I keep visualizing a river. It flows smoothly, bending to flow around obstacles in full faith it will reach its destination. I keep visualizing this as a reminder of how I would like to navigate this current "adventure". Some days this visualization works better than others.

As I sat at lunch today my baby was yelling for milk (nursing) and mostly refusing the food I was offering. My preschooler was chatting nonstop, which is typical for her, about everything under the sun. And my husband was trying to tell me current events and his own thoughts on different topics. It was sensory overload. When I closed my eyes and tried to picture the river flowing it felt more like the rapids of a heavy downpour. 

Lunch ended with my preschooler hoping down from the table to go play happily, my husband returning to his office in the basement and the baby suckling happily in my lap. I myself felt a little like a tornado had just passed through and I was relishing the moment of quiet after the storm. And it only lasted a moment because then kids were up and ready to "run" again. ...So run we did as I stretched out an obstacle course for the baby to watch her sister perform. 

I'm grateful to observe the passing of my emotions. I'm grateful to pause and witness the overwhelm and do my best to just breathe. I'm grateful for the beauty of these moments. I'm grateful to find a way to bring myself back to the calm river. I'm grateful to recognize the need for all of us to talk and to get movement. I'm grateful to commit some time today to working out which I haven't made time for in several weeks.

How do you dispel the excess, whether it be energetic, sensory, or something else? What visual helps you come back to center?

May today keep us flowing smoothly as we navigate this new path. May we find ways to balance. Have a beautiful day!

I am loving how many opportunities have opened up, especially for parents and kids, during this lockdown. There are websites offering all kinds of different learning activities and science experiments for kids. There are videos of book readings. And Mo Willems, a children's author, is doing daily doodle instructional videos. 

I was a little skeptical on how well a drawing instructional video would work with a three-and-a-half year old. But as you can see in the pictures above, we did pretty well! Tomorrow we may try markers instead of colored pencil just so she can see her drawing a little easier but I was super impressed! 

There are online courses that some colleges are offering free which is amazing. I was also very happy to hear my Laughter Yoga community is having a call-in laughter conference the first ten minutes of every hour to help everyone release a little stress. I have not taken advantage of either of these opportunities yet but I'm excited for all these opportunities!

I'm grateful that so many people and organizations are opening up these great opportunities for everyone. I'm grateful for all the people reaching out through YouTube. I'm grateful to see so many creative ideas floating around from fellow parents. I'm grateful for so many ways to fill our days. I'm grateful to be slowly figuring out a new normal and new routines. I'm grateful for all this time with my kids getting to really watch them grow and see their strengths. I'm grateful to be doing my best to see the beautiful opportunity this lockdown is and share some of my creativity as well.

What opportunities are you finding during this time? If you are locked in, what are you finding to fill your day with joy?

May today keep our creativity flowing. May we find the beauty in the opportunities available to us. Have a beautiful day!

One byproduct of being home so much is the increase in quote book entries. My oldest daughter says the most hilarious things and we started a quote book on her when she first started talking. 

She earned her first entry when she was only fourteen months old. We were walking through a store and a nun (in her habit) walked passed. My daughter started yelling "boo! boo!" The kind woman stopped and said, "Well hi there sweetie." My daughter with amazing clarity said, "No, Ghost say Boo!" 

I have made entries in her quote book a couple times a month or so since she was about two years old. Now, being home with her even more than normal I am starting to wonder if we will need to order a second quote book to get us through the next weeks or months. 

According to my oldest daughter, "When I grow up (sister) is not allowed to suck on my nipples!" She picks flowers so she can put them in water so they won't die. And I can't even remember half the things she said at lunch today that had us laughing. 

Laughter is much needed these day and I'm grateful my daughter provides an abundance of it. I'm grateful she enjoys laughter yoga. I'm grateful she has started doing regular yoga with me in the mornings too. I'm grateful for her funny anecdotes and the innocent way she processes things. I'm grateful for her big heart and sweet hugs. I'm grateful for this time together. I'm grateful to have a quote book to record all these cute moments. And I'm grateful to think of the years to come when we can look back on these quotes and laugh together again and again.

