Dear Meagan,
Tonight will be short and sweet! I just want to say that I love you and that I'm proud of you!
It's been a long road starting school all over again, but your handling it like a champ as we knew you would... You are only a couple weeks out, and I love how determined you are. No stupid book or faulty website will hold you back.
You've proven over and over again that you are a champion and a fighter. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And you sista are one strong chica.
I love how you don't let things hold you back from your dreams, it is truly inspirational.
Two weeks left, your a few short steps away from successfully completing your first full semester back after all you've been through. There is no greater accomplishment in the world!
I love you... your awesomeness is awesome hehe :)
XOXO,
Brooke
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Giving Thanks
Dear Meagan,
I bet you are not at all surprised that this is the topic the day before thanksgiving! I'm going to be short and sweet tonight- got a paper to write by Friday :/ Buuuutt I'm thankful for the opportunity to get my degree and to write a paper on my own research! (hehe)
So as I'm sure you are well aware it is absoultely natural human tendency to notice the bad things in life :/ We notice all the little things that go wrong throughout the day but rarely notice all the things that go RIGHT! We need to make a conscious effort to laugh off the bad and NOTICE the GOOD!
A great way to remember to give thanks is to pray to daily. Every time you pray be sure to start by THANKING God for all things in your life that are going RIGHT. Thank Him for the roof over your head, the direction that your going with school, and most of all thank Him for making you a living miracle and allowing you to overcome and thrive through your surgeries (I know I thank Him every day for that!)
This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for you and the rest of the fam for sure :) I hope you don't ever look at your life and think of the struggles (we could all do that- although I think you beat out most 23 year olds ;).... instead I hope you look at your life with joy and amazement realzing how much of a miracle you are and how much you've overcome!
Love you.... HAPPY TURKEY DAY!
XOXO,
-Brooke
I bet you are not at all surprised that this is the topic the day before thanksgiving! I'm going to be short and sweet tonight- got a paper to write by Friday :/ Buuuutt I'm thankful for the opportunity to get my degree and to write a paper on my own research! (hehe)
So as I'm sure you are well aware it is absoultely natural human tendency to notice the bad things in life :/ We notice all the little things that go wrong throughout the day but rarely notice all the things that go RIGHT! We need to make a conscious effort to laugh off the bad and NOTICE the GOOD!
A great way to remember to give thanks is to pray to daily. Every time you pray be sure to start by THANKING God for all things in your life that are going RIGHT. Thank Him for the roof over your head, the direction that your going with school, and most of all thank Him for making you a living miracle and allowing you to overcome and thrive through your surgeries (I know I thank Him every day for that!)
This Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for you and the rest of the fam for sure :) I hope you don't ever look at your life and think of the struggles (we could all do that- although I think you beat out most 23 year olds ;).... instead I hope you look at your life with joy and amazement realzing how much of a miracle you are and how much you've overcome!
Love you.... HAPPY TURKEY DAY!
XOXO,
-Brooke
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Finish What You Start
Dear Meagan,
Great to see you last weekend at Mom's event :) You and grandpa did some dannnnccinnng! hehe
Today I'm going to tell you about WHY you have to finish what you start. No one likes a quitter and Sutherland's simply aren't quitters!
When you make a commitment to something it is absolutely crucial that you follow through on that commitment, no matter how big or small. Each time you let yourself quit something you are telling your subconcious that you are a quitter, maybe even a failure, and that you don't follow through. This will effect your confidence and your self esteem- and we just don't what that to happen!
You always say that Mom used to let you 'wuss' out of things when you were little. Although she had good intentions, she would call you out for a test you weren't ready for or call you out if someone was picking on you, etc. When you were younger you thought that was cool, but looking back you've said yourself that you wish she would of made you stick through it.
So, KNOWING THAT, you should realize that YOU determine what you stick with (which should be everything you commit too). Just because mom or your teacher or your counselor or whoever says that 'it's ok to quit,' does NOT mean you have to listen! Decide that you will follow through for you!
I've told you time and time again that you are truly capable of anything you put your mind too. Who cares about the minor details or if it doesn't end up being perfect. You can not cop out of things when things get hard. You are better than that!
