Day 450 ~ Watch Out World, It's Madea & Me ;)

Please read Day 448 and Day 449 for parts one and two...

My closing thoughts...  I am certainly not saying that everyone should go "clean house" per say.  {and} I am certainly not saying that everyone should confront one another.  What I am saying is that when needed we shouldn't turn away from helping one another.

These days everyone is hustling and bustling... everyone is going {more or less} 100 miles per hour... whether it's off to work... taking kids to school... doctor appointments... or... business appointments... everyone is off doing their part in this world.  

Sad thing is... most times we are soooo busy that we seldom, maybe even rarely, stop to help one another.  When was the last time you or anyone you know pulled over to help someone that was changing a tire? (providing it was safe)

I have literally witnessed an older woman struggling to pick up something she dropped... and three people walking by before the fourth person stopped to help her, I was the fifth. 

So when my husband found the wallet in the first situation... I would hope to think that given the same situation, people in general would display the same courtesy.  I am not saying to jump out of your vehicle in traffic or anything, be safe of course... just do whatever you can to see that "the wallet" gets back to who it belongs to before they go through the trouble of cancelling all the credit cards, and calling their employer.  

The second situation... I see this ALL THE TIME, people disrespecting not only others but social "rules."  Sure I could have minded my own business... however, if we all minded our own business then people would be cutting in lines left and right, leaving others to eventually do the same.  Is that really what we want to see?  {again} I am not saying to get yourself involved in confrontations-  I really do hate them... but when you see someone else that may need you to speak for them, then why not?  

Finally.. the last situation should not have happened.  The "mad" {as in "crazy"} couple SHOULD not have carried on like that.  Maybe... just maybe... a simple "ouch" should have been enough.  The young lady WAS very sorry and did apologized at least three times and was very nice and sincere about it. {It was obvious that something else was brewing there, an earlier argument or their coffee spilled or something, after all why react like that?}  You know what?...the Target employee must have looked away at the same exact time the man decided to once again to stop in place.  It wasn't as if he dropped something and stopped to pick it up either... he just kept stopped in conversation.

I want to add here If at anytime I felt as if I was not safe or my daughter... I would have kept to myself.      I will not jeopardize our safety.  I was near the cash registers, with plenty of people around us.  Being that we were feet away from these people, I was tired of my daughter having to listen to these bullies.  If it was not safe I would have gotten management or called 9-1-1 if needed.

Believe it or not I do not, I repeat I DO NOT like confrontations... hahahaha yeah right- no seriously... but what I like even less is to see injustices.

There was a time that society was more respectful of one another.  Men were not just men, they were gentlemen.  Women were true ladies.  Oh and all children were respectful of adults.  A time where if a person was able, they would give their seat up for the elderly, or to a woman with a handful of children.  This was a society. 

Or is it that there was respect in the air?  

©Tyler Perry as Madea (You Rock!)

Now I know that there is a "bad apple" here and there, no society is perfect.  Nonetheless, everyone for the most part had manners, respect.

It just hit me... I was watching a "Madea"... I really like that Tyler Perry, what talent- a true humanitarian in the making!  ... and it just hit me!!  Madea's character is reminding people of their manners.  I love this woman!!

So maybe I'm doing the same?  hahaha  

Sorry about that "a.d.d." moment ;) ... but, honestly? ... I just can't help myself.  I just have to remind people of their manners... someone has to.  Right?  hahaha - my shot of humor here folks!  Just an attempt.  lol.  But seriously... what's more important I have to help others... I feel the need to help others... and am not afraid to speak up.

Seriously... for as long as I can remember I've been helping others, coming to their aid.  I usually go for the underdog, the person in need.- can you tell?  ;)  

My seeing if everything was okay and informing the woman that she had pulled into the front of the line [if it was an emergency- well that's a different story] or my telling the couple that it was enough... was NOT what it seemed, it wasn't about that... 

It was about helping those that were parked in the car-line for at least 10 to 15 minutes... It was about helping the Target employee that was being bullied...  

{and} You know what... I would do it again. 

I/We were standing up for them... I/We were standing by them... I/We had their back.

I/We have your back!

Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  ~ Philippians 2:4

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

I am second..

