GRATITUDE: Still feeling so much joy from our late afternoon/early evening walk to get steps and ramen. There was a time when going for a 40 minute walk to eat at a restaurant followed by a 40 minute walk home would have been impossible.
FOCUS: Research day, solidify summer Yellowstone/Grand Teton planning…it’s SO BIG!
INSPIRATION: The Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park is the largest hot spring in the United States, 3rd in the world.
GRATITUDE: Weekend morning snuggles that end with everyone piled on top of each other and laughing.
FOCUS: Drink water, go to bed before midnight today to help make handling tomorrow better.
INSPIRATION:
GRATITUDE: Grateful for a morning to spend briefly celebrating dad’s 80th birthday with donuts. Wish he would slow down long enough to share more stories and just be, but I suppose by now I should know finding a more relaxed pace will never be.
FOCUS: It feels like it’s been an especially long week, despite (or because?) having an extra day off to spend together. No real expectations this weekend except to recharge and make sure everyone gets their downtime.
INSPIRATION: Sometimes seeing dad work so hard all his life makes me wonder if he really is happy or has found real joy, same for mom. So much doing and effort, which has been a true testament to hard work, determination, getting things done to provide for our family and make sure we had everything we ever needed. However sometimes it feels like they’ve lost sight of the important prize. It really has informed my own thoughts on what kind of relationship I want to have with my kids, with Eric, and with myself. I never really imagined doing what I am doing right now, but it feels important and essential. And for the most part I feel happy, appreciated, and that Jasper and Juniper are being supported in becoming pretty awesome humans.
I
GRATITUDE: Morning sunshine in January again
FOCUS:
INSPIRATION:
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GRATITUDE:
FOCUS:
INSPIRATION:
GRATITUDE: Having to squint today while feeling the sunshine on my face.
FOCUS: Wasn’t supposed to take the whole day but made tomato confit to clear out freezer space, bought groceries (which are getting way too expensive) at Costco, and washed Jasper’s bedding (long overdue).
INSPIRATION:
My philosophy is simple – Parenting begins with you, not with your child.
Dr. Charles Sophy
“Putting yourself first in the parenting equation may seem strange, yet it is intuitive. Think of it this way: On an airplane, in case of emergency, you must first secure the oxygen mask on yourself. Once you are able to breathe, you can then secure the mask on your child. So it is with parenting. Only after you are balanced and secure, can you then offer balance and security to your child. It really is that simple. You first. Everyday I hear the same concern from parents: “I don’t understand why my child is behaving this way.” My response is always the same: “Before I can figure out the problem or issue with your child, I must first spend time with you, the parent.” By learning about the parent first—both strengths and weaknesses—I am able to help them balance their own lives. There is no doubt that a parent with a balanced life, both physically and mentally, is a better parent. A parent more equipped to be a loving and healthy role model for their child. You owe it to your child to be the best possible you. Parenting really does begin with you.”
S: SLEEP
Are you getting enough quantity and quality of sleep? When you wake up do you feel good?
W: WORK
Are you fulfilled enough at work, even if staying home is your work, to be happy at the end of the day?
E: EATING
Are you using food to stay healthy and energetic? Is meal time a time for relaxation and communication?
E: EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
Do you let the important people in your life know how you are feeling? Do you allow yourself physical and emotional intimacy?
P: PLAY
Are you letting yourself enjoy life? Do you have a way to let go of worry and direct your energy to a positive place?
GRATITUDE: Thankful today for the 7 minute egg.
FOCUS: What can I do today in the 2 hours that are left to myself? I know! I’ll completely rearrange the kids’ bedroom and surprise them by the time they get home at 2pm.
INSPIRATION: Thinking about repotting the fruit trees to bigger containers has me feeling excited to get back to the garden again. Must do it while they are still winter dormant.
GRATITUDE: Glimpses of sunshine today and a trip west to the beach to explore new places like the Pacifica pier.
FOCUS: Enjoy the third day of this long weekend together despite feeling tired and not quite ready to launch into a new week.
INSPIRATION: Marveled at the evidence of nature’s power from the recent storms. Forces so great leading to broken street lamps, so much sand on sidewalks where it shouldn’t be, washed up and wind blown broken concrete tables and benches.
GRATITUDE: Late breakfast (9:30am), with Philz and library time with the whole family afterwards. Followed by puzzles, video games, and a 2 mile night walk, and a movie. Today was a good day.
FOCUS: Family day after a full week of work, school, activities, appointments and more. Nothing planned for the 3 day weekend but to chill, relax, and connect.
INSPIRATION:
GRATITUDE: Jasper’s first OT session went so much better than both he or I expected! Playing the floor is lava in the sensory gym and having an OT that knows about Dungeons & Dragons was such a huge win and a major relief. Grateful Jasper and I had lunch
FOCUS: Today I predict is going to solely revolve around giving the kids everything they need to build up awareness and independence skills. Jasper has his OT appt, then D&D at the Rec center. Remember to tell him how great a job he did pivoting when Nikolas and Varun didn’t show up and he had to walk to the Rec center alone, wait for Henry alone, not panic when Henry didn’t show up but really was just inside the lobby area instead, also for his walk from Rec Center to Burlingame Ave and meeting us along the way. Fostering the library study room dates for Juniper, Violet, and Lena. Tell Juniper how much of a leader she is and can be, how impressive they got so much work done with if just the short hour of time! This week I’ve constantly had on my mind different ways to build connections with my kids. Overall, this experiment has worked…but I’m so incredibly tired trying to remain in the moment with each of them.
INSPIRATION: —-