What brings you laughter? Who brightens your day?

May we all have someone special to lighten the mood. May we celebrate these precious moments of togetherness. Have a beautiful day!

Despite our search, my daughter and I did not find any four-leaf clover today but I found something better. I found the relief I had been searching for in these stressful times. 

My anxiety has been up as I wrestled with the decision to keep working or not as the numebr of illnesses increases daily. As a massage therapist there is no "social distancing" I can do from my clients. Even working with a mask and washing my hands I still felt I was leaving myself and my clients at risk. Yet there were no clear answers for how long I should continue to work.

This evening as I once again wrestled with confirming or canceling clients for the upcoming days, I finally got a clear answer. I was walking laps outside my parents' home trying to release some anxiety before family dinner that we enjoy with them each week. A client texted and in the process of looking at my phone I saw a message from the association that sets guidelines for massage. They were strongly recommending that every massage therapist cease work immediately in keeping with their oath to "do no harm". It was like a huge weight lifted. I was crazy or over-anxious. I had validation!

I felt the stress melt from my body as I sent out the necessary information to my employer, colleagues, and clients. After a day of praying and doing everything I could from yoga to meditation music to find peace, my call has been answered. 

In my communication I learned that many people were nervous and seeking the same thing I had been, guidelines and clear boundaries. I had given that to them just as I was given. 

I pray that more people and companies are able to receive this blessing of clear guidance. I hope that they act soon to slow the spread so we can keep people safe. 

​I'm so grateful for the beautiful blessing today by the AMTA. I'm grateful to feel the anxiety lift. I'm grateful to be tucked safely at home with my beautiful family. I'm grateful to keep my clients and family safe. I'm grateful for my walk, yoga, meditation, and all other forms of relief I tried. I'm grateful to feel my prayers were answered. I'm grateful to have guidance. I'm grateful to celebrate St Patrick's Day without need for all the normal hoopla. I'm grateful for health, love, and faith.

What guidance are you seeking? How is your stress level? What can we do as a community to help each other stay safe?

May today bring guidance. May we see the blessings even in these uncertain times. May we hold strong in our faith to see this through. Have a beautiful day!

Amid the escalating and constantly changing situation outside it was nice to finally get some clarity for myself. I will admit that I have let my anxiety control me for several days. I've felt wishy-washy on what to do and how to respond, hoping someone would make the hard decisions for me.

Last night I could not sleep between a baby that was wide awake most the night and my own anxiety running rampant through my thoughts. I tried to sleep in this morning but as soon as my sleep had a minor interruption it was no use. Even a guided meditation could not derail and reboot my thoughts. 

We decided to go ahead and celebrate my mom's birthday. Being around my family helped tremendously. There was a lot of talk about what is happening with Covid-19 but also some good laughs and distractions. It was nice to see them and allow things to feel a little bit "normal" again as we enjoyed family lunch.

After leaving I felt more clear in what directions and steps I would take. I started by making a mental list of all unnecessary risks that I could easily spare my family. I then composed a message to my clients setting clear boundaries and reminding them to think of the community in making their own decisions. It got a very positive response which gave me more reassurance that I was not the only one seeking some direction and initiative. 

I'm grateful to step up. I'm grateful to stop looking to everyone else to tell me what to do and do what makes sense for me and my family. I'm grateful to mentally preparing the next steps in my head. I'm grateful to be finding my voice and my path amidst the uncertainty. I'm grateful for laughs shared with family as well as good sounding board chats. I'm grateful to get other perspectives to take into account. I'm grateful to follow what feels good to my heart and know that it will help my mental state as well as my sleep.

What is right for you? What precautions would help you feel confident and secure? How can you take the steps you need to find your inner peace and calm amidst this "storm"? 

