Danielle

It was only yesterday that I had the rare opportunity to watch tv for 1/2 hour all by myself. The program of choice, "Life of Jenks" on MTV. A new series where a man travels all around the country experiencing things that most of us only read about. Yesterday, Jenks befriended a homeless girl named Danielle. He lived with her on the street for one week, experiencing everything she did on a daily/nightly basis. They slept on cement, sat on corners asking for change for food, and truly lived out of a grocery cart and a trash can.

All the questions that raced through my head, Jenks adressed. Why are you homeless? don't you think theres an easier way? Can't you get a part time job? Isn't there something better for you?

The root of Danielle's problem started at home. When her mother was asked, "how do you feel about your daughter living on the street?" Her shallow, alcholic, abusive, sorry excuse of a mother responded, "I'm okay with it".

So many thoughts swarmed through my head after watching this show. Sadly, we view documentaries like this often. Why did this one hit so close to home?

It's because when "Heavy D" or Danielle offered to share what she's discovered the meaning of life to be, she responded, "to be happy, to live each day fully, and to make the most out of everything." How could someone in her situation be happy? How could she live each day to the fullest? Why wasn't Danielle angry at the world? And why was she so optomistic about everything?

Well, if Danielle could do it, then I can certainly do it.

So I've decided to make some small adjustments in my daily thoughts and feelings.
Instead of worrying about how I'm going to juggle three things at once, I'm going to be happy that I have this beautiful life with these amazing opportunities to juggle.
Instead of whining about how crazy my kids are, I'm going to take pride in having given birth to three healthy, fantastic children.
Instead of moping because it's only 630am and I'm awake, I'm going to be greatful for the day ahead.
Instead of worrying because I only have enough milk for breakfast, I'm going to remind myself that some where out there is someone who can't afford food.
Instead of getting mad at loved ones, I'll be greatful that they are a part of my beautiful complicated life.
And like Danielle, I'm going to be happy, and make the most out of everything.