Things to STOP doing…
Gentle Reminder Parents “I am thankful for all those that said “No” to me. It’s because of them I am doing it myself.” Albert Einstein Remember to give your kids the gift of “doing” it themselves… It’s in the “doing” that they learn, become independent, gain wisdom, and build their self-confidence. STOP doing everything for them, STOP fixing all their mistakes, STOP forgetting where you end, and they begin. It’s their journey to travel and we parents have been given...
read moreDo you SEE me?
I have said it for years, the 3 most important things for a healthy, loving relationship is to feel safe, loved, and heard. But there are two other words that seem to be rising up recently. With all the technology I am finding many who don’t feel SEEN, or know (feel) that they MATTER, because we are all running around like chickens with our heads cut off. This is true for spouses, children, friends… Our schedules are so full and our faces are looking at screens, we hardly have time to look at those we love in the eyes, or listen...
read moreMessiness of Lent
Keeping it real and honest during Lent… Hoping I don’t offend:) The other day Grace and I were riding in the car together when someone came up in conversation, I mentioned that I thought they acted as if their poopie didn’t smell. Grace made a face, like she smelled something bad, then replied, “I don’t like that phrase. Why do you say that?” I giggled saying, “Because everyone’s does. It’s just a fact of life, it keeps us all human.” I know, not the best mothering...
read moreKeeping it Real on the Parenting Field…
Keeping it real on the parenting field… What a week. We ran through it, trying to not “bump” into each other too hard. It felt like an obstacle course of edgy feelings, over-tired tones, rushed ungrateful grunts. I looked at my son Jackson at some point, when he was embracing his 15, almost 16 year old commander role, “Telling” me what I needed to do, when I gently reminded him that I don’t actually work for him. In fact my role is called MOM and my ranking is above his. I say this...
read moreMaking Up Stories
“The most difficult part of our stories is often what we bring to them, what we make up about who we are and how we are perceived by others. Yes, we might have messed up, but what makes the story so painful is what we tell ourselves about our own self-worth and value.” Brene’ Brown So, you had a bad day, made a poor choice, hit a parenting low, didn’t use kind words, lost a client, fought with your spouse… You were not at your best. Okay now what? Stop and ask yourself “WHY?”. Be honest about what you...
read moreMy Theme Song
About 11 years ago David ,my oldest son gave me a theme song. “He said, “Mom this is your theme song.” He picked it, he was right, it was perfect. Since then I have always had one playing in my mind, throughout different seasons of my life. Sure, they change just like the seasons, but it’s great to have one to sing, hum, or dance to. We, the tribe, love music. It can heal places that are hard to reach, make us smile, and cause us to get up and dance! Found a new favorite artist (what a voice), and theme song (what a...
read more7 Days In…
Question: 7 days into 2016… How is your ONE WORD working? IF your One Word has not challenged you, stretched you, made you pause, change a course during the day, or made you stop, think, or laugh out loud… You might not have the right ONE WORD. Mine is RISE, and already there have been a couple of circumstances in these past 7 days that were challenging. Why did I pick that word?!?! Oh yeah, that’s right, because I can get stuck in my mess, comfortable with the norm, not see beyond the weeds, or maybe feel sorry for poor...
read moreLifting isn’t Loving
Keeping it real in the “Ah Ha” moments of owning a dog and parenthood… I have this really cute dog, Moglee. He was little when we first got him and couldn’t get his cute little self up in the car when we took him along for rides, so I would bend down and lift his little furry self into the back seat. Well as he grew, I kept lifting that furry fanny into the car. He would run to the garage, then stand by the car, waiting for me to lift his backside up into the backseat. And I did. Day after day, month...
read moreFirst things First…
Hello Monday… Boy did that alarm go off early. RISE A few thoughts to get us up and going this first day back to real life… School, jobs, day to day doings. First blessing of the day, a little cool air to kick it off! Next, let’s show up. Practice mindfulness as you walk through this day. Be ready for change, because we were designed for change. Everything God created changes until it dies, so since we are not dead, we “get to” change. We “get to” become more of what God intended us to...
read morePage 1 of 365
So, Cheers! The New Year is here… It’s important to take a look back at what worked last year, what didn’t. Where you grew. What you learned and what wisdom you were given in 2015, so that you know HOW to move forward into the 2016. A few tips to kick off the New Year…*Be INTENTIONAL daily about what matters, and where your time, energy and resources go. Otherwise you will find yourself wasting your most precious gifts.*Begin. Quit talking and just simply BEGIN. *Work hard on the...
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Merrill Is a mother of 5 who has found her calling in sharing her experiences from life with others. She can help you break out of your routine to live life to its fullest potential.