I just realised that writing biographies is a way of signifying a person's worth by attaching value to measurable achievements. Not only does it make me feel like a loser who can't compete with the CEO's of the world, it fails to mention the fact that my greatest accomplishments in life aren't measurable! For someone who struggles with not measuring up, having to make a list of my achievements is not helpful. I decided to publish the biography I wanted to write:
I'm not afraid to jump into a giant pillow display at the store. I love people, and I love to encourage them. I like to create art in my kitchen by pretending that I am a mad scientist chef. I love music and think it's a great way to tell stories, especially your own. I am a wife and mother. I once got stopped by President George Bush's secret service men (but that wasn't my fault... I don't know how I managed to get on the other side of the roped-off area)! I live every day as the parent of a child who struggles with attachment issues, and I haven't given up yet. When I travel to a foreign country one of the first things I do is try the different potato chip flavours. My children's friends once said I'm the "hot mom" at school. I'm a survivor. I accidentally led a Christmas parade (I was trying to get the post office) - it was mortifying but it makes a good story these days... I can turn any children's song into a steamy love song without changing the words. I can write with both hands. I know pi to 50 places past the decimal (surely that's a useful skill?). I think people should laugh more, including myself. I put peanut butter on vanilla ice cream. I put peanut butter on just about everything. I like to write - music, stories, hand-written letters to people, lists, notes, essays, etc. I notice birds - every single one. And if I've managed to encourage just one person in this world, that is enough of a biography for me.
5 comments:
Well, mission accomplished, because I have not only been encouraged, but have been totally changed because of you. You've known, taught, loved, and encouraged my soul in ways only Annie would think of and understand. I am who I am this year- the changes and new focus and goals and perspective-largely because of you in my life. Jesus has completely turned me upside down and some days it's because of one little sentence you wrote or something. He speaks and does and encourages and loves through you every single day. Believe it. Because I see it. :)
Dear Lizzie,
If there's only one thing I can say (besides "thank you!") it's that the beautiful thing about living in community (albeit long distance, which stretches the definition a bit but I'm still running with it!) is that it GOES BOTH WAYS! The acceptance, understanding and encouragement that oozes (remember our song) from you has sustained me through many a difficult challenge. The exuberance with which you not only LOVE Jesus but FOLLOW Jesus and LIVE out your beliefs is inspirational. And yes, I'm talking about YOU, Squirt!
Fin. Noggin. Duuuuuude.
I have missed your blog! For some reason the feed wasn't showing up in Internet Explorer, but only in Google Chrome (which i hardly ever use). I honestly thought you had taken a vacation. Looks like i have a lot of catching up to do.
I've been working on something along these lines, myself. Today i embraced the fact that i am truly okay with the fact that i'm a jack of all trades, and master of none...
It may sound more cool than it is, but i'm okay with that. :D
I donno... I think everyone is great at something - even you!
I would love to see what you've written!
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