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 412 ~ #5 of My 30 Days of Truth...

My 30 Days of Truth challenge   I will admit that I changed one question and changed a few curse words... other than that the challenge is intact. 

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.

This is a no-brain-er!  


For as much as I think about what I would like to do in my life... well nothing else compares.

There are two things I hope to do in my life...


One... help others.  Just to be there for a fellow mom going through tough time... another woman who feels alone... to support someone in their time of need... to help another person unjustly treated... just to help one person feel better... be happier... feel loved... at least one person.


The second thing I would like to do in my life is to have all my children with me... to take a family vacation {at least a month long vacation} and spend a wonderful holiday with my sons, daughter and family.


I just can't think of a better thing to hope to do in my life...


Pure bliss.


Okay...I am going to sneak in a final thought here... about my last night's post- it does have something to do with tonight's post as well... I spoke of forgiveness.  Forgiving others to be exact.  I spoke quite generously about... point blank... forgiving all who had done me wrong.  


I would like to make this perfectly clear.  I am not doing this for "them"... I am doing this for me.  More so because I am tired of walking around having all this negativity within my soul.  I am doing this to free myself from all the wrong in the world.


I hope to be able to free myself from the "baggage" that has dragged me... the events that took the sparkle out of my eyes and took the soul out of my laughter.  


I truly hope I am able to do all these things in my life.

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. ~Psalm 112:5 (NIV)

what's next? ...

Day 01 : Something you hate about yourself.

Day 02 : Something you love about yourself.

Day 03 : Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 04 : Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 05 : Something you hope to do in your life.

Day 06 : Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 : Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 : Someone who made your life hell, or treated you horribly.
Day 09 : Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 : Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 : Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 : Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 : A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 : A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 : Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you've tried living without it.
Day 16 : Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 : A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 : Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 : What do you think of religion?  Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 : Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 : (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 : Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 : Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 : Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 : The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 : Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 : What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 : Name a decision you made that caused a chain of events that would not have happened if it wasn't for that decision.
Day 29 : Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 : A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Hey if you want to join along... well let me know in a comment and I'll visit your challenge each day.  We could even link up our blogs.  wink, wink.  No.. seriously we could.

Here's to my 30 Days of Truth challenge!

I am second.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 409 ~ #2 of My 30 Days of Truth

My 30 Days of Truth challenge   I will admit that I changed one question and changed a few curse words... other than that the challenge is intact. 

Day 02 : Something you love about yourself.

So as much as I had the day to think about this... the same quality came coming up...


What I love about myself?  


Hands down...


I love helping others.  Helping ... being able to give of myself in that way...well all I can say is that there is no better feeling than that!


Whether it be picking something up for someone, carrying a package, opening a door or even taking the elevator back up to the 18th floor because just as we reached the lobby you realized you needed to go to the restroom... (the only restroom available would be the one on the floor we were just on).. yup... you can count on me to accompany you.


It really isn't any trouble.  I just think that I would one day like someone to help me when I need it.  After someone says thank you... I tell them "your welcome" and ask them to please pay it forward.


So to answer the question of what I love about myself... I love helping others.

what's next? ...

Day 01 : Something you hate about yourself.
Day 03 : Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 : Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 : Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 : Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 : Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 : Someone who made your life hell, or treated you horribly.
Day 09 : Someone you didn't want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 : Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 : Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 : Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 : A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 : A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 : Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you've tried living without it.
Day 16 : Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 : A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 : Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 : What do you think of religion?  Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 : Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 : (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 : Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 : Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 : Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 : The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 : Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 : What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 : Name a decision you made that caused a chain of events that would not have happened if it wasn't for that decision.
Day 29 : Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 : A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Hey if you want to join along... well let me know in a comment and I'll visit your challenge each day.  We could even link up our blogs.  wink, wink.  No.. seriously we could.

Here's to my 30 Days of Truth challenge!

I am second.

[here's to you finding your... ]

Peace...

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Took It... Making It... Living It... My Life .  © 2012  U.S Copyright Laws apply.

Day 344 ~ This Is Why I Share My Life...

I would like to start off by saying that by no means, by my sharing my "story", my feelings, thoughts and experiences, am I doing so to have people feel sorry for me.  I am not insinuating that anyone has either.  wink, wink.

