As this years summer winds down, I am in awe at how little we have accomplished this year. We went into the summer with grandiose plans and everyone made a list. Similar to our bucket lists of past summers. However, we never really focused on checking anything off! But you want to know what they really gained this summer? It was something I didn't plan on, but I am so glad I noticed it in action. My Kids Gained Valuable, Real-Life Social Skills.
When my kids were younger, I barely went to the pool because I was a) ashamed of my body (for heaven's sake I birthed 3 children in the span of five years, that should be celebrated, not shamed by society standards...but that is a different post for a different day) and b) I was outnumbered 3 to 1. You better believe that I was only going to the pool if another friend was braving it with me or I dragged my husband along. But that is where looking back, I was so wrong. I should have gone to the damn pool. Today, I will celebrate the brave mommas everywhere that are doing the hard job. Suiting up and going swimming with their kids.
When my kids were younger, I barely went to the pool because I was a) ashamed of my body (for heaven's sake I birthed 3 children in the span of five years, that should be celebrated, not shamed by society standards...but that is a different post for a different day) and b) I was outnumbered 3 to 1. You better believe that I was only going to the pool if another friend was braving it with me or I dragged my husband along. But that is where looking back, I was so wrong. I should have gone to the damn pool. Today, I will celebrate the brave mommas everywhere that are doing the hard job. Suiting up and going swimming with their kids.
It's no secret that I have been feeling lost and wayward over the last few months. I was trying to find myself again. I have been sorting through all the "life clutter" to rediscover my purpose and find my center. Thankfully, I have learned that this phenomenon happens to all of us from time to time, for different reasons. We get a little caught up in moment-to-moment living and forget about the big picture. It helps me to know that I am not the only one feeling this way. Maybe that helps you, too. Today, I want to share with you what I have learned on my path of rediscovery.
Whenever I am feeling lost or in need of direction I do one of three things: call my mom, drink wine with my girlfriends, or go to the library. I needed some insight so a trip to the library was in order! With three kids in tow, we made our rounds through the children's department and finally ended up at the Self-Help shelves for me.
As this year comes to a close, I have come to the realization that although parts of 2016 totally sucked. Not all of it did. Before the promise of a new year rolls around, I wanted to take some time to reflect on what I learned from 2016. You better believe that my New Years Resolutions will include fun and fewer hospital stays than 2016 permitted!
To say I was a nervous wreck that first day in the hospital, is an understatement. I was so down and throwing myself a big ol' pity party...but that's not really my style. I promised myself that I would only focus on the positive. There are moments that I get totally discouraged and wonder why this happened. I know that it is a combination of many things. But I also know that I can't do anything about what happened except move forward, learn from it, inform others, and reach out to those around me to pay their kindness forward.
Then, I get a quick little ping on my phone, a text alert. With a simple "YES!" to the question, "Do you want to have ribs with us tonight?" BAM, our day was set! I could see it now, the kids could lounge around and play while Jeff and I got some piddly work done around the house. Then, he could run to the store while I started baking one of two desserts. Once everything was baked and the salad was tossed, we'd walk across the street for dinner... perfect!! I loved the way this day was shaping up, and all by 9:04AM! Not long after that the buzz of neighborhood play was all around me. Boys and girls were in and out of my house in a swirl of summery fun. The sun was out, bikes were zooming down the block, and good old-fashioned play was happening.
no happy accidents 