Life Was Easier When I Fit Labels Nicely

Back in the old days…
(AKA a few years ago)
It was easy for me to describe myself.
Catholic
Republican
Pro Life
Work-at-home mom or…
Stay-at-home mom or…
Working mom
Public school mom or
Homeschooling mom or
Virtual schooling mom

But things somehow at some time got all jumbled up.
I started to realize that life wasn’t so easily defined.
I started to realize that I didn’t like some of the labels I put on myself.

So where does that leave me?
I’m here.
I’m me.
I am a wife and mother.
I’ll gladly keep those labels and wear them proudly.
I am a business owner.
I’ll gladly wear that one since I worked hard earning it!
Beyond that it’s all up for grabs.

I agree with the Catholic Church sometimes and I am angered by it other times.
I agree with the Republican Party sometimes and I am angered by it other times.

I have never had to decide on my choice to have a baby.
I would never take that option away from another person.
I’ve seen too many children hurt and killed by people who never should have been parents.

I have worked part-time outside of the home since my kids have been born.
I hope to never have to do that again.
I believe every parent has to make the decision that is best for their family.
I respect their decisions and I don’t hold it against them.

We actually “virtual schooled” and it’s a funny situation.
When you “virtual school” the homeschoolers don’t accept you.
When you “virtual school” the public schoolers don’t accept you.
You’re like the freak in the neighborhood nobody “gets”.
My kids are in public school and love it.
But they’re in good public schools.
If we lived somewhere else we might still be the freaks in the neighborhood nobody gets.
Thank God for good public schools.

I’m done with the labels.
I’m done trying to set in stone my opinions.
I’m free to think what I want.
I’m free to feel as I do.
And for all the rest – I’m free to let it all go!