As human beings, we fall easily into habits, especially “thinking” patterns. Have you ever found yourself stuck right in a rut, where your thinking is keeping you from having new experiences or letting go of something that is no longer working for you?
One way to get un-stuck is to begin to question your “yes” and “no” responses to projects, activities and commitments. Often, we habitually answer without even pausing to really consider. My blog post today for Mamapreneurs, Inc shares a sweet moment with my toddler that inspired me to question my own “no” response and offers some tips for discovering your authentic “yes” and “no” to opportunities.
Posted in Personal Growth, writing | Tagged awareness, mothering, perspective, shift your thinking, time management | Leave a Comment »
When I was growing up, I lived in an elaborate fantasy world. I had imaginary friends, dreamed up entire cultures of people that didn’t exist and scribbled novellas in my spelling binders in elementary school.
I gobbled up big print Westerns from my granny, re-read The Secret Garden 10 times and visited the library whenever I could, leaving with as many books as I could carry.
My parents didn’t quite get it. They worried I might be too dreamy. There were concerned that I wasn’t focused on what is important. Worse, they thought I might be a ” liar” or disconnected from the “truth.”
Turns out, I am a writer! After my expensive Creative Writing degree, I became validated as a dreamer!
Are any of your kids natural storytellers? Do they love to listen to or tell the same story over and over? My article in the Tranquil Parent this week is all about the power of storytelling. I hope it encourages you to nurture your little storyteller!
Posted in Being myself, writing | Tagged awareness, mothering, Parenting, perspective, shift your thinking | Leave a Comment »
Dear Sweet boy (man),
It seems like just the other day that I was writing a blog for you about your Sweet 16. Can you really be 17 today?
When you turned 16, I realized that you were on the cusp of truly growing up. Now, I can see it when I look at you. You have changed in the past year in so many ways! You are taller, stronger (I was shocked when you were carrying me around the house the other day) and wiser.
I have always listened to you.
You have this way of cutting right to the truth of things that both inspires and challenges me. When you were little, you never let me get away with anything. If I veered from being the person I want to be, you would gently remind me. “Mom, did you forget to meditate today?”
And now, you seem so comfortable with yourself. I have to think that much of this is because of the support of your Dad. He has always had a confidence that I really respect.
The other day when I was feeling unsure about an interaction with someone (you know who I am talking about), you said simply: “Mom, just be yourself.”
Thank you for reminding me.
And when you are being yourself, I am proud beyond words.
Love,
Mama
Posted in Children growing up | Tagged Connected Parenting, connection, mindfulness, mothering, Parenting, shift your thinking | 2 Comments »
Today we are missing Sweet boy. He went back home to Texas last week, after a fun-packed visit!
He was so patient and tolerant with his little monkey brother (and our visiting friends from the Bay area). Surrounded by three little ones under 6 (think human jungle gym), this teen was willing to visit the zoo, help carry upset kids, brush his little brother’s teeth and keep his mama sane with funny movies and chats long into the night.
My heart aches for him today.
As I watch him grow and develop into a funny and mature guy, I marvel at his emotional intelligence. He hasn’t had an easy time of it. Born to young parents who divorced quickly, this kid has walked between two families for most of his life. Despite the mistakes we have made and the changes he has weathered, the love and connection he has had in both homes has been a constant.
I am excited for him about this time in his life. He turns 17 this weekend, has a girlfriend he really cares about, is finishing High School next year and has so many rich experiences ahead of him. He seems so much more confident and aware than I was at his age! I have faith that whatever he does, his great big heart will lead the way.
Posted in Children growing up | Tagged awareness, Children growing up, Connected Parenting, connection, mindfulness, mothering, Parenting | Leave a Comment »
I am a blogger for the Mamapreneurs.com site and my recent topic is TIME! As busy mamas, we all wish we had more time. And the truth is, you do! You just need to know where to find it…
The first place to look is your time traps. These are the activities that take more time than you realize, that you zone out while doing, or that require more organization. Read more about identifiying your time traps.
