What has living in America taught me?
This question caused me to pause and think. In the day-to-day hustle and bustle of everyday life, I never thought of my own growth, my own transformation into a new me.
I confess I am a stubborn, uncooperative student. I spent the first ten years of my time here, longing to be in Ireland.
Despite my shortcomings I have truly come to appreciate my new home . After much deliberation I compiled a list of ten lessons learned, in over two decades of living in America.
Table of Contents
Be Yourself As You Evolve
1. The need to assimilate, to be accepted as the same as others, is not important. If I dreamed of complete transformation, the goal would feel like an emotional straightjacket. I know that trying to be anyone other than my authentic, true self would stifle me.
Accept Your Evolution
2. Trying to remain completely Irish, not accepting who I am becoming, would stop me moving, growing, and feeling the great freedom of my own personal evolution. It is important to let go of who I thought I was, or who I was supposed to be, to embrace who I am right now, in this moment in time.
Follow Your Dreams
3. I rejoice in all that America has to offer, and must commit to following my dreams.
The Power of Connection
4. Hiding my true self from those around me is crazy. The greatest casualty of fear is lack of connection.
People must see and know who I am, warts and all, if I truly wish to connect with new and dear friends. Without friends, finding meaning and happiness would be an immense struggle.
Ask For Help
5. Ask for help whenever I am in need. If I am open and honest with those around me, then my community will offer their unconditional support in return.
Take Risks
6. Finding courage to try something new involves taking risks, but provides the stimulus to be innovative. America appreciates all effort.
Looks Are Not Important
7. Ignore the media's obsession with looks, possessions and status. These are unimportant.
Happiness Is Not Found In Material Things
8. Accumulating things or "stuff" is foolish. Family and friends are key to happiness.
Dream Big
9. Dream BIG!!! Anything and everything is possible, if you just imagine the impossible.
Avoid Procrastination
10. Never wallow in a sea of fear. Procrastination leads nowhere. Don't just dream about it - get up and do it.
JUST DO IT!
DO IT!
DO IT!
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Caroline Allen- Pysell
Having lived in this great country for 25 yrs ,I am also an American mom, I agree with what you say but going back home for a visit people dont seem to be able to accept me for who i am now, it seems they are looking for the little girl who left them long ago lol.
Irish American Mom
Caroline - It's funny how you feel your Irish family think of you as the little girl who left long ago. I often feel like I am a teenager again, when I go home, not the Mom I truly am. But sometimes I too get caught up in a time warp when I remember my cousins at the age they were at when I left home. I sometimes get so surprised to meet a cousin who is now in their twenties, when I still imagine them as five.
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