My feelings and what I go through is due to things that were set in motion many years ago, by choices I made.  This is why we should not take having children lightly... meaning think things through... plan them out before you carry your decisions out.

I am not saying that I regret any of my decisions... I am saying I would have handle things a little bit different.  Bite the bullet so to speak.

I've shared with you before, and it is also on my "About my Blog" page, I share all of me for when the day comes that my sons or daughter, family or friends, want to know me a little more or are trying to understand why I tick the way I do... well here's my handbook!  Hahaha!

Yeah! I'm so complicated that I need a handbook!  Hysterical!  I never thought about it that way. Hahaha  still can't stop laughing...

No... but seriously... I just wanted to leave my kids "my side of the story"... for whenever they were ready to learn about me.

Also... If I can help someone feel less alone... if my experiences help them in any way... or if they need a friend... well I sincerely hope I can help.  I felt so alone going through a lot of my life, especially with my parents not really being around.  

I won't lie to you... I am still picking myself up from my "down time" hahaha - that's a new way of looking at it.  and it is not easy... but I am doing it.

I am not claiming that I am some super hero, although I have been told most of my life that I looked like Wonder Woman ~ Linda Carter.  Not saying that I did or anything, but there was a resemblance- I too am a brunette with blue eyes, so I'm sure that's part of it... you decide.

I know it's not the best picture of me to compare it with Linda Carter/Wonder Woman... but you get the idea  ;) wink, wink. (This is a picture of me in beauty school circa 1982- I can't believe that its been thirty years!)

As I was saying, it's not that I am a Wonder Woman (hee, hee)... I know that I have dealt with depression most, if not all of my life (I can remember dealing with sadness as early as six and seven years old  anyways), I have gone to therapy and been on anti-depressants... 

However I personally feel that I would like to handle this naturally, and have chosen to deal with my issues and get over them. Ha! If only it was as easy as I made it sound.

Oh and by the way... I am not saying that everyone, anyone, you or anyone you know should handle grief, sadness or issues the way I am.  Not a psychiatrist, therapist or anything.  

I read, watch Oprah (hahaha sounds silly but I have learned a lot from her), read some more, talk to my besties and my family, use logic and my faith in God.  Oh and how can I forget, I blog too.

All these things are my tools for healing and living a meaningful life.  A life I will be proud of.  A woman my husband, children, family and friends would be proud of.  

I want to leave my children knowledge, compassion, honesty, integrity, tenderness and love. 

I want to help someone not have to ever feel even one tenth of the pain I have felt in my life.  

I want to help put a smile on someone's heart.

This is why I share my life.

A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.
~Denis Waitley

(here's to you finding your...)

 Peace,  

21 days to go...  {I can't believe it, really I can't}  

read about this count down in my "About my Blog" page

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own.  U.S Copyright laws apply.  © 2012 

Day 330 ~ Finding My Purpose

I have so much to say tonight and am having trouble trying to figure out where to start.  Chuckle.  No Seriously.  How about at the beginning?  lol!  {humor/sarcasm- joking? lol-- whatever!!!} haha 

I started tonight's post like any other night by "typing" the day in the title... "Day 3-3-0"...

[okay... that's it!... do we say  "I am typing?", "I am keyboarding?" or "is it a keyboard we are typing on?" ]

I'm not green at computers either.  I've had a computer, worked with computers, been around computers, build... fixed... sold computers... I have had computers all over the place... used them as desks for my kids... used them as lunch tables for my kids... I, have even eaten meals on computers... all since the mid 80s... all thanks to my father.  Come to think of it, in all those years never have we referred to "it" as "keyboarding"... maybe "data entry", which my "typing", "stroking of the keys" or "hitting the keys"... is not.  I am not doing data entry, I am trying to put out a decent thought.  (attempt at humor, sarcasm, or a combination of both, lol!) Whatever... I am "typing".  I am going to call it "typing" because I am just that old (haha)... besides it flows better.  There.  That's that.  lol

"Day 3-3-0"... WOW!  I have to share with you that I just had the last 330 days flash before me.  Honestly... I feel unbelievable!  I feel I have grown so much... granted I have so much more to go... but...


