You probably have seen or heard about Jenny McCarthy’s new book, “Bad Habits: Confessions of a Recovering Catholic.” I never would have guessed that Jenny and I have so much in common, yet so far apart. Both of us were raised in devout Catholic homes in the Midwest, Jenny in Chicago and me in Omaha. Jenny even had aspirations of becoming a nun! I followed that dream. Our paths were parallel but took us to different ends. Jenny was named Playboy Playmate of the Year” in 1994 and I was named “Sister Mary Kateri”. My Catholic upbringing demanded strict adherence to rules, obedient behavior, and submission to those in authority. Those “habits” led me to serve as a Catholic nun for seven years. Growing up it was considered “selfish” to think of my own happiness. We were groomed to think of others’ needs first. As a “guilt sponge”, I took this ideal to the extreme setting me up for poor decision making skills, always trying to please others, rather than looking out for myself. But our lives are journeys taking us in various directions, providing us with valuable lessons. Like the game of golf, life is a game of recovery. Sometimes we have to punch out from the trees to get back in the fairway in order to see our way to the finish line. We just have to meet each challenge as we enjoy our journey Home.
Remember secret #7: Happiness is not a gift, but a skill. This day seek out the joy and happiness that is yours for the taking.