The second place where most busy mamas lose time is in the “have-to” activities. We all have them! Things we do because we feel obligated, even though they don’t always match our priorities and we often feel resentful when doing them. Read more about changing your relationship to the “have-to” activities.
One of the most powerful shifts you can make is to view time as an investment. How are you going to invest your valuable time today?
Posted in The balancing act of motherhood, writing | Tagged awareness, intentions, mothering, Parenting, perspective, shift your thinking | Leave a Comment »
Caleb's wheels
Sweet boy arrives tomorrow! For us, this summer visit is bittersweet. He is turning 17 in July and this is last summer in high school.
Did I just say that?
This is his last summer in high school.
Okay, I really did say it!
This boy, dare I say man, is amazing!
He is funny (with a dark humour), bright (more than just smarts, he has emotional intelligence) and so good looking (imagine dark curly hair and freckles, oh my!) Most mamas think their kids are the best, but I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to know him.
So, why is this visit bittersweet?
Well, every summer since he has lived with his Dad and Step-mama, he has come for long visits. Throughout the year, we see each other every three months as well. Over the past three years (of high school) his visits have gotten shorter in the summer. And understandably! The kid has a life: friends, trips to Schlitterbahn, and now a car and girlfriend.
And this is our last true summer visit. Next summer, he will have graduated high school, turned 18 and moved on to…well, what ever new horizon he chooses. I am just guessing that three weeks to visit his mama is not on the list!
So, over the next few weeks, you can just imagine me treasuring every second, every conversation, every snuggle (so grateful that he will still give me a snuggle!) and every long look at his handsome face!
My Sweet boy. Sniff.
Posted in Children growing up, Connected Parenting | Tagged being present, Connected Parenting, connection, mindfulness, mothering, Parenting, perspective, travel | Leave a Comment »
Do you love spending time in nature? Have you tried camping with your kids? As you might expect, camping with kids takes a bit more planning. But, the rewards of sharing an adventure with your kids and watching them feel skillful at something new (setting up the tent, cooking over the fire, studying the map!) really pay off!
My Tranquil Parent article this week shares the “Ten Tips for Fun, Safe Camping with Kids!”
Posted in Family life, writing | Leave a Comment »
As the editor of Mothersoure.org, I have the opportunity to connect with so many inspiring mamas! For the month of May, we did a call for entries in our Heartfelt Stories, sharing a joyful mothering moment.
The first story we published, “Sift What’s Worth Keeping” shares one mama’s commitment to kindness: to her son, to her husband and to herself. She knows how she can create positive change in the world, one relationship at a time!
Posted in mama wisdom, writing | Tagged awareness, compassion, connection, empathy, mindfulness, mothering, Parenting, Self-care, shift your thinking | Leave a Comment »
As you might know, Sweet boy is turning 17 this summer! It is truly hard for me to believe that my first babe is becoming a man. He lives with his Dad and Step-mama now so I know that time moves faster since I don’t see him as often. Two or three months between our visits means he might grow an inch, deepen his voice an octave or have an incredible new experience (like prom!) all without me seeing it happen.
Despite our physical distance, we have stayed very close. I used to worry about the teenage years, especially since my guy is so sweet (thus his nick name), wondering how he might change. And of course he has! But, he has not lost his connected, caring nature.
I know I miss out on many of the daily challenges, but his Dad and Step-mama are doing a great job in communicating and positively guiding him.
My Tranquil Parent article this week is all about staying connected to your teen. It includes an interview with two moms who have a lot of wisdom to share about how the teen years with your child can be magical and fun (rather than difficult and scary). Give it a read!
Posted in Children growing up, Connected Parenting, writing | Tagged Connected Parenting, connection, gratitude, mindfulness, mothering, Parenting, perspective | Leave a Comment »
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