Meal planning is an important piece of preparing for the week ahead for me. I create a plan for our meals based off our family calendar. The meals I choose will create a grocery list. And I am all for the ease of grocery shopping, I utilize the drive up grocery services. This service not …
Certainty in Uncertainty
“Is this for real?” “Wait! What? I don’t understand? Everything was fine, now it’s not?” I have heard these questions asked many times before, however I am usually the one providing reassurance and education. As a nurse, I was asked similar questions by patients and family members several times a day. Being the caregiver, you …
I am Mom
I am mom. I have this idea in my head that my kids should listen and respect every word I say, and trust that I know what is best for them. But my girls are challengers when it comes to my direction and advice. The details they request from my simple instruction can be like …
So Fresh
The grey days of winter are quickly moving out. As I walk around outside, I see spring flowers starting to peak through the ground. I think to myself, "these flowers don't realize that this is winter in Indiana, where it can snow in May." I don't allow my hopes to get up about early spring. …
At the Table
Time with our family either begins or ends with a meal. We all enjoy food. When we all gather around a table to eat an ease comes to our time together. The pace changes, the conversation lingers giving time for the second question to be asked, eye contact is made. This idea takes Soul Food to the next level.
Made to Move
As the cool down portion of the workout begins, I am filled with gratitude for another reason to think positively of myself. And these thoughts are not related to my size or the way I look. My thoughts are of who I am as a human. My heart rate is up increasing the blood flow to my brain and the steady movement of my body allows by mind to slow. I am able decipher the difference between truth and lies. My thinking is clearer. I notice every muscle's action and counteraction as I stretch. Movement is intentional. Every breath is deliberate. Filling my lungs with air, followed by exhaling as I stretch the muscle further. The discomfort and tightness I felt before the workout are absent. My muscles are fatigued from the exercises but are ready for the day.
Not about the “W”
The effort it takes to pull air into my lungs and my racing heart pushes me to my limits. I am in a push up position. I transition of my body weight to my arms as I crunch one leg to my chest while the other leg extends straight into the air behind me. My …
Too Serious To Ignore
Last week marked 4 years since I worked full time as a registered nurse. There are days that I romanticize my time working with patients daily. Mostly on days when the kids aren't listening and I feel of little importance because my kids keep me humble. My days at the bedside were fast and furious. …
Freedom From Fear Found in Love
Fear of being hurt and alone should not keep you from being committed to a community. Relationships may only last a season. And may cause pain at the end. But no matter how long the season, we can do great things together out of love for one another. It is in community that we flourish.
Rest and Adventure
I circle days on my calendar that are considered vacation. This is to make these particular days stand out. To remind me there is a day or group of days that life will follow a different rhythm. Hopefully a rhythm of rest. And possibly adventure. Rest and adventure? Those two things seem like opposites. How …
