A New Twist on Giving Thanks

As I think about this Thanksgiving season, I realize not much time is spent on giving thanks for all that hasn’t happened. In an attempt to focus on the true meaning of the holidays we often spend time thinking about all that we have, as well as all of the good things that have happened in our lives. We look at just how grateful we are to be blessed with family and friends, looking away from the material things and focusing on what life is really about.  I think this is great, and a definite step in the right direction.  Here’s a new twist.  Do you really pay attention to all of the things that could have happened?  I don’t mean dwelling on the negative, or the “what-ifs”.  I’m not asking you to worry or stress about what could happen, but instead paying attention to the close calls and giving thanks for the outcome.  Take a moment to soak up the little things: clean air to breathe, a coat to keep you warm, shoes on your feet.  Help your child to learn the real meaning of being thankful, to feel it, to recognize and appreciate it.  I am thankful for every minute I have with my children, just living life and soaking up the little moments.  I give thanks and try with all of my heart to savor every sight and sound. It saddens me at times to think I won’t remember every detail of raising my children, but I know I will have relished in every moment spent with them.  Good or bad, life is filled with moments that make us who we are and give us the opportunity to strive for who we want to become.

It’s Back to School Time and I’m Not Ready!

I thought this was the perfect time to post this “Mom’s Minute." I wrote it when my baby was entering kindergarten. Now as he is entering High School I need to remind myself of my own advice. I hope you enjoy it, take a little piece to heart and gain a touch of comfort.

It’s Back to School Time and I’m Not Ready!

As painful as it may be, summer is coming to an end and school is just around the corner. Most of our focus as a family is on our children at this time. Are they ready? Will they like their teacher and will their teacher like them? Will they make good choices? Will they remember all that we have taught them? Well, let me tell you, I bet they are indeed ready, but are you? For parents, sending their kids back to school isn’t always easy, especially if they are your first born or in my case, your baby. I thought I was ok with the little guy starting school but as the days drew closer, I was not so sure. I had to keep telling myself the same comfort lines I tell parents. You are still first in your child’s heart and now is the time they do show all that you’ve taught them. Make the most of your newly acquired free time and do something for yourself. This is the perfect time to learn how to balance your time, to not only focus on your kids, but on yourself now as well. Take time to make a memory for yourself.

Here Comes Summer

Collect Yourself

My husband asked me how my day went with the children…so I told him. I said there was yelling screaming and slamming doors and the kids weren’t very good either. When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I would always say a mom. I love my children. I love spending time with them, most of the time. They make me very proud, but their kids. Sometimes they push me right to my limit. Does this sound familiar to you? I think we all need coping skills. Some of the very same skills we teach our kids can work for us. Stop and think, count to ten, leave the room, take a deep breath, whatever it takes to collect yourself just do it. These all seem like such easy ideas, and they are. The hard part is remembering to use them. If your kids’ make you want to scream, or even if you do, it doesn’t make you a bad parent. It’s how you handle it that makes you a good one.
Just something to think about.

A Little Something To Do

Gratitude, it's a good thing