Meditation Monday- What does balance mean to me?

Lately balance to me had been more of an inward search.But there are many ways we view balance.Find your definition of balance.Most of us measure it in time.Last week that is what I talked about.I talked about reviewing your week and planning.

I have been thinking a lot of the quality vs quantity. If we measured our day just in the quantity we would be missing something.It is not just about crossing things off a to do list.It is the quality of time and being present in that moment.Can I really be playing with my kids if I am looking or talking on the phone?Maybe I am lost in thought about all I have to do today.That is why I write and plan more specifically to that which Is important to me.I like that there is not just one way of doing things.I have many options to look at.So really you need both quantity(How much of something) and quality(how and what you and all of those involved get out of it.

Quality matters when we are talking about the different areas of our life.If we neglect some areas like our fanilies or health or our couple time it will start  to show in all areas of our life.You cannot focus on just one area of your life.I found a post that has a great exercise to do to show how you need to look at life as a whole,even though there are different areas we devote our time to.

1. Draw a large circle on a piece of paper and divide it into 8-10 pie wedges.
2. Label each section with an area of your life that is important to you. Examples include family, friends, health, work, recreation, money, personal growth, spirituality, romance, physical surroundings and more.
3. Rate your satisfaction in each area of your life. Think of the circle's outer edge as total satisfaction and the center of the circle as total dissatisfaction. In each wedge of the pie, place a small dot to indicate your relative satisfaction in that area of your life. (For example, if you are just moderately satisfied, place your dot in the middle between the center and the edge.
4. After rating your satisfaction in each pie wedge, connect the dots to create a new outside perimeter for your circle. If you were to roll your circle like a wheel would it roll smoothly or be bumpy?

I have been spending a lot of time on spiritual so I know my wheel is a little bumpy. I am being less and less time on it each day.My home is going to need some "tlc" but I won't neglect my spiritual side or my health.I am going to make sure I am reading my scriptures and working on a personal habit for that month.

I realize too that balance is going to take a lot of work and planning.My husband and I were talking the other night about how he feels he doesn't spend enough time with each kid.He asked "how can I find the time?" I think a lot od us ask this question.The best way is to make it a priority.Schedule it,schedule it and schedule it!
The best thing to do is not try to make too many changes at one time.Tweak and tweak some more.
 Here are some questions to help :
What do you I need to do to get out of the door in the morning?
What do I need to do to keep my home running smoothly?
What can I do at night to make my days run more smooth ?
What makes me happy?What doesn't?

Meditation Monday-4 ways to find balance in your week and life

I noticed that many of you have really liked my post about 3 ways to bring balance into your life so many of us are searching for more balance?Is it easy for you to do?Life is not easy itself.As we become more comfortable with how we define balance and what is important to us it gets easier!   When we take our first steps in life as a young child we are often off balance and can fall quite easily.If we fall do we get back up.Not always right away but we do and we get better and stronger.
In the circus those who walk the tight rope need to have really good balance.Often we feel weighted down with things.However,most of these day to day choices are voluntary.Some are not of course.My point is, if we have too much and what you are doing isn't working or you don't have enough time in the day;would you walk out on that rope?It takes practice to juggle more than one thing.So why not start back at just trying to balance and walk on your own.You might be thinking you can't just drop everything!I have work,school,kids,meals..the lust can go on.Of course you do.I am merely suggesting you pick a weekend, or a day to get your bearings back.If you are overwhelmed,chances are you put yourself there!Ask your spouse,family or friend to tend to whatever and get away or kick everyone out of the house.

1.If you really did it!Congratulations! I know that was hard!Next,you are going to use half an hour,hour,2 hours,whatever you need to do something relaxing.Go for a walk,a drive into the mountains,meditate, give yourself a spa treatment.Whatever! I bet it has been a while since you have done anything for yourself.In my post about finding balance the first step was to schedule time for you.You deserve it!Enjoy it because next you are going to battle with yourself.Be prepared to ask yourself some tough questions!But you should be relaxed right?

