A large part of being a grown up is how you handle the day-to-day set backs that leave you frustrated, disappointed, and ready to throw in the towel. I'm not talking about the big things that change everything like illness or accidents or tragedies. Those are in a category all by themselves, and you never know how you will react until they happen directly to you. I'm talking about the curve balls that life throws at you just to make sure that you're on your toes. The things that leave you … [Read more...] about i get knocked down, but i get up again.
authenticity
something to look forward to
Recently I was reading a blog post by writer and blogger Jeff Goins. He was sharing that one of his secrets to marriage success is having a common goal or something to look forward to. You can check out the post here. I forwarded the blog post to my husband, because I thought it would be an interesting conversation piece and then I wrote down the following in my notebook where I keep all of my random thoughts: I need something to look forward to. And there it sat for weeks. I need something … [Read more...] about something to look forward to
getting out of a rut
There are some lessons that we have to learn over and over again. That doesn't make them any easier. It actually makes it even more frustrating - haven't I already been here before? I'm feeling less than inspired this week, and I can't seem to put my finger on what is holding me back. So I've dusted off a few of my tried and true techniques for getting out of a rut: 1. Start small. Just do one tiny thing, but start. 2. Be good to your body. Exercise, make good food choices, get plenty of … [Read more...] about getting out of a rut
i wish my family was…
I wish my family was... Rich. That's how my eight year-old son filled in the blank prompted by his day-by-day journal. I hadn't been intentionally spying. I was straightening his room and just picked up his journal and opened it to a random entry to see if he was still journaling daily. I wish my family was rich. I felt like I had been punched in the gut. How had I failed to instill our values, a sense of perspective and an understanding of what is important? Because the truth … [Read more...] about i wish my family was…
everyone will get what they need
It's getting old. Really old. Have you ever noticed how our culture tends to typecast modern parents into roles that don't reflect real life? Moms are portrayed as pulling their hair out trying to keep everything together while dads wander around with an aw-shucks look on their face like they don't know the first thing about their own children or how to function. It's so weird to me because this doesn't reflect the world of families that I see around me. Most of the families that I … [Read more...] about everyone will get what they need
a little bit of grace
There's a little bit of grace in this blog. Just when I think I might be done, that I might have nothing left to say, that I might have lost my focus or purpose or be flailing a little, I get a message or an email or someone tells me in person how much they enjoy it. How it makes them think. Makes them laugh. Helps them gain perspective. It feels like a gulp of air after being underwater too long. And so with a renewed spirit and a full heart, I keep going. But let's be clear. I … [Read more...] about a little bit of grace
confession: i hoard travel magazines
My passport is expired. I haven't left the country in 12 years. Yet, I have subscriptions to five different travel magazines. A few years ago I had some extra airline miles so I cashed them in for magazines. Travel magazines. (This is how I get the majority of magazines that arrive at my door. If you love magazines, you should totally look into it.) At the time I had this unspoken idea that I could transform my career and become a travel writer focusing on family travel. In the name of … [Read more...] about confession: i hoard travel magazines
things that no one ever says to me
Things that no one ever says to me: You're so tan! Did you just get back from the beach? Don't worry about the bathroom, I'd love to clean it. You look so well rested. Can I not play on the iPad? I have so many clean clothes, I don't know what to wear. I already cleared my dishes. I know exactly where my shoes are. But we already have so many pictures of you. Can we just sit around and read today? You don't look old enough to have two boys that age. What are people not saying to you … [Read more...] about things that no one ever says to me