March 14, 2010 – Simple Beauty

I wonder how many simple beauties like this we miss in a day?

Gorgeous.  Nature.  Blooming.  Flourishing.

Today’s picture of positivity.

~K

March 13, 2010 – Sunshine and Family

An entire day spent in the sunshine with my family.

Why look or even try to notice anything else?

A wonderful day to enjoy.   I saw a bumper sticker today too… on an old pickup truck, sitting in the shade under an big oak tree.  It said:  “TOO BLESSED TO BE TOO STRESSED”

I tried to remember this today.  It wasn’t hard.  A terrific day all around.

~K

March 12, 2010 – Sweet Dreams

There is a storm brewing outside.   I can hear the rain coming down and thunder around the corner.

I am excited to get under my soft covers and take notice of the soothing sounds of nature, thinking not of tomorrow’s plans that may or may not be now cancelled, but rather of all of the spring flowers that are being nourished by this rain and encouraged to bloom.  I will think not of the newly washed car that will be spotted or the outdoor furniture that will now be too wet for a picnic, but I will enjoy the natural lullabies that we will all fall asleep to tonight.

Perspective and notice.  Sweet dreams.

~K

March 11, 2010 – Quick Thoughts

“You co-create your existence”

– Tamara Cimmerian

I found these to be interesting thoughts… from an interesting person.  Applicable for whatever is on your mind or in your life today… make the choice that works for you, that results in the most positive outcome for your existence.

If I'm being honest, at first, the co-create thing had me a bit confused.   What do you mean, co-create? And then I got it.  We all have external components that add to who we become, what our existence exactly is, even from day to day.  But to succumb to all of that is giving in.  We are co-creators and the most powerful creators of all.   Choose what is best.  Be positive.  Be active.  Notice.  Breathe.  Recognize.  Hope.

Quick thoughts for today.  Peace.

~K

March 10, 2010 – And then…

Life is going on and on.  You feel pulled in a million
directions.  It’s rainy.  The house is dirty.  The kids are
screaming.  People are sick.  Some are dying.  Some have died. 
Life is moving.  Sometimes quicker than you’d like.  You’re trying
to hold on.  It’s a bit harder than you’d want.  You worry about
your kids.  And your husband.  And your parents.  And your
siblings.  And schools.  And Haiti.  And bottles for a 2 year old. 
And temper tantrums for a 5 year old.  And bank statements. 
And belly fat.  And… and… and….
And then…
You notice this…

Outside my upstairs window this morning, I
noticed my beautiful pink tulip tree starting to bloom. 


An affirmation that winter does end.   Our world is a cycle.  Life is precious.   Nature is beautiful.
~K

March 9, 2010 – Keep on’ Keeping On

I’ve been flying solo with the kids here a bit this week.  And they, the play castle, the lack of a vehicle… whatever.  It all got the best of me.  This morning, there was no Miss Peace of Mind, Postivity 365.   In fact, I was very, very negative.  I was down in the dumps.  I called my mom… weeping… cursing… wondering just how she did this job of parenting so many nights and days solo with more kids than I have.  

She told me it was hard.  To keep on moving on.  Continue with the day.   Move past the rough morning.

I then called a dear girlfriend.  I was honest about where I was (down in the dumps… way dumpy).  I dropped my child off to her.  Then I drove away and ran an errand or two before coming back.  We then had lunch together.   We enjoyed the weather together.   I think she enjoyed my company too, though at times I wondered if she was just hanging around to make sure I didn’t go off the deep end.  I don’t think so.  And if so, I’m still grateful.  We had dinner together.  Our kids went home and fell fast asleep.

I kept on moving.  Keep on keeping on’, right?  … even when the going gets tough.   I did just that today.  But I don’t pretend to have done it alone.  Today, I am more than grateful to a good friend and an inspiring mother who did  for years what I can barely do for a couple of days.  

~K

March 8, 2010 – More on Perspective

Do you see how some people make difficult things look easy? 

Tonight’s perspective came after a visit to a fast food restaurant/play area with a group of parents and children, myself and my kids.

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I was frustrated with myself for not being able to deal as well as I perhaps should have with the kids.   I was thinking about how I was sweating at the play castle, how I was chasing the kids, counting down the minutes until we could leave, wondering why I thought this was even a semi-entertaining idea and hoping that my behind was not hanging out of my pants while I was chasing a 2 year old up and inside of a play gym between bites of dinner, all the while silently gagging at the impending viruses now onto my hands and his mouth.   So disgusting.

And then I looked at the girl next to me, there alone, like me…  plus a kid.  She’s in a mini-skirt.  With make-up on.  Smiling.  Engaging.  Loving every minute of it.  Talking to her kids about what fun this was. 

I became frustrated at why I wasn’t  able to d-e-a-l better…

I took it another step and began to think of a friend I know who is dealing with a lot right now… and still doing it.  Still with the ability to call and laugh (and call and cry) but with shreds of positivity.  I then thought of a friend I know who is also dealing with a lot but who isn’t really dealing… just doing.   I’m not here calling people out or trying to covertly depict people in my life.  After all, I began this by confessing my complete inadequacies as a parent at a fast food joint tonight for starters….I’ve hardly room to talk or to point greasy germ covered fingers.

It’s just that all of this thinking and then this…. gives me a little more to think about.

“The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective. – Al Neuharth”

Food for thought tonight.   Her molehill was my mountain.   Maybe my molehill is her mountain.  Maybe not. 
Something to keep in mind, for me anyway.   Regardless of my excuses (or justifiable reasons) for being stressed overboard or hers for not being so, the bottom line, is her evening looked more fun… I want to be like that.    Not just in play castles (because really, that just MAY not be my thing) but in all aspects of my life… the ups the downs, the good times, the bad.   Something to think about… a work in progress here… but most certainly enjoying the work.

~K