1. I agree that gratitude is the secret to a joyful heart in all situations. We need to be reminded of this often, so thank you.
2. I constantly remind myself that our time with our kids is limited and is flying by. So even when it is 98 degrees outside, I still push myself to throw batting practice to my son. It’s always worth it.
I have a toddler and balancing work, and motherhood is always at the forefront of my mind. The biggest motivator for me more recently is when he started asking me " Will you make it night?" for when to expect me home. It started in the dead of winter when sunset comes early, but it has significantly impacted how I view my afternoons and making the commitment to always make it home to enjoy sunset with him. You are right: the work takes as long as you let it, and it will always be there, but those precious night bike rides can be the highlight of my day.
As far as the habit I've been swapping? I have a key holder by the door, and I drop my phone in it when I walk through the door to give my family my full attention. Physically putting the phone up has removed the temptation to check email or doomscroll.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Lindsay, and welcome. Kids have a way with words that make a parent change their actions on the spot. I love that you let it change how you structure your afternoons.
The key holder by the door is such a simple, physical way to make the choice for yourself before you're tempted to talk yourself out of it. Small habits like this, in this case more connection, end up having massive long term implications. Really glad you're here.
The moment that changed how I thought about time was when my daughters, 6 and 7 at the time, had a swim meet in the middle of a workday and I decided that I would not miss those moments with them ever. It marked a turn in my approach to family life and work
Now that we have grandchildren, our Sundays are centered around gathering the family for lunch after Mass; it is the most wonderful tradition that we can create for them.
A couple thoughts:
1. I agree that gratitude is the secret to a joyful heart in all situations. We need to be reminded of this often, so thank you.
2. I constantly remind myself that our time with our kids is limited and is flying by. So even when it is 98 degrees outside, I still push myself to throw batting practice to my son. It’s always worth it.
Love this, Ari. I know all about playing with the kids in the 98 degree heat, wouldn't trade it for anything!
I have a toddler and balancing work, and motherhood is always at the forefront of my mind. The biggest motivator for me more recently is when he started asking me " Will you make it night?" for when to expect me home. It started in the dead of winter when sunset comes early, but it has significantly impacted how I view my afternoons and making the commitment to always make it home to enjoy sunset with him. You are right: the work takes as long as you let it, and it will always be there, but those precious night bike rides can be the highlight of my day.
As far as the habit I've been swapping? I have a key holder by the door, and I drop my phone in it when I walk through the door to give my family my full attention. Physically putting the phone up has removed the temptation to check email or doomscroll.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Lindsay, and welcome. Kids have a way with words that make a parent change their actions on the spot. I love that you let it change how you structure your afternoons.
The key holder by the door is such a simple, physical way to make the choice for yourself before you're tempted to talk yourself out of it. Small habits like this, in this case more connection, end up having massive long term implications. Really glad you're here.
I appreciate it! I'm glad to be here and really love the thoughtfulness you've put into Bold Life and sharing your experiences.
Well tell those two fine young men Happy Birthday 🥳🥳 My oldest daughter and her first son were both born on New Year’s Day- fun fun fun.
Tell them we Will be back in Omaha next June 🤞🤙
Holiday birthdays are the best. And yes, we hope to see you in Omaha again next year, just need our Heels to win their way back!
Gracias Chris,
The moment that changed how I thought about time was when my daughters, 6 and 7 at the time, had a swim meet in the middle of a workday and I decided that I would not miss those moments with them ever. It marked a turn in my approach to family life and work
Now that we have grandchildren, our Sundays are centered around gathering the family for lunch after Mass; it is the most wonderful tradition that we can create for them.
>;o)
That swim meet decision is exactly it. You made the right decision. I am sure it seemed hard in the moment, but it is one you will never regret.
Trade the TV for a WALK!
Great idea Courtney. Could also trade that TV time for a great book, like WALK.