Enjoy the Little Things

As many of us start to gear up for a new school year or a new season, stress creeps in. As a teacher, this is especially true. Beating the crowds for school supplies, outfitting myself and the baby, realizing that my 'free time' is dwindling, beginning to lesson plan and get the classroom in top shape, etc. The list truly goes on and on (so much so that I even dream about it). I will be the first to admit that I swing on the Type A side and I am anxious over much of life. I want everything to fit into a controlled box with all that I do. Admittedly, motherhood has changed that side of me a bit. That's what I want to talk about today. Today, August 7th, as things begin to be stressful again, I want to SLOW down and focus on a few of the sweet gifts that motherhood has thrown at me. I have been tinkering with these ideas and this perception for a while.

Seasons don't slow down and seconds aren't ever extended. As I have been able to be home with Julia this summer, I have also had time to think. I have had time to scroll one too many times on Facebook as well. I am sure you've seen the negative mommy articles that tend to circulate and how people negatively portray life with children or reiterate the scary, frustrating things. Sure, there are those days where you cannot get anything done: laundry is piling up, your freshly-vacuumed floor is quickly flooded with books and toys, your list of errands is still just a list, your intentions feel like they will always be intentions. I get it. We are busy. Some days we definitely feel tired and mentally weak. Believe me, I get that too. We also live in that kind of high-expectations, ever-busy society and to top it off, you're a mom.

The thing is, motherhood can be one of the very best stress relievers. Yes, you read that right. I'll say it again. Becoming a mom can reduce stress. Hear me out for a second: When you're a mom, you are forced to stop thinking about just yourself. It can be a good distraction from the daily grind. I'd like to offer you a positive (and hopefully convincing) To Do list that provides a variety of ways to soak in just how good motherhood is for the soul. This is a list of  Motherhood "To Dos" that will actually allow you to breathe deeply, calm your being, and laugh a whole lot more.

1. WALK

 Push that stroller. Take in some fresh air and stretch your legs. Peruse the neighborhood and narrate your surroundings. You might even notice something new.

2. READ

Use silly voices. Relive your old favorites. Read the same story so many times you've memorized it. Try to recite it in your free time (character voices are optional).

3. SING

Your baby doesn't know that you can't carry a tune. Sing! Sing anywhere. Sing all the time. Turn on Disney Pandora and belt it out.

4. DANCE

While you sing, throw in some ridiculous moves. Let her copy you. Have a dance party in the kitchen before dinner.

4. CREATE

When was the last time you sat in the driveway and drew with chalk? Now's your chance. Buy some big bottles of tempera paint. Show her how to mix colors. Buy fresh crayons and construction paper (Who doesn't love a new box of crayons?). Pull out one of those orphan socks and make a puppet. You can shamelessly keep the Amazon boxes an extra week or two and make a "house" or a "rocket ship." Why not?

5. PLAY

You now have a real excuse to go down the toy aisle (as if you needed one, right?!).  All your old faithful toys that have been housed in attic boxes can make a come back. Dress up. Blow bubbles. Imagine and dream. Relive the glory days. Find that little girl you used to be.

7. GO

Explore the city around you with new eyes. Explore the museum. Sit with a stack of books on the floor at the library. Watch her run through the splash pad at the park. Skip the crowd at the new restaurant for the Early Bird Special. Strap on the carrier and take a hike. Indulge in your hometown.

6. MAKE A MESS

Play in the sandbox. Put your hands and feet in. Make play dough over the stove. Roll it into a ball and then work it into a "snake." Eat ice cream and don't worry if it drips a little down the side. Watch your child try spaghetti for the first time. Take a picture. Love the mess (or at least try)!


7. DRAW A BATH

Fill the tub with stack-able cups, squirt toys, and lots of bubbles. Take in that lavender baby bath soap smell. Seriously, SWEETEST. SMELL. EVER. It wont last forever.

8. SNUGGLE

After that warm bath, settle in with the lights off and sit in that glider. Rock and just stare at that glorious gift in your arms. Don't look at the time or your phone. Notice how she looks that day. Stay in that moment without mentally fast-forwarding. Let time be where it is. Let yourself smile.

9. PRAY

Tell the Lord how grateful you are. Pray for her future. Pray for her development and her relationships. Let her be yet another wonderful reason to pray.

10. LOVE (ON REPEAT)

As you do these things over and over, enjoy them in her different and refreshed stages. Hug her, give her forehead and cheeks sweet little kisses. Tell her you love her. Your heart will be so thankful.


Remember to enjoy the little things.

Love,

Lauren