In our attempts to move away from urgency, I’m reminded that being thoughtful does not mean that we have become complacent, defeated, or lazy. Instead, we attempt to move through life giving attention where it’s deserved. If we are always multi-tasking, hurried, and rushed, there is little space to be thoughtful. By savoring the moments we have in front of us, we can contribute to the hidden blessings already in our midst.
The orthodontist walked confidently into our small space, outfitted in goggles, mask, and face shield. Even behind all the protective equipment, he seemed to be smiling. “Tell me something that is bringing you joy in the midst of virtual school.” The sassy side of my brain kicked in, as it frequently does when I am … [Read more…]
Girls, your parents are in uncharted territory. We are making decisions that, on some scale, parents have never had to make before. As we face the choice of if, and how, to send you to school this fall, there is a barrage of questions. And if adults feel that they are under the microscope while … [Read more…]
We can enact change, within our hearts and in the greater world. And though these small actions might not lead to a stacked resume, or an Instagram-worthy feed, the ripple effect of their positive contribution may prove to leave a much larger impact.
If other parents are smiling on skis and making snow angels,
why I am pulling my hair out before lunch? And then, further down the path of guilt, I worry that my
children will only have memories of a cranky, overwhelmed mother. Not graceful pictures captured in the snow, but a frazzled, frustrated grouch.
How do we teach them, not to be scared of the world and rob them of simple joys, but to be prudent and cautious, while learning respect for everyone and their journey?
My frustration reached the point where, instead of trying to protect our time, I was becoming almost aggressively defensive of our daily lives. I wouldn’t let anything, or worse, anyone, into our world who threatened to knock the cards down.
While I could juggle literal life-altering decisions in the moment, I struggled when it came to the day-to-day decisions of running our family and contributing to our community.
All I needed to know, I learned from Nanny.
Earlier this year, a friend, just shy of bringing home baby #3, asked me a question I know I’ve asked myself on more than one occasion: “Am I crazy to have more than two children?” I was startled at first, mostly because our little town is packed with large families. But then I returned right … [Read more…]