Life, One Lesson At A Time

I was thinking over the weekend of a few key things I have started taking to heart recently. I am guilty of many of the below and have had to take a huge step back and evaluate the emotions each of these provoke.

Comparison:

Be it in my family life or work life I have learned to stop comparing. What kind of mama am I in comparison to..? How is my blog in comparison? Maybe if I just do this the way Sally with 1MM followers does it, I will gain more. These are all conversations I had to stop having with myself. We all have our own parenting styles and some things I have adopted from others but I as a mama I have to make decisions based on my child and what I believe his needs are.

I have had to stopped reading the plethora of opinions on sites and bogging my mind down with so many uncertainties. My lil dude is happy, loved and healthy and that is what is important.

As far as my blog, I have my own talents and showcase them. If people respond that’s great, if not then that’s okay too. I am doing what I love.

“Fortunately, God made all varieties of people with a wide variety of interests and abilities. He has called people of every race and color who have been hurt by life in every manner imaginable. Even the scars of past abuse and injury can be the means of bringing healing to another. What wonderful opportunities to make disciples!” 

― Charles R. Swindoll

Unplug:

I have learned that family time is the most IMPORTANT way to spend your time. Social media accounts, blogs, emails, texts etc. are irrelevant in comparison. We have also learned to turn the TV off and the music on. We enjoy each other’s company and are mentally present while together. Cooper isn’t going to remember my posts on my blog or social media accounts. He won’t remember how many followers I have. He will remember me sitting on the floor playing trucks or dancing in the kitchen. He will remember cuddles and taking walks. These are the things that are important. I am amazed how much stronger we have become as a family unit since we have started our “Unplugged Time”.

“Give your child quality time. If you’re going to be with him for two hours, then disconnect from absolutely everything. Look at him in the eyes – get to know your baby. Sitting there as you watch TV is not quality time to me.” 

― Sandra Echeverria

Rituals/ Traditions:

Since having Coop we have started habits or rituals that make us unique and create a sense of family. I believe this will in turn create a sense of security and belonging in our home. With an ever changing world having a constant is special.

“Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.”

― Susan Lieberman

Flexibility:

I have had to learn that things change and they change rapidly! Being an OCD mega planner this has been the toughest for me. I have learned you can’t plan with kids! You can try but you will be disappointed. I am growing to be okay with it though and enjoy the challenges being a mama has thrown at me. You have to just throw your hands up and yell “Plot Twist” sometimes!

“If we lived the plans we do more as bets than as forecasts, we would be less anxious and more prepared for the unexpected.”

― Luigina Sgarro

While I can’t be a master at everything, I can invest in my house and my loved ones. I can put my priorities in place and grow from my experiences daily. At the end of the day, This is your life. Live it how you see fit for you and yours.