May today remind us to think not only of our loved ones but those in our community. May we make the decisions we feel are right for the greater good and for our own peace of mind. Have a beautiful day!

The upswing yesterday took another turn as my eldest spiked a fever, quit eating, and went lethargic for the day. The baby's temperature is starting to creep back up and my husband is now feeling symptoms the girls started five days ago.

I will admit after riding it out with faith the last several days, today had me anxious. It was scary watching my preschooler sink that low and having to make her take every little sip of water or nibble of food. By dinner I told her needed her to eat or I was going to take her to the emergency room. I just couldn't take it anymore and worry was winning. 

Luckily with some help and a typical dose of drama she did eat dinner. A miraculous thing happened; she perked back up and started joking and acting more like herself again. Just a little food, a little patience, a little love, and a little help brought my sweet girl back.

The baby was content with just a little attention, a little singing, and lots of snuggles. I pray that that will be enough tonight and tomorrow to ward off this second round that hit her sister today. 

As for me I will keep dosing up on vitamins, rest, and lots of water. A little goes a long way but self-care takes it farther. 

I'm grateful, so grateful, for my daughter coming around. I'm grateful to see her silliness returning and even some smiles. I'm grateful to indulge her in some of her requests like feeding her each bite and helping her wash her hands. I'm grateful for all the baby snuggles I got today. I'm grateful my sweet baby was doing ok today with even some smiles and lots of chatting. I'm grateful to know we all have strong immune systems. I'm grateful for being home with them today and to get another day home tomorrow. I'm grateful to make sure I am taking care of me so I can be healthy to take care of my family. I'm grateful that a little love, attention, and nourishment can go a long way.

What is your "little" that keeps you going? What gives you an extra boost to make it through the day? How do you choose to take care of yourself?

May today meet our self-care needs. May we accept the "little" stuff and trust it to take us a long way. Have a beautiful day!

There has been a lot of talk lately about catching bad stuff. The Covid-19 (Coronavirus) has reached my area and there is a lot of stories about how to not catch it and how many people have already caught it. At home, with my girls sick there has been plenty of "wash your hands so no one else catches it" talks. 

Yet there are plenty of things that I WANT to catch and today I have even had the opportunity to catch a few of these. I feel like that is a good thing to celebrate since some of these are tough on a regular day, let alone with the added duties of sick kiddos. 

Today I caught a quick, hot shower. I caught up on some laundry. I caught a cute little girl being ornery as she goes in and out of feeling like herself again. I caught a couple laughs at the hilarious commentary of a preschooler. I caught a glimpse of my husband (who is working from home today). I caught my breath and even rested my eyes a bit. I caught a few extra zzz's this morning sleeping on the nursery floor again. I caught a diaper just before blow out and saved an outfit. And I caught up on some much needed dog snuggles (well, maybe I could use a few more...). 

I'm grateful for all I've caught today. I'm grateful for hot water (and soap) and plenty of food packed with vitamin C and other nutrition. I'm grateful my girls have rounded the corner and are beginning to feel like themselves again. I'm grateful they are still catching up on sleep and letting their bodies rest. I'm grateful to stay home another day from our normal routine to give them more time. I'm grateful to still be feeling healthy and even somewhat rested. I'm grateful for my dog's patience at our busy schedules. I'm grateful to catch the things I want and let the rest pass by. 

What have you caught today? What will you choose to try to catch?

May today allow us to stay healthy. May we focus on what we want and not what we don't. Have a beautiful day!

This weekend was mostly spent inside on the couch as both my girls were sick. Luckily they took turns going through the worst of it with my oldest going first. 

It is no fun to see my girls feeling so crummy. My oldest seems to have rounded the bend and is now mostly just dealing with a cough. The little one is still working through the fever stage but if her sister was any indication she will round that bend tomorrow.

Despite the obvious not-so-great things that made up this weekend, there was a lot to be grateful for too. 

