Thursday Thoughts

Hello! Real talk over here…this week is kicking my tail. I’m feeling a bit spread thin which, in turn, makes me feel overwhelmed. I honestly didn’t have the time to write this post, but when I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, I try to control what I can…which means I’ve organized my kids’ desk/work spaces, purged the office cabinet, and written (and re-written) my “to do” lists on sticky notes for each day.

The reason I went ahead and found time to write this post is because another form of comfort for me is journaling. It’s also something I don’t do very often anymore. And…I’ve realized, I guess my blog is now my journal 😉

So, I thought I’d take a second to pause, take a breath, and reflect on…

7 things that make me happy

1. My morning cup of coffee: It’s nice to start my day with the routine of a cup of coffee. It’s a great way to wake up and warm up.
2. Quiet time: I get my quiet/me time in while the family is still sleeping. Starting next week, I will probably need to go back to getting up around 6 (rather than 6:45) to have time to myself before waking the kids. The time to myself is honestly a treat to me before starting the hustle and bustle of the day. I don’t feel like my mind is set and ready for the day if I don’t get a little “me” time.
3. Homer: As with our previous pups, he knows when I need a little extra love. Homer snuggles are the best. I let him in on my morning quiet time 🙂
4. Amazon: Seriously, Amazon has been saving my sanity for quite some time…Just in the past week, I’ve purchased a desk for Hayden and a few school supplies and organizational containers for the kids. Amazon saved me the time, energy, and stress of having to go to multiple stores looking for those items.
5. Sonic Cherry Limeade: So refreshing on a hot summer day!
6. Books: Some days I have more time to read than others, but I try to find a few minutes each day. I’ve been failing at that this week. I started the book 28 Summers, and it’s sooo good. I just wish I could find more time right now to sit and read.
7. Impromptu visits with friends: Obviously with all that’s going on and living in a socially distant world, there haven’t been as many social outings as usual. But…just last week I had a work meeting with a couple of work friends, and had a great time! Then, earlier this week, I stopped my neighbor’s house to tell Hadley I was home, and ended up chatting with two of my neighbors (who are, of course, my friends) which also included a glass of wine! My “to do” list is a mile long, but I didn’t realize how much I needed to catch up and just relax for an hour.

**(Bonus: #8…of course, I my kids and husband are included on this list as well…but I was just trying to remind myself of the smaller things in life that bring me joy!) 🙂

One last thought…

I’ve seen this post a time or two on social media, and again this week.

As kids transition back into school buildings for the first time since March, start a new school, or receive instruction virtually, I thought this was a good reminder to discuss with our own kids about having sympathy and empathy for their classmates.

Times are tough…and unprecedented.

You never know what a child has experienced while at home for so long.

It’s difficult and nerve-wracking to be the new student.

Kids may be worried about their next meal or getting the proper school supplies.

Even kids who are loved and taken care of struggle with a different routine and life changes which I know from personal experience with my own children.

I always tell my kids, “Do your best, be kind, and be a leader.” (& have fun 😉 It’s kind of my life motto for them (whether they like it or not). 😉 It applies to school, sports, friendships and more.

Thanks so much for reading and take care,