2.Write down each day in your week.Start from when you wake up till you go to bed.See where you spend your time.I look over my week on Sunday.I don't always make a list but I figure out what I want to do better and how I can be better and start fresh on Monday.It is as if your slate has been wiped clean.There are no mistakes yet just a new day with lots of possibilities!You make it a great day!On Sunday it is review time.Where is your time going?You can find your biggest time wasters this way.If we want time we have to make it!

3.Pick 3 things to eliminate from your week.I can hear the protesting now!Tough love! That is what this is right?Here is a look at one of my days to get you started.

Monday
7:00-wake up feed baby or start breakfast.Get dressed.The others who dwell here emerge from their cave.
8-between 7 and 8 kids up,eat,dressed,clear dishes and leave for school.
9-when I get back from dropping off my kids I go for a walk at about 8:30 or 9.If there are phone calls,Internet I write how long I am tied up with those at any point in the day.Typically it is a few minutes here or there.
9:30 or 10-I am home and eat a snack and make sure dishes are in dishwasher or unload it.I feed the baby,change diapers.Then I spend time with my kids.Tuesday and Thursday us preschool from 9:30-11:30
10:30 or 11-  on Mondays I clean because the weekend is to hard to clean.I set my timer for 15 minutes and clean.Sometimes that is it!Other times I will go longer until 11:30
11:30-12:00-lunch and clean up.Stories.Feed baby
12-2 is quiet time ideally. This time is me time.I nap,read,prepare lessons ,blog,or clean.My baby isn't much of a napper.
2-3:15get ready,clean up,let dog out,pick up kids and get them snacks
3:15-4 free time for kids and I feed the baby
4-4:30 is study time
4:30 or 5-clean up kitchen and table,dinner prep and as much clean as I go.
5-5:30-kids chores and clean up rooms
5:30-6:30dinner,clean up get ready for next day all pitch in or Mon gets mad!
6:30-7:30-Family time
7:30-8:30-quiet time.stories and bed
9-10-Mom and Dad time,go over next day,finish blog,night routine
10-bed
As you can see most of my time is accounted for but sometimes things take longer and throw me off! Plus this schedule evolved after many failed attempts!You have to go through it if you want others to right ?There might be a lot or just a few places you need to adjust or use your time better.Maybe you need a whole new habit.I realized, and I am embarrassed to say it took me so long but,I realized if I don't make keeping my kitchen clean a priority then it builds up and I waste a lot of time playing catch up.I have made it 11 days now with a clean kitchen by the time I go to bed.I have really disciplined myself!Also I have noticed if others in my family do not share this same enthusiasm for a clean kitchen(namely my kids);I just do it myself without anger.I can train them later.
Once you start seeing your time wasters eliminate them or spread what you have to do in shorter bursts.
"When you can't do a lot do a little."This tip is part of 10-tips-to-get-back-on-track-when-life-derails-your-productivity/#more-18488.If I am low on motivation or energy I set a timer for 5 minutes.If that is all I can do,I smile dry good job!Maybe I need to try again tomorrow and work on my attitude for that day.Here is a great post on how-to-start-your-week-with-your-batteries-fully-charged.

There are always 3 tasks I must do or do a little of each day.
1.kitchen/laundry/5 minutes declutter
2.big item like pay bills,grocery shop,or an errand 1/day
3.Time with my kids and husband
4.If I have time, to work on a personal goal.Areas for personal can be an attitude check,blog,house and so on.I try to do something for my mind,body and spirit.

When I go to bed I make sure I know where things are and lunches,clothes are ready to go.Where is the laundry?Is it wet,in the dryer,or needing to be folded?How is my kitchen?Have I done something in all four areas.For now with young kids that is the most essential.My other cleaning tasks will have to wait until my Hubby is home to watch the kids.There is a lot of tweaking to do for cleaning but I just can't worry until my kitchen habit is in place.
Here are a few areas you may want to look at changing:
Morning routine,bed time,how much screen time you are getting,how much time spent at home and away from home.What are your commitments?

