We’re homeschooling the kids which means… well, it means a lot of things 🫠 … but most importantly, this means that we get to customize a lot about what they learn and how they learn it.
I take the creative liberty to come up with assignments that I think will be meaningful and impactful to them. I’ve told their parents that if they have any concerns about my approach, they are welcome to write me a letter… I haven’t heard anything yet… 😎
There was one particular day last week when I felt the kids had an underlying anxiousness or they were easily irritable (?).
I’m not really sure how to describe it, but any parent probably knows the vibe I’m going for here…
I could sense that in them, so I thought, “Yup. We’re gonna do something about this!”
I had them come to front door and I said, “Hey, we’re going somewhere. But before we go, I want you to take a deep breath, close your eyes, and think carefully about how you are feeling right now…”
I needed them to NOTICE their feelings and thoughts.
Then, we slipped on our flip-flops, loaded up in the car, and went to a favorite local spot.
There, I sat on a bench with them and said,
“This is your assignment:
Go anywhere you want here. Take a seat by yourself, with nothing but your paper and pencil, and observe the world around you.
Write down as many things that you can see – here in the world around you – that you can be sincerely grateful for. “
And off they went!
They sat under the shade of the palm trees in the places of their choosing, and both kids looked around with an intent that was searching for good things to be grateful for.
As a mom, sitting from afar and watching them, my heart smiled. They were finding beauty and gratitude in the simplicity around them.
They both went at their work in their own way.
Manning came back with a bullet point list and a sweet little sketch.
Grace came back with a well crafted creative writing paragraph that included so many little things (not to mention “Mom” made her list 🥰).
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find.
After we talked about the assignment, I asked them, “By the way, how do you feel now?”
“Good!” they both said.
Hmm… Funny how that works.
A simple, intentional practice of gratitude had it’s way with them. ;)
There’s the old saying, and I’m not sure where it originated, but it’s so true: Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find.
Be intentional about what you’re looking for each day.
Be careful with your heart and mind.
If you’re looking for reasons to complain, you’ll find them, and it’ll shape who you become.
If you’re looking for reasons to be offended, you’ll find them, and it’ll shape who you become.
BUT
If you’re looking for reasons to be filled with hope, wonder, awe, gratitude… you better believe you’ll find those just as easily.
And guess what?
It’ll shape who you become!
The question really is: What are you looking for?
Look up.
Find the good.
Of course, that’s not always the easiest way to live. If it were, everyone would be doing it.
But YOU – you aren’t here to take the easy way out, are you?
Nah… You’re here to give it everything you’ve got and be proud of the way you’re growing into the best version of yourself.
Keep fighting the good fight.
You are worth it.
With love,