Meg you can finish this semester out, and you can finish it out strong! Say to yourself outloud ten times, "I can do this!" Study your BUTT off for that final and get it done- you have like three classes left. Prove to yourself that you have truly grown and become stronger from all you've been through.
Time to move forward and get this done! I'm so proud of you, you are almost there!
Sorry if it's a lil tough love tonight- I haven't eaten dinner yet... and you KNOW how I get when my blood sugar is low bahahahaha :)
Love you! YOU CAN DO THIS!
"Winners never quit and quitters never win." -Vince Lombardi
XOXO,
Brooke
Great to see you last weekend at Mom's event :) You and grandpa did some dannnnccinnng! hehe
Today I'm going to tell you about WHY you have to finish what you start. No one likes a quitter and Sutherland's simply aren't quitters!
When you make a commitment to something it is absolutely crucial that you follow through on that commitment, no matter how big or small. Each time you let yourself quit something you are telling your subconcious that you are a quitter, maybe even a failure, and that you don't follow through. This will effect your confidence and your self esteem- and we just don't what that to happen!
You always say that Mom used to let you 'wuss' out of things when you were little. Although she had good intentions, she would call you out for a test you weren't ready for or call you out if someone was picking on you, etc. When you were younger you thought that was cool, but looking back you've said yourself that you wish she would of made you stick through it.
So, KNOWING THAT, you should realize that YOU determine what you stick with (which should be everything you commit too). Just because mom or your teacher or your counselor or whoever says that 'it's ok to quit,' does NOT mean you have to listen! Decide that you will follow through for you!
I've told you time and time again that you are truly capable of anything you put your mind too. Who cares about the minor details or if it doesn't end up being perfect. You can not cop out of things when things get hard. You are better than that!
Meg you can finish this semester out, and you can finish it out strong! Say to yourself outloud ten times, "I can do this!" Study your BUTT off for that final and get it done- you have like three classes left. Prove to yourself that you have truly grown and become stronger from all you've been through.
Time to move forward and get this done! I'm so proud of you, you are almost there!
Sorry if it's a lil tough love tonight- I haven't eaten dinner yet... and you KNOW how I get when my blood sugar is low bahahahaha :)
Love you! YOU CAN DO THIS!
"Winners never quit and quitters never win." -Vince Lombardi
XOXO,
Brooke
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Bullies
Dear Meagan,
You may have noticed I'm writing my blog a day later in the week than usual lol :) I guess I wore myself out yesterday because I feel asleep unintentionally 2 hours before my normal bed time haha. So you get your blog on Thursday this week instead :)
All for the better, because this morining I thought of a good topic: Bullies. I don't know if this ever happens to you but it definitely happens to me sometimes as much as once a week. And that is a run in with a grown up bully! They are worse than childhood bullies, because they aren't bullying in obvious ways that would get them in trouble such as swirlies, or hitting you, or cussing at you about your mama lol. No instead, they just make snide comments, they point out your flaws in front of your peers, or they make you feel inadequate.
Why do they do this? I know you have heard this before but it's true, they do it because of their inadequacies! There are some 'superiors' that you and I will work with that lift us up, help us grow, and shape us into better people. Then there are other 'superiors' that we will work with that tear us down, BUT still help us grow and shape us into better people- if we so CHOOSE.
That's right depending on how we handle a run in with a bully, determines whether we let them tear us down or whether we turn it around on them and let it lift us up! When you have a run in with an adult bully the BEST way to handle them is to just smile, apologize, and compliment them- no matter how hard that may be. Maybe you compliment them later (outside the heat of the moment). Eventually, they will see your heart and soften up towards you, I promise.
But why are they doing this? And why to you? Because hurting people, hurt people. They especially like to hurt those who don't seem to be hurting, because they are trying to bring you down to their level. But I happen to know that you are better than that hurting person :) Of course dealing with bullies might ruffle your feathers a little, but if you stay strong, you win. Them bullying you, hurts them more in the end.... because it is not possible to feel good about yourself, when you are hurting others. It simply doesn't work like that!