4.The last tip to bringing back balance is to review your week and see how it went.This is best done at the end of the week.What worked and what didn't?Try something another way.Add or take something away from your schedule.Don't add anything else until you are sure you can handle it.Imagine having 24 hours and you deciding how you would use it .What honestly if you could choose, would be at the top of your list?What would be at the bottom?You may have to say no to good things but until you have found that balance back you want to start simple.Once you have done these reviews,which I would recommend scheduling into your week,you will start to see where you spend your time.It may be with family,home,work,social,spiritual,personal.All these areas need time bocked out for them.Each of us is different.Start now.Change happens a little each day.It will all come together.Unexpected things happen.Just have a plan B and try to get back.Till next week.

Breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

I remember today 2 years ago,like It was yesterday.I had hit rock bottom.I had 3 kids and if it weren't for them I don't think I would have gotten out of bed most days!I had been so sick,I caught everything and to add to it someone I had come to call a friend had ripped me to shreds emotionally.

A dear friend had been begging me to see her doctor.After seeing other doctors and spending an insane amount of money I relented.It was today  that her doctor looked at blood results from another doctor and said" So how long have you had celiac."
"What" came from my shocked lips and I cried and cried.I am so grateful too my best friend for following the spirit and being there for me when my world was crashing down.I couldn't have done any of it without the love and patience of my husband.I am also grateful to my husband's family  for all their love and help.I am so grateful!I am healthy and happy and have a life I am proud to get up for! Of course none of this would be possible without Jesus and this gospel! I encourag  if you wake up wondering how you are going to make it through another day or you find yourself in a dark place,pray and pray some more.

Meditation Monday-How to let the light in

I struggle in the winter without sunlight.The light for me is important to many happiness.I feel like I walk in darkness.It is a challenge to get up and get moving.As many of you know I have been doing a little bit of soul searching.I was reading in a general conference talk by Pres.Dieter F. Uchtdorf The hope of Gods light.Do you ever hear or read something that is meant for you word for word?This talk was meant for me.Whatever your darkness may be there is light.Uchtdorf suggests how to open ourselves to God's light.There are 3 ways.Sometimes other people just say it better than I can!
First, start where you are.

"The perfect place to begin is exactly where you are right now. It doesn’t matter how unqualified you may think you are or how far behind others you may feel. The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of His light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come."

Second, turn your heart toward the Lord.

Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let Him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with Him in Christ’s name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear His voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see His light.

Third, walk in the light.

Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes. He knows that you will stumble—perhaps many times. This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be.

"The word "imperfect" actually spells "I'm perfect"
because everyone is perfect in their own imperfect ways."author unknown
I love this!We take each step,each hour and day one step at a time!

Give yourself a break.Take a step forward and slowly let in the light.


Breathe, relax and be calm

Meditation Monday-3 steps to a calmer you!

There is too much anger in this world.The way we act towards this emotion varies.Some seem to know when they need to walk away and others become critical,volatile or abusive.It happens to the best of us.Road rage is a good example of a dangerous response to anger.I knew someone who got so mad they kicked a cupboard and broke their toe! Our previous tenants in our rental punched a huge hole in the wall.Angry birds is a popular application today.Speaking of which,there is a great you tube video from angry birds about controlling your emotions.

Anger cannot be contained.If emotions are bottled up for too long they come out all at once like a volcanic eruption! When we are yelling I think that is a sure sign that we are not in control anymore!Who is?I suggest at least 3 steps to get control of yourself again.

1.First of all how many of you have tried progressive relaxing?This is where you tighten a group of muscles, like in your toes and then,release.Notice after you progress up your body how relaxed you feel? When we are angry we tense up but unless we control our anger and can get rid of it we don't relax and we don't feel better.Once you recognize when you are angry you can find ways to let off steam.

