Lifestyle
Between a school event and a sports game, I still managed to make room for celebration. Sometimes I wake up with all the energy and fervor of a child ready to take on the world. Other days I throw my back out getting Averi out of the car and question if I’m nearing the end. Here’s what I know to be true: God granted me life again, another full trip around the sun. For that, I’m beyond-words grateful.
Yesterday morning, Audri stood—alongside her peers—in honor of students across the country, specifically those who are dealing with suicidal tendencies and those we’ve sadly lost to the fight. Hope Squad is a powerful organization, making a difference in the lives of young Americans. It was surreal to see how involved our community is in the program.
Then, I cheered on Averi as she ran and high fived her teammates. She didn’t care that her team was losing. Her eyes—and her ginormous blue and pink bow—sparkled in the sunlight regardless. Averi used to be shy, and still is sometimes, but she loves the girls on her soccer team and her Coach Ray. And I love sitting on the sidelines of my children’s lives, observing both of them as they do what they enjoy, ready should they need a band-aid or a pep talk.
I know life’s seasons come and go, but I’m holding onto this one with white knuckles. I’m embracing this scripture, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
So my birthday celebration dripped with love and sunshine. I asked my mom to whip up her delicious strawberry cake and I asked my husband to set up a picnic. The picnic didn’t go as planned—not because of my husband—but because of the impending windstorm. This ended up a being blessing in disguise, as it provided us the opportunity to try out a new Italian restaurant down the street. The puttanesca meatballs had just the right amount of spice. I chatted with my grandma on the phone later that afternoon, as I planted the African daisies I just bought from the local nursery. Hugs and cards and gifts were exchanged—the best gift of all being time. Time with people who know me inside and out and who love me well—and who hopefully feel my love in return.
As I reflect on the past year and gently move toward a new one, I’m appreciating where I’m most comfortable and where I’m stretching even further, improving with age. I’m pleased with how I show up for my children and for the counseling business, most days. But here are a few new things I’m trying this year, things that I’m not as comfortable with.
- Matcha, again. I’m optimistic that I’ll find a brand I like…(fingers crossed)!
- Rereading old books and highlighting my favorite parts.
- Varied content for my Instagram community. I will still post photos (that’s what I love) but I’ll also incorporate videos, likely starting in May. If you resonate with any of my work, I would love your support. Self-promotion is my least favorite part of this writing business.
- Habitually working out instead of sporadically. If you have any tips on this, please email me.
- Writing notes to people, just because. I used to love having pen pals when I was young, and I’m relishing in the idea of that as an adult.
- Squeezing in more clients for myself. It’s challenging because I never know what they’re going to ask me to solve, but it’s rewarding work that certainly keeps me outside of my comfort zone.
- Writing books for children (this one is certainly the most fun)!
Thank you for being here. Thank you for celebrating life. I hope you have an amazing week.
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