leslieism

A gasp may be in your near  future.  My daughter expressed a loud gasp when I told her I voted for the first time today.  “Gasp….You are 33 years old and this is your first time voting…why???????”, she says.  Well, I don’t have a real concrete answer. The best I could muster was that I just never really knew to do so.  She asked if my schools told me to vote and I said yes, but that sometimes we need more influence in our lives….living examples, if you will.  From 18-22, I was experiencing living on my own for the first time….without any idea how…I didn’t even know how to balance a checkbook when I was 18.  I drank a lot. A LOT.  From 23-32, I got sober, married and had a baby.  I was a hot mess.  I was very self-absorbed, not because I was a mean person, I just didn’t understand a thing about life.  I was so co-dependent that during the last presidential election, I’m pretty sure I nominated my ex-husband and did a fine job as his campaign manager.

So here we are today.  Why did I vote today?  Well, Cheri has taught me about: believing in myself, trusting myself, unconditional love, grace and dignity, integrity and sober living.  Sarah has taught me about: passion and compassion and a few of the ingredients I received from Cheri, as well.  Shirleen taught me about: self-confidence, mothering and perseverance.  Heidi taught me about:  cooking, genuine sweetness and family.  Sabrina taught me about:  Hope, family and love. 

This is unfortunately a very small list and I apologize because I have left many amazing women out…..honestly, I need to finish some homework before school….so this has to be a quickie.

My point?  If you did not learn what you should have learned growing up….reach out and surround yourself by people that you want to learn from….and be like.

I voted for the first time today because people (i admire) told me I could and I should and that I matter.  I want to tell them thank you and I want to urge others to vote…..because WE all matter.