My Truth: We can make it!

By: Cheryl Smith

We’re coming up on some hard times, again!

Actually, we’re facing more of the same old same old stuff, but packaged differently.

They say tough times don’t last forever, but they sure have a way of resurfacing.

That’s nothing new to us. We have to get ourselves together so these times come and go and we make it through without too much collateral damage.

Thanks to those who work to keep your families strong and together. I know it’s not easy. Every family has its challenging moments and members; those who have to be uplifted and those who are constantly bearing the brunt of any, and all emergencies, tragedies; and circumstances; as well as those who seem to never be able to get it together, not realizing that the one who appears to have it all together needs support.

Families are so important, especially those bound together by blood, but also those whose relationships are built on love.

Faith — Having faith will help you conquer fear and foolishness! We can’t give up on one another. Sharing your stories, hearing from our elders and listening to our youth will keep the family strong. Youth – listen and learn and share. Elders – don’t develop
amnesia and listen but don’t judge!

A
Accountability – Be who you want people to be to you. I hear people saying “I ain’t gonna respect nobody who don’t respect me,” or “My mom said, ‘I don’t care how old they are, if they don’t respect you, you don’t have to respect them.’” So you have an attitude that “If they give smoke, I’m coming back with fire.”

That’s why you have 10 and 15-year-old around here calling folks 30 years older by their first name. How about teaching our youth to be respectable people regardless of how others are treating them? You are accountable only for your actions and reactions.

Don’t send your child out there to handle adult business because they are not ready,
and then you’ll have to jump in. And sad to say, some adults aren’t ready and will end up looking like a fool in front of their children.

Don’t let others control your narrative. Please be in control.

M
Be motivated to elevate your family. The last thing you should do is tear your family
members down. There are enough people ready, willing and able to do that for you. This is where the village comes in and everybody has to take responsibility for making and keeping the family strong.

I
Imagine the possibilities if we spent more time together building or coming up with
ideas to strengthen the family. Offer kind words. Send uplifting messages. Call someone and say “hello, how are you.” And listen for the answer. Please, stop that darned texting on “important” dates. While you’re up here texting people to express your love, there are people wishing they could pick up the phone and hear a special voice on the other end.

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LOVE — It begins in the mirror. Fall in love with yourself. Realize that a loving heart
and spirit will get you farther than your funky attitude. A smile can change a lot!

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Youthfulness – That’s right! No matter how old you get, a youthful spirit will make this
journey called life much more pleasurable. Who determines what “acting your age is?” You only have one life to live and you only die once. Get up every day and live life to its fullest.

This is a special time in your lives. Help your family to realize generational wealth. Don’t leave the teaching to the television or TikTok. Encourage family time and incorporate it into your schedule so that it becomes a priority.

One thing these young people get is they get it when it comes to their well-being —
they set boundaries and if it don’t feel good or interrupts their well-being or schedule,
they have no problem disappearing.

We want them to take care of their well-being, BUT, we also want them to understand a work ethic that encourages honoring and fulfilling commitments.

Look to the future:
Have family rules and traditions. Say “thank you, please, I love you.” Keep your promises, do your best, be kind and grateful, be generous, be patient, tell the truth, stop borrowing, and don’t steal, lie or cheat. Greet with kindness, not condemnation or embarrassing queries or comments.

Family isn’t defined by last names or bloodlines. Family is defined by commitment
and love. It means showing up when needed most; having one another’s back; choosing to love on days when you struggle to like each other.

One day, you’ll be glad you chose love.