100 6 Things I Believe:

1.  Having children is one of life's greatest joys.

2.  Dogs love so unconditionally.

3.  Being a leader requires a personality that is assertive, aggressive and outspoken.

4.  Treat people the way you want to be treated.

5.  Jesus is God's son and my Savior!

6.  Marriage is hard but worth it.

OK, I honestly thought it would be easy to write down 100 things I believe.  So, I thought 'I'm a pretty opinionated person', that should be easy! W-R-O-N-G!  Six, yes 6, only 6...that is what I came up with.  Want to know why?  As I'm jotting down my list, I realize that I say I believe these things but do I live them out?  If I believe them, shouldn't I live them?

So, #1 is kids...life's greatest joy...true, but why don't I remember that when I am in the midst of some major battle with one of them over something as ridiculous as wearing socks on the cool deck or the need for a helmet while riding a bike or scooter?  I don't think I'm rejoicing in the joy of children in those moments. 

We can skip over #2 because that is just true.  ha!

Alrighty then, #3.  I think I was conditioned to believe this one.  Maybe it came from my prior life in the business world.  Regardless, I think it's misguided.  Not true.  The opposite in fact.  I think the best leaders are quiet but confident and lead by example and do so without the "pride", the "fuss", the "look-at-me" factor that I use to think was required.

Moving on to #4, I believe this, but I don't think I do it (at least all the time).  Ugh.

And #5...well, I tell you this because I do believe it.  It is true.   'nuff said.

And, finally, #6 Marriage.  Hmmmmm, I believe this one, too....but I'm not sure I live as though it is worth it all the time.  My words.  My actions.  They aren't {ahem} perfect.  They don't always let Jim know that I think it is "worth it".

So, this blog was a bit of a bust.  I thought I'd sit down and write down some fun list on the things I believe while Payton showers.  This didn't go as well as I had planned.  The lesson?  More actions, less words.  Wag more, bark less.  (Have you heard that one before?  OK, I can't take the credit, I saw it on a bumper sticker)