I love you, hope this helps dealing with adult bullies! Honestly this blog helps me too haha :)
And by the wayyyy... great job at your mAss kickers/ Wigs for kids event! You got about 10 wigs and $550 for mAss kickers! That's great Meaggy :) You really made a difference!
XOXO,
Brooke
You may have noticed I'm writing my blog a day later in the week than usual lol :) I guess I wore myself out yesterday because I feel asleep unintentionally 2 hours before my normal bed time haha. So you get your blog on Thursday this week instead :)
All for the better, because this morining I thought of a good topic: Bullies. I don't know if this ever happens to you but it definitely happens to me sometimes as much as once a week. And that is a run in with a grown up bully! They are worse than childhood bullies, because they aren't bullying in obvious ways that would get them in trouble such as swirlies, or hitting you, or cussing at you about your mama lol. No instead, they just make snide comments, they point out your flaws in front of your peers, or they make you feel inadequate.
Why do they do this? I know you have heard this before but it's true, they do it because of their inadequacies! There are some 'superiors' that you and I will work with that lift us up, help us grow, and shape us into better people. Then there are other 'superiors' that we will work with that tear us down, BUT still help us grow and shape us into better people- if we so CHOOSE.
That's right depending on how we handle a run in with a bully, determines whether we let them tear us down or whether we turn it around on them and let it lift us up! When you have a run in with an adult bully the BEST way to handle them is to just smile, apologize, and compliment them- no matter how hard that may be. Maybe you compliment them later (outside the heat of the moment). Eventually, they will see your heart and soften up towards you, I promise.
But why are they doing this? And why to you? Because hurting people, hurt people. They especially like to hurt those who don't seem to be hurting, because they are trying to bring you down to their level. But I happen to know that you are better than that hurting person :) Of course dealing with bullies might ruffle your feathers a little, but if you stay strong, you win. Them bullying you, hurts them more in the end.... because it is not possible to feel good about yourself, when you are hurting others. It simply doesn't work like that!
I love you, hope this helps dealing with adult bullies! Honestly this blog helps me too haha :)
And by the wayyyy... great job at your mAss kickers/ Wigs for kids event! You got about 10 wigs and $550 for mAss kickers! That's great Meaggy :) You really made a difference!
XOXO,
Brooke
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hodge Podge
Dear Meagan,
Happy Halloween!!! Heard that Mom was giving out pretzels this year... LAME! lol
This week is kind of a hodge podge of subjects :) hehe
First off, your event is just two days away! So for any readers out there please make sure to call Salon 35 to make your appointment for a regular hair cut or for a donation of 8 in or more to wigs for kids! They are located in Rochester Hills by Olga's, the phone number is (248) 377-9650. There will also be bowling at classic lanes in Rochester 7:30-10:30! For $20 you get bowling, shoes, pizza & pop... half of all proceeds go to mAss kickers, a non-profit organization that helps young adult tumor survivors get back on to normal life!
Meaggy congrats in advance on planning this event and being empowered by all you have been through :)
A couple of quotes have stuck out to me this week that I wanted to share with you...
"Life BEGINS at the END of your comfort zone." -Neal Donald Walsch
And in the words of Jillian Michaels, "Get comfortable BEING UNCOMFORTABLE!" hehe
Meg you have made SO much progress and continue to do so! But in order to continue moving forward you HAVE to keep pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone. You have definietly taken this step in terms of school! This semester you are taking your German class and you have STUCK WITH IT like a champ! You go even when you don't feel like going, which is exactly what you need to do to succeed. But now I hear you are taking three classes next semester, that is great Meaggy! You are pushing your limits, challenging yourself and growing from it! Way to go!
Now it's time to do this in other areas as well... in order to accomplish your goal of being completely independent you gotta get used to the idea of living on your own and out of the house! Soooo it's time to plan a sister sleepover! Just tell me what works for ya :) Keep growing and getting uncomfortable, because that is where life begins!
I hope you are reading the books I got you for your bday (and enjoying the scarf in this cold weather!)
Love you girl!