2.After we have figured out what our body feels like when we are Angry.We need to identify triggers.This can be tricky.For me a diary is always a way to see if there is a pattern and ultimate ultimately the cause of my anger or whatever the problem may be.I am not sure where this acronym originates but it is HALT.The idea is if you are any of the following to recognize it and stop or halt until you have addressed it:
H-hungry
A-angry
L-lonely
T-tired
It is easier said than done but taking a few deep breaths,drinking some water,calling a friend or laying down for a minute can all help us calm our stress and frustration down.We need to take care of our basic needs first!It is no surprise to me that anger is a trigger itself!How many times have we not even know what we are angry about? If it is my kids I tell them to cool off in their room or put them down for a nap.Why is it so hard to manage ourselves?The demands and busyness of our lives are a big factor.Slow down,halt,breathe and think it through.Anger is like playing with fire,you don't know who is going to get burned.

3.Like I mentioned before,it is ok to be angry,but it is how we act to release that anger that matters.It has to go somewhere.My next step would be to suggest you find a healthy outlet.Do you prefer a)physical diffusing by running,swimming or other forms of exercise.I sometimes like to clean. I feel my stress in my hands as I scrub away and I do it fast and I don't even realize it!For some they might be b)more quiet outlet like meditation,yoga.Lastly c)you just need to talk it out with a friend.Try all or some of these if you are not sure.

Anger is unpredictable but it doesn't have to make you out of control.The last thing anyone wants is to be a ticking time bomb!Try to re-teach yourself and redirect this emotion and you can be a calmer happier,healthier you!

Meditation Monday -Why don't we go for it?

It seems like it was not long ago I Ieft my parents to move and get married to a place where I didn't know anyone. All my childhood friends gone.I only knew my husband and his family.When I moved I had bronchitis and I was lonely.But, I just had the happiest day of my life,why was I having such a hard time?
To make any kind of decision requires some sacrifices.Some of life's choices require a leap of faith.If only we had a crystal ball to see if we will be happy with our choice.These choices can be hard and accepting the outcome of them is even harder.What if we know what we want to do but we don't do it? I knew I wanted to write this blog but I didn't do it for a while.Why don't we just jump in? There are 3 obstacles we must overcome before we make a hard decisions.They are the following
1.Negative thoughts.No one can hurt us more than ourselves.A few negative thoughts and we are ready to put on the breaks! However this first obstacle is important because, then we feel we have thought it through.If we think of all the negative then we think of the positive.However,sometimes we are positive until these negative thoughts creep in.If we decide to move forward then the second obstacle comes into play.2.The roles we play.We are mothers/fathers,wives/husbands,homemaker,friend and so on.When we hit this obstacle we fear it will affect these roles or they just occupy our time till that is all we have time for.Think of for each role and its jobs.Visualize that for each role and its jobs you are handed a book.Pretty soon it is too much and you have to let something good go.
Last if we make it past 1 or 2 ,the last obstacle is the hardest to overcome.3.Not taking action.We have to get past the thinking and planning and do it!There are many reasons to not take action after we have thought it through and made sure we have time.It can be fear,or not knowing where to start.Maybe our family or friend has expressed concern and now we are having second thoughts.We may be all ready and then we push it and pack it away in the back of our minds.Then it is really hard to do it and it is a dream we have that one day we will.
I wish I knew how to overcome these obstacles.I could give you a "how to" formula.Sometimes it just takes time.Other times we just keep getting stuck on these 3 obstacles and we cycle through them over and over.At some point we accept it and decide whatever happens we will endure.Once there is true acceptance we can jump in!

If you are holding back from doing something ask yourself truly why?Are you stuck in this same way of thinking?Is what you think is holding you back really just you and fear? I hope if you have put something off that you will look at it again and leap.Do you really fail if you are trying?Or do you fail because you quit trying?

Breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

This week I will really have to be very conscious of my stress level.We have had so many issues with our car and things breaking in the house.It is really is hard to think positively or keep any kind of order in my home,but here it goes!

We really have so much to be thankful for. We have food,roof over our heads,great and healthy kids.Just to name a few!I am counting my blessings not the last few hours of my sanity.I really try to be strong for my family so they don't see that I am worried.Am I burying it deep and stressing without my knowledge? Have I become used to stress? How do you handle stress?

I saw this really great mmeditation you can do and I tried it today, and loved it!This meditation really calmed me right down.What you do is press your fingers to your thumb one at time and each new time is a new saying
I am ready
I am steady
I am clear
I face fear
Repeat 11 times....

I hope you enjoy and check these guys out on Facebook .They have lots of goodies and exercises!

Join us this week for some buggy yoga fun and,Take back your Turf Thursday!

Until next time...breathe, relax and be calm.

Meditation Monday -4 ways to make a lasting change.

It has been a while since I've posted any Meditation Mondays.Like most of you,my summer has been a little crazy!

 A few years ago I was in a really bad place in my life.I was sick and didn't know why. I  was able to find peace and happiness when I had been so sad and lost. I discovered life had a blueprint that ever I got off track I could use that blueprint to get where I wanted to be in my life.With God I can wipe my slate clean and start over again thanks to forgiveness and repentance.What makes me truly happy is teaching and playing with my kids.Then, I love to share it with all of you! If I can help just one person see that their best is good enough!I hope to inspire someone to play with their kids more.

There are all kinds of blueprints out there.Let's look at a blueprint for house. A house needs something to hold it up something it can stand on. Besides relying on God and creator to hold me up and strengthen me,I can decide what I want the overall outcome of my life to be. I make goals to be better and make my families life better too!As my life has changed I have made improvements and "add ons".With each new season and each new challenge it seems to change it constantly.As the kids get older and more independent, I have to look at what's working and what is not working.This is done on a weekly ,and even daily basis! Just like a new addition to a home,a new addition to the family requires a lot of work and a lot of rearranging.We have all seen a construction zone.It is a mess.After we have made a plan and we are building it into our lives it is a mess and there are things that have to come together to make it complete.I am going to list the important components in implementing and creating what has been envisioned on a happiness blueprint.
1.Time
How much time do we have to accomplish our goals.Every bit of the process takes time.For example,evaluating and writing our goals.Next,we put it to the test and re-evaluate.We have to look at our daily demands on our time to? Can we squeeze more in or do we need to eliminate something?
2.How much is it going to cost?
What we do on a day to day basis costs energy from us.How much do we have? Some days or even weeks I have no energy at all.Tasks take thought and preparation.
3.What materials will I need?
These materials are whatever we need to make this change.It may be as simple as changing a bad habit or putting a new habit into effect.
4.Who is involved in the building process and how and what will they be paid?
If I am changing a rule or how the house is run I need to prep my family and make sure they are willing to do their part.When workers are paid they are more likely to do their work.What is in it for you and your family.Is their payment success? Is it that their room is cleaner or they have more time to do what they want?

With this new school year approaching all my routines, and the amount of work at home, and at school is changing. I will have less time,and more demands on my time then seems possible.As my kids get older they are more involved in things like soccer,dance and Scouts.The baby needs my constant attention.What about housework?How many days do my other kids get the attention they crave?Due to all the demands on my time I decided not to homeschool all my kids.We prayed about it and felt any school option would be right.I will be doing preschool but my oldest 2 will be going to a Charter school. I will continue to work towards homeschooling but my family and I are content on the decision we have made.

What are the decisions you have to make?Have you looked at all your options?

D&C 9:8

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

Breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday -7 ways to make it through your week without your spouse

These past few weeks have been really tough with my hubby on business trips and Scout camp.First off I want to know how you single parents can do it! I haven't had a break in several months.If there is anything I have learned that is so important for a Mom to do is to make time for yourselves. It is really hard to do! I have been so stressed and tired.I have yelled and lost my cool more than I would like to admit! It has been hot and the kids have been fighting more.How can we find the time? How can we find peace?

