Madison Sanders Writes

Don't slip © blue sky via freeimages.com I saw something tonight that inspired me to write. I saw someone who had let their standards down. They speak one thing out of their mouths, but their actions tell a different tale. Once this person got what they wanted, their standards have slipped. They are more lax about things than they used to be because it doesn't matter now. I don't have to be moral. I can let this slide. I can change my image just a little. I fit in now.  They didn't say these things out loud, but the message is very clear. Some may not even notice a change, but I did. It left me heartbroken. I am sad because there are fewer and fewer people who live by any kind of standard. How long are we going to be comfortable with the way things are? How long are we going to be comfortable with how we are? When are we going to start raising the bar? The first step is admitting that we have gotten slack in some areas. Someone told me, "The worst

I woke up this morning and I felt like a rubber band being pulled in every direction. My stomach muscles ached. I've been having some muscle spasms. In general, I've been in a very uncomfortable place. This morning, the words of my former physical therapist rolled over in my mind. "I believe in Madison." Sometimes, you just have to know that people believe in you. When the storms of life are raging and your strength is zapped, just keep doing what you know to do. When I am frustrated and irritable, my mom's words provide the anchor I need to stay steady. "Just keep doing what you need to do, Madison," she says. "Every day that you get up, sit up, and move around, you are doing something. You are exercising those muscles even if doesn't seem like much." Boy, do those thoughts try to bombard my mind. It doesn't seem like much. Some days are a struggle. Other days fly by. Instead of dwelling on where I am, I choose to pr