Curating refreshment is at the top of my bucket list this summer. I know if I don't, moments of pleasure will pass me by and I'll miss out on so much waiting to mesmerize and delight. Planning refreshment sounds like it should be easy, but I don't find that to be the case. Maybe it's the same for you. Like me, you may find great energy in filling your day with multi-tasking and plenty of accomplishments to check off the list of To-Do's. No judgement here; it just means we have to be more intentional in making sure we're not burning out. We value ourselves too much to neglect planning refreshing pleasure in our day, around our work and throughout our responsibilities of life. I enjoy the story of an a woman in France who sat outside a café, ordered her typical light lunch, and a café au Continue Reading
Prepare Your Child for a Blessing with Big Picture Thinking
When it comes to big-picture thinking, it seems there are countless more parenting books and resources promoting the concept of living in the moment. And while I'm all for learning to appreciate these singular gifts and even continue to count them myself, I believe limiting ourselves to the here and now of motherhood also limits us and our children. How easy it is for just one moment to consume and drain and overpower us faster than we consume our first cup of morning coffee. How quickly we lose focus and motivation because the impact of a moment knocks us off-balance and even off course. And how unexpectedly we find ourselves held captive by the drama of a moment we can't seem to escape. Instead of marking our moments, they leave a nasty smudge on us and our day. We become the mom Continue Reading
5 Keys to Finding Your Mama Mojo
We've all seen her...the mom who seems to have all the mojo. The one who drifts by us balancing and juggling and multitasking like it's an art form. The one who's fully engaged with her children and understands how to make each one feel loved and special. The one who often causes us to doubt if we're really doing the most effective job in this massive role of motherhood. I remember those days vividly. Two children seemed like a walk in the park, and then the news of a third surprise bundle came along. The thought of balancing and multi-tasking seemed a bit overwhelming as I considered trying to spread myself between three littles who all needed more of me than there was to go around. If you've found yourself in the same balancing act, you're not alone. It's easy to find Continue Reading
Practice the Art of Reimaging
Motherhood is both a lesson in practice and art. It rarely comes easy, yet if we continue to show up, it births countless joys along with endless challenges, all woven together to create a beautiful, imperfect legacy. But sometimes the hurdles take center stage, and we have trouble seeing beyond our own inadequacies. The smallest challenge can send our self-image spiraling into the abyss of defeat and discouragement. Often, we begin the day with our best foot forward only to find ourselves tripping and stumbling through constantly changing terrain. And being thankful or cherishing?…well sometimes it’s enough to just pick ourselves up and muster the energy needed to make it through another day. If this describes your day or week, the good news is it will pass, and tomorrow always Continue Reading