XOXO,
Brooke
Happy Halloween!!! Heard that Mom was giving out pretzels this year... LAME! lol
This week is kind of a hodge podge of subjects :) hehe
First off, your event is just two days away! So for any readers out there please make sure to call Salon 35 to make your appointment for a regular hair cut or for a donation of 8 in or more to wigs for kids! They are located in Rochester Hills by Olga's, the phone number is (248) 377-9650. There will also be bowling at classic lanes in Rochester 7:30-10:30! For $20 you get bowling, shoes, pizza & pop... half of all proceeds go to mAss kickers, a non-profit organization that helps young adult tumor survivors get back on to normal life!
Meaggy congrats in advance on planning this event and being empowered by all you have been through :)
A couple of quotes have stuck out to me this week that I wanted to share with you...
"Life BEGINS at the END of your comfort zone." -Neal Donald Walsch
And in the words of Jillian Michaels, "Get comfortable BEING UNCOMFORTABLE!" hehe
Meg you have made SO much progress and continue to do so! But in order to continue moving forward you HAVE to keep pushing the boundaries of your comfort zone. You have definietly taken this step in terms of school! This semester you are taking your German class and you have STUCK WITH IT like a champ! You go even when you don't feel like going, which is exactly what you need to do to succeed. But now I hear you are taking three classes next semester, that is great Meaggy! You are pushing your limits, challenging yourself and growing from it! Way to go!
Now it's time to do this in other areas as well... in order to accomplish your goal of being completely independent you gotta get used to the idea of living on your own and out of the house! Soooo it's time to plan a sister sleepover! Just tell me what works for ya :) Keep growing and getting uncomfortable, because that is where life begins!
I hope you are reading the books I got you for your bday (and enjoying the scarf in this cold weather!)
Love you girl!
XOXO,
Brooke
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Your 22nd Year!
Dear Meagan,
Well tomorrow is the big day when my little sister turns 23! I seriously can't believe it... and I can't wait to celebrate with you Friday :)
During this past year you have gone through your fair amount of struggles- this kidney thing being the latest. But last year on your 22nd birthday was probably the lowest point for you emotionally in your recovery. I don't know if you even remember all the things going on (your short term memory was also pretty low at that time)... but it was rough to watch you go through :/
Meagan Anne from Japan, LOOK AT YOU NOW!!!!!!! I can NOT believe the INCREDIBLE progress you have made in the last year! It is a true miracle and ABSOLUTELY astonishing! Whenever I talk to you I can't help but smile from ear to ear just thinking about the 180 degree turn you have made... You went from barely surviving to absolutely thriving!
You have turned your life around and broken free from some of the thoughts, people, and habits that used to set you back....
Here is a list of what you have accomplished in your 22nd year:
- You started school again
- You planned/ are planning an amazing charity event
- You started caring about you and taking care of yourself again
- You turned your struggles into victories
- You improved many of the personal relationships you have with others
- You decided to start growing personally
- You grew stronger emotionally and physically
- You got involved with the mAss kickers group
- You developed a positive attitude
- You got back A LOT of your short term memory
I still can't believe it's you from one year ago! I am SO proud of you and I mean that with every ounce of who I am. The best part? There is so much more to come... your road will still have bumps, but it WILL only get better from here because YOU made that decision!
You are so special, I love you! Happy Birthday 23rd sista!
XOXO,
Brooke
Well tomorrow is the big day when my little sister turns 23! I seriously can't believe it... and I can't wait to celebrate with you Friday :)
During this past year you have gone through your fair amount of struggles- this kidney thing being the latest. But last year on your 22nd birthday was probably the lowest point for you emotionally in your recovery. I don't know if you even remember all the things going on (your short term memory was also pretty low at that time)... but it was rough to watch you go through :/
Meagan Anne from Japan, LOOK AT YOU NOW!!!!!!! I can NOT believe the INCREDIBLE progress you have made in the last year! It is a true miracle and ABSOLUTELY astonishing! Whenever I talk to you I can't help but smile from ear to ear just thinking about the 180 degree turn you have made... You went from barely surviving to absolutely thriving!
You have turned your life around and broken free from some of the thoughts, people, and habits that used to set you back....