It's like all my "aha" moments have come together similar to a choir singing "Hallelujah!"  

I have really been applying and repeating to myself all that I have learned, and continue to learn on Oprah's LifeClass... as I shared with you on Day 326, which you can read about it here.

The flash was about all I have shared here... my good days... my bad days... memories... experiences... love... anger... hurt... deception... I even had some dark days too.  Huh!  I even stopped talking to "certain" family or people... lol!  It's done.  It's over.  It's in the past.

Today, I think about everything that has hurt me... my trials and tribulations and I accept it all.  YES, I accept it.  The pain that I have endured throughout my life has shown me that if I did not love so much... care so much... then I would not be capable of loving so much.  

[In other words, if I am not complicating things to much here by elaborating that I must love a whole lot, and I must care so much... because otherwise it would not have hurt so much!]

Instead of telling the same story over and over again, I am going to change it around a bit. Because of the hurt, experience and knowledge I have gained from my "experiences"... I will use this to help other families get through their troubled times.

So... as I look at "Day 3-3-0" I think of how I have grown as a person.  I think of the faith that has grown inside of me... I think of how grateful I am for being who and where I am.

I am here for a purpose... and it's time to put it to use!  wink, wink.

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

~Dalai Lama

The main purpose of life is to live rightly, think rightly, act rightly. The soul must languish when we give all our thought to the body. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them.

~Dalai Lama

Blessings...

35 days to go...  

... for a, l & c.  You are my sunshine(s).  

Images are courtesy of google or Bing images.  Some images maybe labeled property of Carla Barila Karam and of this blog, Taking Back My Life ~ Making It My Own.  U.S Copyright laws apply.  © 2012

Day 202 ~ Reaching Out To You

I can't believe it!  My blog has reached a smidgen over 9,000 views!  From coast to coast, with only a hand full of states of which my blog has not been read in, let alone all the different countries all over the world that it has... I am truly humbled.


I thank you so much.  Why?  Well you have given me motivation and incentive to write everyday.  I once received an email from a friend making sure I was okay when she had seen that I had not post to my blog yet.  I either had trouble sharing it on facebook and was so late that day... since then, I have only been late posting to facebook a few times because I had fallen asleep at my laptop before sharing ... oops.  I had been writing from bed and was extremely tired.   


Seriously, the more views I get, the happier I am.  Why? Because this increases the possibilities of being able to reach out to  "someone"  in need.   "Someone"  in need of a friend and or understanding.  A friend that not only can say that they understand what that  "someone"  has gone through, but has gone through it herself.


Well, that's me.


Asking for a lending ear is a hard step to take.  Embarrassment comes into play at the thought of sharing what one is going through... however, once that step is made then it makes it easier for the next step.   Accepting help.  


I know that if "someone" accepts help, it may in itself make "someone" feel as if they are surrendering to the hardship they are going through... but that is not true.  You are not surrendering to it.  What you are doing, is not allowing it to take over you.  By accepting help, you the, "someone" is taking control and taking away the "power" that the so called hardship has over you.


After that, the next step... just keep looking forward!  Look forward, because we can not do anything to change our past.  However, we all know that we can learn from the past.  Then take what we learned, and use it to help us make a better tomorrow for "someone."

I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.  ~Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojarhiu)

Blessings to all!!

163 days to go...

PS... I love and miss you boys.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshines.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied.  All accounts herein are written by Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life.  Some names may be changed to protect the innocent or protect me from the guilty.  (just kidding...wink, wink)

Picture credits... images are property of Carla Barila Karam and Taking Back My Life ~ Making it My Own.  Copy right laws apply.

Day 193 ~ Helping Others Is An Art

I have come to the realization that helping people is heart wrenching.  It is heart wrenching because you have to sit back and watch them struggle until the day comes that they get that courage, that motivation, that drive to climb out of the hole they have been living in and change their life!

I see my sister today, and I want to scream at my parents!  I feel so bad for her.  Her self esteem is shot, as is her self confidence.  She walks around on eggshells, and has no reason to.

Oh... I am trying to get over what happened yesterday.  Today I decided to be a bit more patient and take a "watch and see" approach.  I am a true believer that actions speak louder than words.  

