Mamma Monday: Summer Scaries

Good Monday morning gals! Summer is coming to an end and boy do I have a case of the Summer Scaries! This has been the most fun Summer EVER! I know that you may be rolling your eyes because it would be so easy to look at this season and see all the hardships and unprecedented struggles.

But if you stop and think about it, life is full of challenges corona virus or not. I'm not going to argue that this has been a doozy and I don't know about you but I'm not seeing the light at the end.  The first few months were the absolute toughest and tested our family's faith big time but we had two options: turn to God and His promises for protection and provision or try and face it on our own with worry and stress.

Ice Cream is always a good idea!

While a lot of students have already started school or some virtual version of it, Vivian has another 2 weeks before she goes back and this year she's enrolled in 5 days of preschool.  That brings me to the Summer scaries.  I prayed that her preschool would be open because my goodness she loves it and asks to go all the time, so I could have a break to focus on my goals and projects and possibly work, and most importantly so she could learn and grow.
BUT I'm going to miss our days of playing, splashing, swinging & sliding on the playground, running and working out (she's mastered her numbers counting my reps), art projects, bubble dances and all the sweet simple memories we've made together this Summer.

This is motherhood. The constant struggle of soaking up every last drop of them and having some resemblance of independence. But I don't believe that's realistic or even what we'd want if we stopped and thought about it. Sure I miss the ability to walk into a room without my tiny shadow 2 feet behind me but I wouldn't go back to those solo days for anything in the world. My hands may not be free but they're FULL of the most abundant love!

So here's how I try to turn the scaries into joy ...

1. Pause - when the frustration builds, stop where you are, close your eyes and immediately give God glory for who He is, where He has you and gratitude for all that He's given you.

2. Look - truly take in your surroundings and observe the goodness all around. I promise it's better than you imagined and more than you expected. A few minutes of fresh air can be the best medicine.

3. Delay - put down the to-do list of tasks and play! It will still be there but the fun with those you love won't. The world keeps on turning, time doesn't stop and babies don't keep.

4. Dance - play a fun song and dance it out! Even if it's a Disney jam so your littles can join or an upbeat song through your headphones while you work, get your wiggles out!

5. Plan - I'm a super Type-A gal that lives an organized and scheduled life.  By keeping things in my world tidy I tend to be ahead so that I can embrace spontaneous activities without a big stress inducing detriment. Being ahead on tasks allows you to enjoy your time and for you to act quickly on opportunities.  For example: if your workout is done first thing in the morning, meals are prepped and chores caught up you can act on a moments notice to meet friends, squeeze in a swim after nap or pull out a fun activity in the backyard.

No matter where you are, shoo away the scaries with more fun!

Dress Beautifully Enjoying the Present

XOXO Sarah-Louise