1.Start over! Let's look at our happiness blueprint again.Stop and look at what is most important. What I mean by this is to realize whatever you did or didn't do so far is in the past.If your house is a mess decide this week what needs to be cleaned and be specific. Don't just say you want to clean the kitchen. Break it down.For example dishes,counter, floor,table.Maybe you want more than one room.Each day can be a couple of rooms .I think you get the idea right?You are on your own give yourself a break!Short sessions are better than a couple long ones.
2.Delegate to your kids.I know most of you are thinking this is more trouble than it is worth!I hate to nag and make sure they get it done.This is a tough one.You can come up with a reward system. Start with lots of praise and rewards every time ,then as they get in the habit, taper off until their reward is a job well done!
3.If all else fails ask for help.It may feel like a defeat but to catch up sometimes we have to.
4.After you have done the first 3 steps you need to figure out what is left. There is activities to keep kids occupied and dinners,time to relax etc.....Schedule it all!Schedule one day out and one day at home. I have said it before and I will say it again.Write as much down as you can until it becomes second nature to you.
5.Plan your meals, make them ahead and cook meat to use for several meals.My crackpot is simmering away as we speak.
6.After you have planned it all be prepared to be flexible. Some things will take longer. Your kids may be in bad moods that day or sick. Maybe you just don't have strength that day.
7.It is tempting to do all the chores before bed but then you run out of juice for me time.So instead set a timer for 15 min or so, do the essential things, and then have some down time! Best of both worlds right?This is when I need to do my meditation and let go of the stress for the day!There is a lot of it!

What do you like to do to relax or wind down at the end of the day?

Laundry is done!

Meditation Monday

This morning we said the pledge of allegiance for school.We talked about how we are protected by God,but we need to be doing what is right.We as a nation get caught up in our differences,and it divides us, at times.This is the opposite of the ideas our country was founded on.We take many of our freedoms for granted.We claim the privilege of worshipping the almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how,where,or what they may.(Articles of faith 11)These cherished beliefs and the safety of our family is what we should be fighting for.I don't want this to sound preachy but rather ignite or re-ignite our duty and desires as Americans.We may not agree with someone or even a group or cause ,but let us love each other as God intended and let us be indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

What does it mean to be united?How are we united as a family?As parents it is important that our children see us as one.Sometimes the kids think I am in charge.If you ask them why they say it is because I am older.Too funny!But it is an eye opener to see what kind of example we set for our kids.We must be aware of how we are perceived.We will fight to teach our kids whats right!We will fight to bring them back home here on earth and to our home in heaven.Peace be with you all.

Breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

There are only 2 weeks left of school.I can't believe it! This Summer will be a test to see if I like or can do homeschooling.However, it will be a lot more relaxed version.There is still a big fear to actually go through with it.Fear can stop us in our tracks.What am I really afraid of? What are your fears?

I need to get to a point where the way isn't so dark and scary.It will take a big leap.It also means that I have to take another look at my happiness blueprint.What made me happy 10 years ago,a year ago or even a month ago has changed. The best way to evaluate your blueprint is to set a goal.What are you looking for?Do you want the same thing you did a while ago?The more honest you are with yourself the better.Write it all down and don't forget the negative ones too.It is the only way to make them positive.I have been so busy with the baby I haven't had much time to do much else.I need to figure these things out.It's back to the drawing board for me! Will I take this leap of faith?What helps you make difficult decisions?

Breathe, relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

I am a little behind on my posts.I think my baby is teething.So for Meditation Monday I am doing just that.I am going to take care of my body so I can get some sleep.

Before I go here is our week.The school year is coming to a close.We are almost done with our letters.This week we worked on S.We traveled our Solar system.Also we talked about the creation.In addition we learned about the constellations.