I do want to make an effort, my sister needs the help.  So, as infuriating as all of this can get, as difficult as it may seem at times, I have to take a breath and look at the big picture.  However, I am not stupid and will not enable anyone.

Boy... helping others takes work!  Sure isn't easy.

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all.  ~Leo Rosten

God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through.  ~Author Unknown

If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.  ~Arabian Proverb

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 

...   five rooms plus more

...   four loving dogs

...   three cook books

...   two ceiling fans, 

...   our little girl we call Calley

Blessings to all!!

172 days weeks to go...

PS... I love and miss you boys.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshines.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied.  All accounts herein are written by Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life.  Some names may be changed to protect the innocent or protect me from the guilty.  (just kidding... wink, wink)

Picture credits... images courtesy of Bing images.

Day 192 ~ Life's Curveballs

SO many thoughts going through my mind right now, that it is not even funny!  My thoughts are bouncing off of each other... it's crazy.  The moment I try to process one thought, another one is right behind it taking me in the other direction.

We have Christmas right around the corner, and as I shared last night, I have barely done any shopping.  The big reason is that money is really tight and it might be that Dean has limited work between now and the first week of January.  Ugh!!  

Just as we were getting ahead, BAM!  Little by little, whatever I had saved up... G-O-N-E!  But I have faith that something good is up ahead for us.  I have decided to think that way rather than to focus on the present situation.  I just handle whatever comes our way, and continue to look forward.  SO tired of dwelling on the negative.

Then I have my "special" house guest, my sister.  The jury is still out on this one.  Although, I could say that it's been okay.  It is very difficult to open up and be 100% trusting and loving.  I understand that in order to truly forgive, one must basically let go of the past, in order to move forward and past it all... especially if you want to have a healthy relationship.  However, when there has been as much kaos and havoc as there has been in our lives and relationship with one another... well once you've been burned, you are really careful when you get close to the stove the next time.

Don't get me wrong, I have been giving our relationship a big effort... after all my sister is staying in my home.  And I am trying to teach her about nutrition, exercise and a healthy lifestyle.  I am trying to help my sister.  I feel bad for her... yet, one must keep in mind that whatever she has or does not have is because of decisions she has made.  I am prepared, and will help her... I will however not enable her.

Originally she was to stay until February, operative words being, "originally" and "was".  She found out this evening that she has an appointment just before New Year's that she may not be able to change... she will not find out for sure until tomorrow.  Although by sounds of it all, looks like a definite go.

How do I feel about this?  I really do not know.  Initially, I was very upset in thinking that she is was giving up and reneging on all our plans.  On one hand I don't blame her that she may want to return, yet on the other this is a much healthier environment for her.  Honestly, I can't help it but to think that she wants to go back and this is a perfect out for her.  Well only "time" will honestly dictate if I am right or not, or even if it matters. 

I really thought we would have this time to heal our relationship, and then WHAM-O! she is not here but for four days and something comes up... so much for starting a business or preparing for the future.

I know I am disappointed about the possibilities of things not changing for her or for me.  However, I also have to remember that even though help is offered, that does not mean that it will be welcomed, or taken for that matter.  The "person" in need must want to be helped, and/or want to change things in their life.  We can't force a person to take advise, or to take our help.

One thing is for sure... I tried to help.  I sincerely cared.  That's all I will say right now.  Trying not to get upset.  Just when her self- esteem and self-worth were beginning to show signs of growth.  She was even starting to believe in herself.  (big happy face.)

So as disappointed as I may be to the possible change of plans, I must place my faith in God by leaving my worries in his hands.  I praise you Jesus!

Anything God asks us to do he supplies us with the energy and grace to do.    ~ author unknown   

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  ~ 1 Peter 4:11  (NIV) 

On the forth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 

...   four loving dogs

...   three cook books

...   two ceiling fans, 

...   our little girl we call Calley

Blessings to all!!

173 days weeks to go...

PS... I love and miss you boys.  To the moon and stars above and back.  You are my sunshines.

All contents herein are protected under Copyright laws and can not be used, altered or copied.  All accounts herein are written by Carla B Karam and are true accounts of her life.  Some names may be changed to protect the innocent.

Picture credits... images courtesy of Bing images.