling work to overcome not only our demons but our parents as well. I applaud you Laura ❤ and you do it with gorgeousness and grace !!!

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    • Thank you much ❤️ definitely not at all ever a popular view, and sometimes things I’d shy away from writing because I don’t want to seem like I’m seeking pity and people often have a hard time with such topics! I’m comfortable with who I am, so I don’t feel the need to always drudge up the past. Indeed, and sometimes our demons stem from our parents 😆 well said, I absolutely agree, and thank you so much for your lovely and kind words as always! Means so much to me 😊

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      • You are definitely not a seeker of pity, but I marvel at how you can take very emotional and serious issues like it’s just another day or prompt (LOL)! That’s talent! About “our” parents’ generation … you seem compassionate instead of blaming, the sign of true growth! Not popular then and still, but Dragons don’t take flight advice from Eagles. Something like that … 😉 Love YOU Sister/Angel ~ Always

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  9. You write wisely, it is enjoyable to read this kind of post💐 ps. I noticed that I have unsubscribed quite many and vice versa, good to know, I mean good to notice that I have done something what I have not done. Maybe I have made too much music haha🌺

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    • So sorry to hear! ☹️ I don’t remember a lot of parts of my childhood, some years are missing but I believe that’s a part of “compartmentalization”. We all cope in different ways as well.

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