What Do You Love About Your Siblings?

SiblingsAhhh, siblings. Is there any other relationship that is as complex and deep and perfect and loving as the relationship we have with our siblings?

Today is National Siblings Day, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t post about the wonders of my sibling. As I’m sure you all can imagine, I’m a pretty big fan of Janelle. She’s not only my sister, but she’s also my best friend. From the moment she was born, actually, as you can tell from the photo above. We’ve always been close, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me! I’ve seen sisters who struggle with their relationship and who are estranged, and I’m thankful that we’ve never been in that position.

Honestly, I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t talk to her every day. Many a time, I’ll send her a random text during the day and ask, “Want to hang out later?” I’m sure she probably rolls her eyes sometimes because, yes, I can be a bit clinging and emotional (obviously!), but she always indulges me.

And because today is all about celebrating MY SISTER and her awesomeness, here are a few more things I love about her…

  • She can read my mind like no one else: Seriously, sometimes all it takes is a look at each other and we can tell what the other one is thinking. Is there such a thing as Sister ESP? Because we totally have that!
  • She makes me laugh: She probably won’t agree with me, but she’s really, really funny!! It helps that we laugh at the same things, like when we watch the hilarious show Baskets together!
  • She’s gentle and kind: If I’m being honest, she’s a lot more gentle than I am. I can be, umm, outspoken, but she has a peaceful calm about her. I’d say we balance each other out pretty well.
  • She’s so supportive: She knows just what to say to make me feel better. She’s the type of person who actually listens to what you’re saying instead of just hears it. She validates your feelings and never judges you. Especially when my mom was in Europe last summer, Janelle was my anchor; I couldn’t have gotten through the week without her.
  • She’s never indulged my disability: That may sound harsh, but it’s been exactly what I’ve needed. She’s never let me play the victim or pretend I can’t do something because of my disability. She’s always treated me like a person, not a disabled person, and I appreciate that she sees the real me.
  • But she DOES indulge me when I talk about Frozen: Because, HELLO, it’s the best sister movie ever!! Janelle and I are just like Elsa and Anna!

So where would I be without Janelle? I’m not quite sure, and part of me doesn’t even want to find out. I just hope I’m as good of a sister to her as she is to me. She’s set quite the high bar! I hope she knows just how wonderful she is — and yes, she’s probably reading this because I sent her the link to this post!!!

SiblingsWhat do you love about your siblings, friends? What special rituals do you have? What has brought you close to them? And, any tips to keep that connection strong? Here’s to siblings and the special role they play in our lives! #SiblingPride… xoxo

My Love Letter to Frozen

Love Letter to Frozen Love Letter to Frozen Love Letter to FrozenFirst of all, don’t worry, friends — there’s absolutely no need to adjust your Web browser. No, you haven’t time-traveled back to 2013. It’s just me who’s catching up with the rest of the world. Why, you ask? Because I’ve discovered the sheer magic of Frozen over the weekend! Seriously, have I been living under a rock for the last four years…or in a secluded castle surrounded by ice (see what I did there?)? I really feel like I need to make up for lost times here, so consider this a long-overdue love letter to Frozen…

I’ll admit that I was a bit apprehensive going into the film. My mom had seen it and hated it, but this was on a school bus with 75+ children on a class trip, so maybe that wasn’t the optimal condition in which to enjoy the film.

I decided to make Frozen my Saturday night movie. Sure, you might think that’s a bit lame for a 35-year-old, but I felt #noshame whatsoever; my heart beats strong for all things Disney, so I figured Elsa and Anna would most definitely be my home girls.

It turns out I was right.

Everything about the film — the songs! The scenery! The clothes! The adorableness of Olaf! — put a huge smile on my face. Everything. Honestly, I found myself grinning from ear to ear by the time Anna found herself speeding through the snowy forest to beg Elsa to come out of exile. I was moved, to say the least — and I say this with no hint of irony whatsoever.

But what moved me even more? The heartfelt story. Because the more I watched the film, the more I realized that this was, surprisingly, my story too. I could truly identify with Elsa and Anna. I mean, they were sisters. They were incredibly close. Their parents died when they were young. And they went through a period where Elsa began pulling away, which just completely broke Anna’s heart. They didn’t have easy lives, but you know what? They got through it and were even closer in the end.

And about that ending, where it turns out that the act of true love was Anna saving her sister???

I ALMOST CRIED, PEOPLE!!!!

You go into it thinking that some valiant prince is going to be the big hero who saves the day. I mean, it IS a Disney movie, after all, so you just assume that. And then, you find out that it’s a sister’s love for her sister that saves the day and, well, that ends up meaning everything to you! I applaud Disney for going outside the box with this one and showing that romantic love doesn’t have to always be the be all and end all, you know? There are all types of different loves out there and all of them are important. Here’s a film that isn’t all about romantic love or finding your prince. At its heart, it’s a story about the power of sisters and knowing that your sister is there for you. I was so glad the film showed that!

I’ve decided that Janelle is the Elsa to my Anna…it just fits!! And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I’m writing this post on National Sibling Day, do you? #SisterGoals

So, friends, be sure to go and hug your siblings today! Tell them just how much you love them and how grateful you are to have them in your life. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it! Because time…it just moves far too fast. Don’t wait until it’s too late… xoxo

Dear Janelle: On Your 30th Birthday!

