Hey all! Our Life Lessons exercise continues with another really fun friend of mine (yeah, just know if you become an “FOR” or Friend of Rene, you WILL be pressed into service at some point). Anyway, Susan’s a terrific mom of four who gave us all a glimpse into some of the stuff she’s dealing with recently in her post about raising a teenager. But if there’s anyone up for the task it’s her. Read more about Susan and remember if you want to take part in our little exercise, drop us a line; we’ll get the questions out to you ASAP!
Are you happy at the moment?
Yes! I have a wonderful family life and a job that I love and people that I enjoy working with. I am excited about the future and the may possibilities I see before me!
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
I would tell my 16-year-old self not to wish away time. I was always saying to myself “I can’t wait for …” All of those things happen in the blink of an eye and now I wish I had some of that time back. I would also tell my 16-year-old self to love who I am and not try to be what other people wanted me to be.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
I learned that it’s okay to say NO.. Being overwhelmed and stressed with to much on my plate helps no one especially me.
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I want to spend more time just “being”. I am so busy being a mother, a wife, a friend, that I forget to just “be”.
What’s your secret to happiness?
I really don’t know the secret to my happiness. I just try to find the good in each and every situation and not let the “curve balls” that are thrown get the best of me. I stay positive and treat people with kindness without expectations.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Prayer. I pray every day and I give thanks every day for what God has brought to my life..
What’s your biggest regret?
My biggest regret is not taking the time to speak to my older brother when he called just to chat one afternoon. I was in a rush to get to work and told him I would call him back but I never got the chance..he passed away in an accident the next day. Oh, how I wish I had just been late for work. L
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
The most important lesson I think I have taught my kids is to be kind and compassionate to everyone, especially to those who are not so kind. I have taught them not to speak ill of anyone and to treat others how they want to be treated. I tell them to be proud of who they are.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I wish I were not so self-critical. As they say, we are our own worst enemies sometimes. Others may not even notice the things that we ourselves notice. I work on this everyday.
Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I am proud of the fact that after 10 years of being stay at home mom I have successfully re-entered the work force. I am still able to manage a home life and a have a job that makes me happy.
When were you happiest?
This is a hard one. I don’t know if there is a “happiest”..I think there is just happy. Although, there is nothing quite like the beauty and joy in holding your newborn child for the first time. I have been blessed to have had this experience four times.
What ten words best describe you?
Mother, Wife, Daughter, Friend, Kind, Generous, Confused, Aware, Loyal, Thankful
Susan Pazera is mom to four great kids, ages 16, 10, 9, and 5. Along with keeping things flowing at home, she’s also editor, publisher, blogger and PR/Marketing Executive for Macaroni Kid, LLC. Susan loves people, travel, fitness, Disney, & all things family friendly!
