It's 3 weeks into the new year, and my journey is already taking me places I never would have imagined this time last year. My final push for this word emerged with the gift my mom made for me for Christmas. (She's a rock star, eh? Cross-stitched this fantastic sampler for me, and now it will hang over my desk).
We've had 5 snow days. Yes, 5. In past years, that would prompt me to take the kids to daycare so I could work from home in the peace and quiet. I am a full time telecommuter and as a project manager, I spend a LOT of time on the phone, with internal customers and with clients. Two small kids cooped up at home plus conference calls would spell a recipe for disaster. But this year I decided to try it. So even on the "I think the roads are passable" days, I've let the girls stay home. We have a talk each morning about when mama needs it to be quiet (they can play in their rooms) and when it's ok for some noise near me (they can then be in the play room - which has my office in the corner). And the deal is if they can't be quiet at the quiet times, and if they can't keep from interrupting during those times, then day care is back on the table. I don't like to use it as a threat, as I want them to love their after school care place (and they do) but they'd rather be home. So it becomes an option on these days.
I am pleased to say that everyone (myself included) has shown an enormous amount of patience, and for the most part, it's been successful. I've cut the work days short on those days, or taken a long lunch to play in the yard or play a game with the girls, and they've been really, really good. A few mishaps -- which yielded this apology (written so as to not interrupt again), so I will even call that a win. Score one for the journey.I've also been weighing a big (for me) decision. For 4 years. And with thoughtful contemplation, I came to the long needed conclusion. I determined:
(A) it would NOT be out of spite or a hasty move ... remember, 4 years in the thought process
(B) would not be frowned upon by my family (though my parents weren't jumping for joy, they didn't ask me not to do it)
(C) was something I wanted to keep my eyes focused on the journey - and how I wanted to live my live every day
and
(D) was a decision I was totally comfortable having my kids see the outcome of, and discussing WHY I did what I did
and so, with the support of some lovely new (and old) friends, I headed out to get this:
It's on my left foot, and every day I am reminded to choose joy on the journey. To find the good - to count my blessings - and to teach my girls to do the same.
And I have learned that they are indeed learning - we started our 2014 thanksgiving list (which we keep on the kitchen table in this beautiful piece of pottery that my friend made specifically for my family, specifically for this purpose). This morning, the girls told me to stay in bed. They brought me breakfast, and then had their own at the kitchen table. They came back up and said, "Mama, we made our thankful list entries, so now it's your turn." Unprompted by me. Score another point for the journey - and a little extra delight that they are seeing it, too.
3 weeks in, and so far, I feel less stressed, less hurried, less impatient. I'm noticeably more reflective, and I am seeing all of this mirrored in my girls. The journey has begun, and I am really liking where it's been, and where it's going.
Jen, I love how not only wrote about journey ... you've taken us on one with your writing. I look forward to what the next month brings :)!
ReplyDeleteJen, every day, every post, you encourage me to take the time on my journey with my kiddos. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I wish my kids weren't young adults so that I could do this with them...but come to think of it, 2 of them STILL live with me so perhaps I could start!
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