Here is a list of what you have accomplished in your 22nd year:
- You started school again
- You planned/ are planning an amazing charity event
- You started caring about you and taking care of yourself again
- You turned your struggles into victories
- You improved many of the personal relationships you have with others
- You decided to start growing personally
- You grew stronger emotionally and physically
- You got involved with the mAss kickers group
- You developed a positive attitude
- You got back A LOT of your short term memory
I still can't believe it's you from one year ago! I am SO proud of you and I mean that with every ounce of who I am. The best part? There is so much more to come... your road will still have bumps, but it WILL only get better from here because YOU made that decision!
You are so special, I love you! Happy Birthday 23rd sista!
XOXO,
Brooke
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Think Creatively
Dear Meagan,
I am still reading the book, The Magic of Thinking Big. It's an amazing book, when I'm done I will let you borrow it if you want!
One of the chapters I just read was about thinking creatively- this will allow you to achieve things you never thought possible...
Here are some main points from the chapter:
1. Here is a quick test. If I were to say, " Regular business hours should be 1pm to 9pm instead of 8am-4pm... or presidential elections should be every two years..." What is your reaction? If you automatically say no, that elections have always been four years and they should stay that way or that business hours are just fine as they are and that's that... then you may be a victim of traditional thinking. In order to grow and create new ideas you can not be paralyzed by traditional thinking. Companies and people who grow with the times, prosper.
2. Stretch yourself socially. It is important for us to associate with our peers and people in life situations similar to ours, this is where we are comfortable. However, in order to get other perspectives and ideas to bring into your own life, it is necessary to associate with people who are different than ourselves.
3. Believe whatever task or challenge you face can be done. Your mind will naturally stretch and find ways to accomplish the task. If before facing a challenge, you convince yourself it can not be done, your mind will automatically close. SO, when you are looking at something difficult, say it CAN be done!
4. Every morning when you wake up or as you are getting ready ask yourself, 'how can I do better?' There in never a limit to self improvement. When you continuously ask yourself how you can improve, you will.
5. Also ask yourself, 'how can I do more?' As you get increasingly busy, you will find ways to become more efficient. Being more efficient means happiness, promotion, and fulfilment. Determine how you can accomplish more than what you already are.
Hope this helps your 'road to recovery' Meaggy! I love you- your are doing amazing, keep up the good work! And keep growing, greatness lies in front of you <3
XOXO,
Brooke
I am still reading the book, The Magic of Thinking Big. It's an amazing book, when I'm done I will let you borrow it if you want!
One of the chapters I just read was about thinking creatively- this will allow you to achieve things you never thought possible...
Here are some main points from the chapter:
1. Here is a quick test. If I were to say, " Regular business hours should be 1pm to 9pm instead of 8am-4pm... or presidential elections should be every two years..." What is your reaction? If you automatically say no, that elections have always been four years and they should stay that way or that business hours are just fine as they are and that's that... then you may be a victim of traditional thinking. In order to grow and create new ideas you can not be paralyzed by traditional thinking. Companies and people who grow with the times, prosper.
2. Stretch yourself socially. It is important for us to associate with our peers and people in life situations similar to ours, this is where we are comfortable. However, in order to get other perspectives and ideas to bring into your own life, it is necessary to associate with people who are different than ourselves.
3. Believe whatever task or challenge you face can be done. Your mind will naturally stretch and find ways to accomplish the task. If before facing a challenge, you convince yourself it can not be done, your mind will automatically close. SO, when you are looking at something difficult, say it CAN be done!
4. Every morning when you wake up or as you are getting ready ask yourself, 'how can I do better?' There in never a limit to self improvement. When you continuously ask yourself how you can improve, you will.
5. Also ask yourself, 'how can I do more?' As you get increasingly busy, you will find ways to become more efficient. Being more efficient means happiness, promotion, and fulfilment. Determine how you can accomplish more than what you already are.
Hope this helps your 'road to recovery' Meaggy! I love you- your are doing amazing, keep up the good work! And keep growing, greatness lies in front of you <3
XOXO,
Brooke
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