My daughter is currently working on a paper for her English class which she has titled, “The Epitome of Morals.” Obviously, I am the subject matter. Oh, okay that’s not true. It’s Atticus Finch.

I’m going to try really hard not to take the moral high-ground here, because I am nothing if not flawed. I have a lot of remorse and regret over past behavior and I still make errors every single day. That’s because I’m human. It’s not an excuse, but it’s a fact. None of us walk a perfect straight and narrow.

But, at what point do we draw a line and say someone has morally crossed it?

The truth is, not much has changed since Harper Lee wrote To Kill a Mockingbird. Mockingbirds are still being slain while bluejays fly free. More and more and more, every single day. Are you a mockingbird? Are you making the world a better place? Do you treat people with love, kindness and respect? Are you singing a beautiful song?

We would all be better people if we had a little Atticus Finch in us; if we were courageous, strong, calm and kind. Maycomb isn’t just a symbol of my town or your town – it’s a symbol of me and you. It’s the good and the bad within us and which one we choose to display.

I’m thankful my daughter recognizes the morals of Atticus as a citizen, lawyer, father, neighbor and friend.

It’s too bad he’s just a character in a book.

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I cried real tears when my first pair of favorite jeans got an irreparable hole in an unfortunate spot. Ahem. There are only so many places you can put a patch.

There have been a lot of favorite jeans since that first pair and each time I must part with the buttery-soft denim and their perfect fit, my heart breaks a little. The loss of something familiar, even after it has become unrecognizable, torn and ratty, is not easy for me to do. I have no desire to forego comfort for something shinier.

I like being comfortable. I like flannel shirts and furry socks. I like snuggling. Everyone likes to be comfortable, right? Not necessarily.

Some people need to feel itchy in their skin. They need constant movement, exploring unknowns, and excitement. And, while I am looking forward to new adventures, I still prefer them with a heavy side of fireplace, old movie, dogs at my feet, and a pot pie in my belly.

Unknowns make me feel tormented, scared, and a little bit crazy. I don’t like getting new cars, I hate the idea of moving, or the kind of exhilaration people get when they buy new things. I like the feel of old jeans, worn and broken-in in all the right places.

Irreparable holes be damned.

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I like words. Words motivate me, heal me, make me stronger and help me find peace. I read quotes, daily, for all of those reasons.

I started looking for words about loyalty to put with a picture of my dog for today’s slacker post; my favorite of which was, “If you want loyalty, get a dog. If you want loyalty and attention, get a smart dog.” – Grant Fairley

But, while I was looking, I found words that are very much human, instead.

quoteeveryday.com

And, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Commitment to school, work, eating right, relationships, exercise – commitment is what holds everything together. Have you ever reached a goal without it?

I’ve been committed to doing a lot of work on my exterior in the past, but as I’m getting older I see the need for more work on my interior. I have some broken parts, literally and figuratively, and unfortunately they are not fixed with beer and chocolate.

So, I’m making a big commitment to myself today. I’m not going to share it here, because it’s MY commitment to MYSELF, but if I succeed I promise I’ll let you in on it in the spring.

If I don’t succeed, I’ll probably tell you that too.

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Today is 11/11. Whenever the clock says 11:11 I make a wish, so I’ve been making a lot of wishes today.

I still believe in wishes, even though I’m 43. Maybe it’s because I’m a dreamer and they offer a little respite from reality. I know there is truth in that whole power of positive thinking thing, too. Build it and they will come.

Of course, dreams don’t come true as often as we like, but sometimes you learn a lot just by thinking it. Knowing you want something bad enough to wish for it helps you set your priorities. This is why I blow out the candles on my birthday cake and wish for 364 more days of cake. As long as it’s chocolate.

Ordinarily, I try not to be greedy with my wishes. I only blow one dandelion at a time, I only wish upon one star a night, and I never, ever wish for more wishes. That’s the first rule in genie school.

Wishes are fun and frivolous and not to be used for more serious matters. I reserve those for prayer. Wishes are light and airy, not for healing, soul-searching, problem-solving, or something in which I place faith. They are a bonus. A bright spot in an otherwise boring day.

So, stop right now and make a wish. You never know, it might come true. And, if it does, I totally expect a cut.

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