Dear Janelle:

I know you get “embarrassed” when I blog about you, but since I’m your older sister, it’s sort of my responsibility to toot my own horn about you on your birthday. I’m just doing my job. I can’t help it that you make the bragging part so easy!

But, as birthday gift to you, I will make this short and sweet. It’s your 30th birthday, a milestone in which you instinctively want to look to the past. At all the mistakes you thought you made. At all the times you didn’t feel like you quite measured up. At all the things you wish you could do over.

Well, as your big sis (I’ve got four extra years of life knowledge, remember, so I know what I’m talking about!), I’m here to tell you this simple truth: None of it matters. I don’t want you to look back today because where you are right now? My gosh, you’ve come so far. I just want you to see that and to see yourself for who you really are — one heck of an amazing woman!

And, really, if I’m being honest, I should be the one who looks up to you. I just want to bottle up your grace and wisdom and spirit because that is what life is all about. So please love yourself — today and always. You know I’ll always love you and will be here for you always. I love you, Sister Bear… xoxo

P.S. More Janelle love: Her 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th birthdays.

Wise Words From Readers: On sibling memories…

With Janelle’s birthday last week, I really got to thinking more about the power of our siblings. We’ve talked lots of times about siblings before, but if you think about it, a brother or sister can be many things: A best friend, an enemy, a co-conspirator, a confidant. And most importantly, when you’re young, a sibling is usually that person you go on tons of adventures with, and it’s these adventures that give us lasting memories come adulthood. A few of you had some awesome stories of your own…

*Disney World as kids! One of my brothers is a fireman, and I could not be more proud of him following in our Grandpa’s footsteps. I admire his caring spirit and love for his community (my hometown). My other brother is the light-hearted, comic of the family! His sense of humor is epic. He is the baby of the family and truly completes our family.

*My favorite memory with my sister was staying up all night playing gin and eating mac and cheese while Jewel played on repeat in the background.

Ahhh!! So many wonderful memories! For me, the one that sticks out in my mind is when Janelle and I took the same Spanish class in college. It was fun and pretty hilarious to be in the same class. And of course, there was some friendly competition going on because, really, who isn’t at least a little competitive with their siblings? We both ended up with an “A” in the class, but Janelle got a higher “A.” She always has been the smarter sibling. Anyway, here’s next week’s question…

What do you love about Halloween? What was your favorite costume growing up and why?



Visit So About What I Said on Facebook and Twitter to share your smarts — and don’t forget to use hashtag #WiseWordsFromReaders. See you there, friends! 🙂

[Photos via We Heart It]

Happy Birthday, Janelle: 3 lessons you’ve taught me…

Dear Janelle:

I know, I know. You said you didn’t want me to post about your birthday, but you should know me better than that by now. After all, I write about my life, and suffice it to say, you’re a pretty huge part of it, so here we are.

First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! You’re the big 29 today, and that fact alone baffles me. How can that be? It seems like it was just yesterday when we were in the living room making elaborate ramps for our Matchbox cars. Or putting on glamorous fashion shows for our Barbies. But, obviously, we’re not children anymore. We’re adults. Where some sisters drift apart as time marches forward, I like to think you and I have only grown closer. I’ll be the first to admit that our life has had its share of ups and downs, but I can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather share this roller coaster ride with. We’ve been through a lot, and I’m proud to say that we’ve been through it together. Partners in crime, even. I may be the older sister, but I wouldn’t be the person I am today with you. I’ve learned so much about love and life from you. Don’t believe me? Here are three lessons that top my list…

1. A kind heart goes a long way: You were voted Most Kind-Hearted in elementary school. Do you remember that? You’re always kind to everyone you meet, and I’ve long admired that quality. Not everyone has that sort of kindness in their hearts, so it’s something that should most definitely be treasured when you do find it. After all, the world could use all the kindness it can get. Thank you for being a friend.

2. Giving up is not an option: When you were little, you once stayed outside all day until you’d mastered learning to ride a bike. We were all in awe of your sheer willpower. Over the years — from things like college to exercising — you’ve taught me that persistence really does pay off. Even after Father died, you never gave up. Even through your own struggles, you never gave up. And for that, I am forever inspired. Thank you for being a friend.

3. Be who you are: I absolutely love your quirky self, so please never lose that side of yourself. It’s a beautiful side. You’ve taught me to be unapologetic in who I am and to not care so much about what people think. It’s amazing how freeing it is, don’t you think? And did I mention how utterly real you are? You’re probably the only person in the whole world who I can count on for an honest opinion. About anything and everything. As we say, you always “tell it like it is,” and I’m a better person because of that. Thank you for being a friend.

Happy birthday, sister! You may be my sister, but even more important, you’re my BEST FRIEND in the whole wide world. I couldn’t ask for a better, funnier, cuter, more honest friend. Thank you for always being there and for all the good times. Here’s to many more years of good times — and millions of smiles. I love you more than you’ll ever know, Sister Bear!! xoxo