Parenting 101

"Breathing in I calm myself, breathing out I smile." Thich Nhat Hanh

So often I search for answers from books, experts and outside sources. Desperately seeking some kind of guidance, and perhaps at times even reinforcement. Uncertain if the choices I make are correct. Critical of the times I lose my patience or make a thoughtless comment or gesture. Riddled with self-doubt and confusion. And simultaneously inspired and filled with more love than I could have ever imagined. Blurry from the exhaustion of another sleepless night, seeing the world through the eyes of a child... everything new and everything just as it is in this moment. Holding space for tears, for fear... trying not to change the emotions, knowing they are a part of life and yet wanting desperately to wipe the pain away. Amazed at each word, each expression, each action, each experience... could it really be this simple. Confused by the expressions of independence that challenge my own beliefs and expectations... oh those expectations.
It is a journey that has no recipe... no matter how hard we search for the perfect answers and solutions... it is simply an adventure in being present and being open to learning.

A friend recently sent me a message that resonated with me deeply... and so as I reflect on being a mama, I also celebrate these words and the intention they hold for me and for my children as I watch them grow... Thank you Shawna!

"They grow up so fast and search out their independence long before we are ready to give it to them... And those fears and doubts we had when we got started with this parenthood thing just keep getting bigger... But we try our best and that's what counts because that is what they will carry with them... Not how much they did or did not have, not how often we did or didn't lose our tempers, not how many good or bad decisions we made but how hard we tried to do right by them..." ~ Shawna

a tender moment shared together.

sweet love.