I'm grateful my girls are absolute troopers and find things to smile about even when sick. I'm grateful for their love and adoration of each other. I'm grateful for all my husband's help as we divide and support our girls. I'm grateful he slept in our oldest's room to comfort her so I could camp out on the baby's floor for close monitoring. I'm grateful for the memory foam pad my parents are letting us borrow to make the floor a little more comfortable. I'm grateful for plenty of reason to get lots of sleep this weekend as we shifted for the time change. I'm grateful for lots of snuggles and love from both my girls. I'm grateful for a little time outside today as we aired out the house and caught some sunshine to help refresh us. I'm grateful both girls are catching a little sleep now so I can take time to do a blog post.

What curves has life thrown you lately? What beauty and gratitude can you find within the curves?

May today give us a moment to take a deep breathe and re-frame. May we find gratitude in each day. Have a beautiful day!

It's really special when you get to see yourself in your child. One of my favorite pictures of my childhood is me riding the Suzuki mini bike while wearing a white dress and cowboy boots. Sometimes you just want to be a little fancy, while you're getting muddy.

While I don't know yet how my youngest daughter will be in that department, my oldest daughter is the walking epitome. She loves worms and frogs and sand boxes. But she wants to do it all in the prettiest dress or twirliest skirt she can find. I love it! 

There are some instances I set some limits, such as acrylic paint while wearing the new Easter dress. I mean, let's let it make it to the holiday before we really break in that dress. Other times, who cares. I mean yes, in theory her little sister could wear her Christmas dress when she turns three but by then little sister will have her own opinions of what she wants to wear, I'm sure. So why not use it to the max? Pick those blackberries, eat spaghetti, wear it on a random Tuesday to go tree climbing. 

As I picked out some new summer clothes for my budding explorer I couldn't help but imagine what adventures those twirly skirts and dresses will see. I threw in a few shorts and t-shirts just in case. You never know when the phase will turn and dresses will be out, after all. 

I'm grateful to see myself in my daughters. I'm grateful for the duality of fancy in mud. I'm grateful to reflect a little bit on my own clothing choices and see where maybe I could use a little more zazz. I'm not really big into clothing or makeup but I'm grateful to be open and willing to play with that side too. I'm grateful for the ways my oldest daughter reminds me to express who I am to the fullest. And I'm grateful to see what adventures are in store for us int he coming months as my youngest starts to be on the move.

What is your fancy? What is your duality?

May today allow us to be fully ourselves. May we celebrate all the things that make us happy, even when they may see in opposition. Have a beautiful day!

There is something about being a mom that both stokes my anxieties and gives me a boost a bravery. Things that I may not have tried, I do to raise little explorers. I want my girls to not only explore their world but be empowered in it.

Today was a small step as we explored the zoo. My older daughter wanted to pet the stingrays. We were lucky enough to arrive at feeding time. 

It is so interesting to watch a young face that is both so eager and so intimidated to do something wildly new. So I volunteered to go first and talked her through what it felt like and what to do. She tried three times but always dropped the fish and pulled back before the stingrays actually got to it. It didn't matter, it was a big step.

I want to celebrate each big step my girls take in their growing and exploration. I want to celebrate the little steps too. The making a new friend at the playground without prompting or going down a slide that results in putting her not just out of sight but on a whole different story of the building have a multitude of big and little steps mixed in. I want to nurture it all.

I'm grateful to get to be the one with my girls most of the day. I'm grateful to get to witness their big steps and their little steps. I'm grateful to be there to pick them up when they fall. I'm grateful to get to celebrate and victory dance with them. I'm grateful to make an effort to not let my own fears get in the way. I'm grateful to be their cheerleader and I'm grateful for the little explorers they are becoming.

What big steps have you taken lately? What little steps do you take each day? 

May today be celebrated for all our steps forward. May we keep the growth mindset and an explorers heart. Have a beautiful day!