Growing Pains and Team Work (What 2016 has taught me)

Our nation has been through a lot in it's young life. Yes, "young". There are nations on earth who have been established much longer and seen their fair share of conflict as well. With this as my perspective, I look out at the sea of celebration that's clashing with a sea of pain... misunderstandings and misplaced judgements on both sides. No doubt, our points of view are all over the map. What matters most to me may not even be on your radar... that's often what creates such divides, but it's also the very reason why we have multiple candidates in the first place. That's why presidents have terms. That's why there are amendments to the constitution. You see where I'm going with this. I, for one, am tired of this "lesser evil" mentality when it comes to our nation's LEADER. I want to see us bring candidates to the table that a majority believes in, but I know how hard that will be. Our country has an order to things, this means gravity will take it's course and we have 4 years to learn from this and stand up for what we believe in. If you are someone who is pleased with this president-elect, you have at least four years where you'll be able to submit to his leadership and create the change you wish to see. Get involved, help him reach his potential.

Instead of waiting for tomorrow, I'm going to focus on today. I am going to humbly acknowledge that we are young as a nation and have room to grow. Why are people rioting? Well, why does anyone act out? To feel seen, heard and acknowledged. Please, look past the demonstration... what are they SAYING? If we want to see the riots stop, we have to mature our listening. Listen with understanding, listen over and over. SHOW that we are safe, not just preaching it. People with bad intentions will always be out there, we'll handle them later. This is a time to listen. Taking the moral high ground while people are clearly hurting and confused is not going to create the unity we want. Down playing the fears and concerns people have will not make them go away... it will make things worse. If you aren't currently feeling a desire to riot, that means it's your turn to listen. I believe there are more good people in the world than bad. So show up. Represent. Be the solution. You aren't a Racist, Xenophobe, Homophobe, Intolerant person? Show up. You aren't burning flags, assaulting cops, inciting violence or "throwing a fit"? Show up. This is a growing pain for our nation... our young nation has plenty of room to grow, becoming stronger and more unified than ever. It requires team work... less finger pointing.

This is for the Moms (We need to stick together)

I am a mother. While this does not tell you everything that I am, I feel that it does elude to quite a bit. Today, as I survey my messy home and as I reflect on how super awesome Walmart Grocery Pick Up is... I thought of these three simple ways that all of you moms out there understand me. When I begin to feel overwhelmed... You help me remember I am not alone. We need to stick together!

We change diapers

•This is literally the first thing I imagine when I consider motherhood. I automatically can assume that the other mothers in my life have changed diapers or have potty trained their children. This is the first tool in my self-love arsenal. When I feel tempted to compare myself to other mothers, I am instantly humbled by the fact that we all handle poop... We all deserve a medal (and a nice Jacuzzi bath.)

We wash laundry... And eventually put it away

•There is a quote by Thema Davis that I have heard before, "Saying yes to happiness means learning to say "no" to things that stress you out." Yes, chores stress me out, but obviously someone needs to do them, right? So this quote isn't saying "GOODBYE RESPONSIBILITY!" Rather, it just means that each of us are also raising little people with needs (and they are freaking adorable most of the time) so we have to prioritize. We all have to do this. Sometimes we choose stress, sometimes we choose happiness... But don't worry, we all do it. We all have this in common, no matter how picture perfect we seem on Facebook.

We play

•If you have children, you probably have played make believe of some kind. Maybe your kids are like my oldest, she wants to be a Train. Not an Engineer, an actual Train. I support this. Her vibrant imagination is so sweet and full of life. Because we play, we are all a part of who our children believe they can become. The sky is the limit. When we get caught up in the routine and chaos that our days hold, we sometimes lose sight of this. We are raising Doctors, Engineers, Nurses, Politicians... They may be business owners, bosses, subordinates... Not only are we raising who they will become, but we are raising them to believe in those around them as well. Leaders and Followers. We need both. We get to let them lead, showing them how to follow. 

Do you need a healthy dose of self love? My love language is affirmation, so basically I can dish it out all day long. Leave me a message! I would love to chat. You are not alone in this big, crazy role... I'm standing with you.

What are other basic ways we can all relate as mothers? Leave your comments!