The baby enjoyed the Nursery Rhyme Star Light Star Bright.We are talking to him as we change his diaper about his body.Here is our Sun hand print.Our song was Twinkle Twinkle little star. He is a strong 3 month old.He can hold his head up pretty much on his own.We also bought him a high chair.

The kids enjoyed the park and feeding the ducks.My 2 year old actually had one of the ducks bite his finger!

I missed posting my Take back your Turf Thursday. We are on week 8 of my countdown to getting ready for the beach.I am just mixing and matching the previous exercises.

My 2nd grader finished soccer this week.Yeah!Now maybe I can have my weekends back.

This week we play with the letter T and Transportation.

Meditation Monday

I am going to have to admit that I have not allowed myself to relax much.For the first time in years I really wanted a bath because I am so tense.Not to mention I am fighting a bad sinus infection.I get the whole stuffiness and headaches. Yet through it all I am voraciously searching.Some of it is still about homeschooling. Some of it I am not sure what I am looking for.Why do I feel this need?I have been on my knees trying to figure out where God wants me to go.I thought I had the answers but now I am not so sure.Do I jump in hoping for the best? Will I still be searching?Am I making my path too complicated?It seems to be leading me to the same place yet I keep looking.I am afraid! I am afraid to take that leap.
When have you taken a leap of faith?Are struggling now?I will continue on my knees.

Brethe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

Lately I have been troubled by what to do about my kids schooling.It has consumed me really.Maybe it started out as curiosity?Maybe it was the bad weather that got me started.All this research has opened doors I didn't know even existed! We are praying and asking the kids to do it also. The only thing about worrying so much that the idea is no longer fun.

I stepped outside and the Spring air was intoxicating along with the colorful blossoms.I was surrounded by a chorus of birds chirping and singing.I started listening and trying to figure out what birds they were.My point of this deviation is that sometimes the answers come when you relax and stop looking for a little while. This is the power of stillness, of letting go of things you can't control. It's not easy but I am content that God will lead me as he has so far.I am letting go of the stress and now I am listening.

What is on your mind? Can you let it go? What helps you find stillness?

Meditation Monday

What is the world coming to?I have been thinking a lot about what I am going to do next year with my kids.How do you feel about sending your kids out the door and not seeing them until almost 4:00.They are tired,hungry and you try to ask them about their day and they can't tell you about their day! I have been feeling like homeschooling for a while now.I don't want to because it's a trend or because I don't think the public schools aren't doing a good job.I have the utmost respect for teachers.I love teaching my young ones want their day to start with God.I want to see what they learn and learn myself.

I have had so many mixed messages about it.I know I can't keep them in a bubble or keep them from growing up.But how can we teach them when they are tired.They need to play and go at their own pace.These are the thoughts occupying my thoughts.I can't seem to get it out of my mind.I feel directed but I have no idea where to go from here.What are your thoughts.

Meditation Monday- 7 ways to be a better Parent today

Our homes should be s safe place where our kids can talk to us and be safe from all the bad things in this world.I have discovered 5 ways to be a parent right now!
 1.Make leaving for school and the kids returning home a big deal.Turn off t.v.,radio,put down the phone.Talk about what a good day they will have.When they come home ask  more open ended questions that you can more than a yes or no answer.If you ask them how was your day they could just say good or fine.If you say tell me about your day or your test.
2.If you need to do housework do it with your kids and have fun!For example,when you are doing dishes have them playing in the water with you or in bowls on the floor.
3.Make use of teachable moments even though they might be too young.You never know when you will have those moments again!
4.Get down on the floor and play with those little cuties.
5.Stop yelling and listen.If you can't,take a breather.
6.Make meals matter.mmm
7.Eat together,play together and pray together

Meditation Monday

Parents should wear capes.Or at least in the eyes of their kids they do.We take care of them,feed them,bathe and clothe them.I don't think we see the cape the same way they do.It can be an ideal that is hard to live up to.We start to think we have to do everything right all the time.In addition we may look at other parents as being better than us.The cape is very heavy that day and the villainous thoughts of inadequacy rob our minds of more happy thoughts.

