General
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 the gift to travel along side them, to PREPARE them, not do it ALL for them. Let’s raise children to understand that they...
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 without distraction. To feel safe, loved and heard, we first must be SEEN by those we love. Once we know we are seen, then we know...
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 moment. UGH. But it’s true, and these are the people I struggle with the most. You know the ones that think they are,...
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 because he is an amazing young man with a big heart, but he is still a teen. So is my daughter Grace. If you have teens under...
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 really are feeling. Don’t numb, blame or disengage, stay in the story, own it and be brave enough to write new endings....
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 song) for 2016… Andra Day singing; Rise Up Rising up today~ What about you? Do you have a theme song? SING it LOUD as you...
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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.