On days where your kids behaviors is that of a wild creature from the jungle you may feel like you have failed in some way.A bowl of ice cream or chocolate usually helps.But all joking aside that is when they need you the most.Sometimes your kids will surprise you and clean their rooms or help you with their younger siblings.On those days they wear the cape and help us by making it a better day.I am more determined then ever to be a better Mom because if they don't have my full attention they will get it from someone or somewhere else.I might always be there to fly in and save the day but I can provide a safe place for them and help build them to be some other person's hero.

breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation or Motivation Monday

For those of you who have read my Meditation Monday I am thinking of changing it to Motivation Monday.It is more the direction I want to go.What do you guys think?

Now onto what I wanted to talk about.There never seems to be enough time in the day.What is stopping you from playing with your kids?Exercising?Finishing that project?Cleaning that one space that is bothering you?

Is it a busy schedule?No motivation?Do you feel overwhelmed? For some reason while I was thinking about the answers I kept thinking of Finding Nemo where the Dad is getting discouraged on his journey to find his son.He met a quirky little fish named Dori and she kept singing "JUST KEEP SWIMMING".Let's think about that and all it implies.When life gets hard you want to quit but you have to dig deep inside and just keep swimming.You may be caught in a net of despair or are to busy(or so you think) to stop and breathe or read a book to your child.Whatever it may be you have to take it one goal at a time.You can take it one day at a time or hour by hour.Whatever is easiest for you.I think I am going to need this to get through Spring break.That and a lot of deep breaths!My little tornadoes have already made a mess of the house!!!

Breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

I have been doing a lot of looking at myself lately.It has been challenging to say the least with 4 kids,1 of which is a new born.I have had to let a lot of house stuff go although I try.I started thinking back the last year or so when I had severe depression and how I barely functioned.There are many days or even several times a day where I sit there overwhelmed and cry.Then I blog about what the kids did and I realize that I am doing something.
We have been doing activities about Humpty Dumpty this last week and this week.He fell and they couldn't put him back together again.Well I have been put back together when I didn't think it was possible! It is not a matter of when you fall because I think we have all had hard times where we didn't think we could do it.Maybe some of us havn't but will.But again it isn't a matter of when you fall,its how you pick up the pieces and put yourself back together again!It can be piece by piece;day by day.You could use glue or your friends and family.The point is you get up and abandon all thoughts of hopelessness.Where are you on your journey?

You can be happy but you must look inward for your strengths and be kind to yourself in the process.Write thise thoughts down and turn it into a positive.For example, my thought today was that I got nothing done but my kids had fun with school and my daughter made me a I love you card.Love those! Make today,right now the best part of your day.Take a deep breath and treat yourself to something.The deep breath is very important!


Breathe,relax and be calm

Meditation Monday

How was your week? I felt a little more relaxed and found more time to be still.I noticed that I started to stress and tense up and I took a deep breath without thinking about it.I think we just need to retrain our bodies to breathe more deeply.

I taught the kids this week how to breathe and be still.One out of the 3 took it seriously.No surprise there! We took stuffed animals so they could watch their tummy rise and fall.
 

Recently my nights with my 5 year old have been rough.She won't stay in bed and if she does she won't go to sleep.I asked friends what to because I had tried it all!One friend asked me if I had asked her why she wouldn't go to sleep.It dawned on me that as parents when our kids act up we don't look at ourselves first to see if we are doing something wrong.What a thought.Are we as parents willing to ask ourselves the hard questions? Maybe we missed something?With 4 kids it is easy to not spend equal time with them.Especially the ones at school all day.Sibling rivalry is common.There is only one of us.I think that this deserves more thought.

What do you think?Until next time.

Breathe,relax and be calm