#MarriageMonday: Regroup & Sync

I got this ridiculous new contraption that I might be a little obsessed with!

fitbit-fitbit-fitbit-fitbit-fitbit

Have you heard of this little monster? It tracks your steps, calories burned, sleep patterns, weight goals, calorie intake, etc. It's super cool!

Well, I had a fitbit failure on Friday and I forgot to wear my tracker. I was out of SYNC all day. Saturday when I tried to reconnect- NO luck. Sunday when my device was looking and looking and looking- NO LUCK.

I was OUT OF SYNC.

And, it was so fitting for how I've been feeling not about my fitbit,, but about my life-- Just a little out of sync.

Do you get that way occasionally? I'm pretty sure it's normal (or at least I'll keep telling myself that!).

So what do we do when our devices are out of sync? We ask for help. We try to change our settings. We search and research and keep on trying to 'fix' our problem. All I had to do was plug in a goofy-looking button and I was synced in seconds

If only our life struggles were that easy to fix.

After a few weeks (not just days) of feeling out of whack, our family finally found a way to sync. We have been living in anything but harmony; haven't been able to compromise on a single thing- we haven't even been able to like one another.

So 'family meeting time' it was. A new plan was established. Clear and concise expectations (for all of us . . . even for the adult temper tantrums) were set. We put up our spousal zone defense against or four scoundrels. We divided our work and we conquered all!

Finally- we were once again connected.

Welcome back happy Hamilton's!

I know my moments of peace from today won't last. I know there will be a error in our connection along the way this week. Surely my clean house won't last for more than a day. The finished laundry will turn into the load of laundry I rewashed three times last week. The dishes that are done and put away will pile up on the counter. The frustration between my hubby and I that has ceased will surely flare up at some point.

BUT, for now . . . there is sync in our steps.

When we are stuck down low and out of sorts, we must first identify the root of the problem. Issues tend to pile up when we are already disconnected. Our spouse can help us find solutions if we utilize them for our search to regroup.

Take time this week to sync with those you love most. If you're not living in harmony with your significant other or family- take time to find out why. If you're not matching in your thinking- take time to talk about how to compromise. We must identify with those we care for in order keep our love big and strong!

Out of sync #trytoharmonize

Feeling disconnected #spendtimetogether

Not understanding #communicate

Take time to talk, regroup & get in sync

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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Hot Mess!

And the Hot Mess Award goes to . . .

Yep! That's right!

ME-ME-ME-ME-ME-ME!

Sadly, this is no award to be proud of. I was trying to think of some good synonyms that might work with Hot Mess. I think the list below pretty well sums it up.

Disaster. Cluster. Crazy. Ridiculous. Over-reactive. Lunatic. Nut Job. Psycho. Absurd.

Should I continue?

Once the Hot Mess concludes itself, then the self-loathing is in full force.

I've been absent from my blog writing for a while. I suppose it's safe to say that this is due to the transitions and changes occurring around me and my family. While many of these transitions and changes should not be life altering-- I feel a little out of my element.

Is it possible to be your best in one facet of your life and then not have the energy to be your best in the others? Does it again come down to balance? Does it have anything to do with self-forgiveness; being okay with not being able to do it all and be it all?

We cannot and should not be perfect. Emotions about our imperfections are a normal part of who we are. We each have our own demons we are fighting and certainly, some days the battles are going to be tougher than others.

Right?

Coping with this thing called life is certainly easier said than done. I think about the amazing Robin Williams and I can't help but tear up and wonder what went wrong and how we all failed him. He brought smiles to our faces and brightened our worlds over and over and over. He was his best for all of us. And, yet, I can't imagine the hurt, sadness or loneliness that he must have been feeling.

Let's all take a moment (me included) and remind ourselves of why we are wonderful. Let's forget the Hot Mess Award that we may have just won. Let's forgive ourselves for the mistakes that may have taken over our week. Let's note at least one thing that about ourselves that makes us pretty darn special. And, let's all make an effort to reach out to those around us and let them know what makes them pretty darn special, too (they might need us more than we could ever realize).

Good luck as you end this week. If it hasn't been the best- remember . . . It's NOT over yet. Greatness can still happen.

 

#HotMess It's okay if that describes you lately

 #CutYourselfSomeSlack Mess-ups are what make us better & stronger

#NoticeTheGoodToo #LoveYourself

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: A Look Back . . .

 

Summer is NOT over.

It does not officially end until September 21^st. That’s more than a month away- Summer IS NOT OVER!

But, for our family . . . IT IS.

The school year is just a week away from starting. My work as an educator has once again begun. My husband’s work as an administrator never really ended, but this time of year is his busiest.

Our summer is over.

And . . . It’s Okay.

It’s okay that the children have to be dressed and have their teeth brushed BEFORE noon. It’s okay that this mother has to do her hair and wear something other than yoga pants or black stretchy shorts (and get dressed and have my teeth brushed before noon!).

Life is going to speed up. Reality is going to set in. A routine will once again be established.

Change is and always will be hard for me (and maybe for you, too).

I will mourn the slow-down days summer brings. I will miss my three-year-old crawling in bed with me and sleeping for another hour. I will long for the willingness to lay in bed with my son at night or read ‘just one more book’ because we don't have the pressure of being on time in the morning.

While I will be sad today as summer ends, I will also have a budding of excitement.

My job is important. I love my job. I help people. I encourage children and help support adults. I will gain some empowerment just by getting up each and every day to go to work (and wearing 'real' clothes- ha!).

My children love school (well, the two girls do- the boy just ‘likes’ it!). They learn. They grow. Each year brings new opportunities, friendships and exciting new stages in development.

And, my little #4; my little bright light- she will flourish at daycare. She adores her friends and feels big when she has the opportunity to ‘go to school’ like the other kids.

As I look back as summer, it wasn’t perfect. There were days I ruined with my crabbiness. There were moments I didn’t think I’d have any hair left at the end of the day. There were times I was overwhelmed, sad, confused . . . even frumpy (from the very yoga pants I adore).

But, summer was also amazing, wonderful, relaxing, not to hot, just right and just what our family needed.

Today as I venture off to work- I will remember the good and learn from the bad. I will look at work as an opportunity for growth. I will smile and be the best I can be.

Summer might be ending, but for every end there is a bright new beginning!

Change.

Out w/ the old & in w/ the new.

Look for bright beginnings as you let go of the familiar

#focusongood #givethanks #summergratitude

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Take Time to Smell the Flowers!

                                                                           Rush, rush, rush!

How many things can we fit into a day? How can we best maximize the time we are given? How many checks can we make on that list?

Let's talk about that 'list'.

Does it include snuggles with your spouse or children or loved ones? Does it mention the meaningful conversation that might turn into hours of everyone feeling better? Does it carve out the 'you' time needed to care for your health and your sanity (whatever those activities are that you might need)?

The interesting thing about life and deadlines is that at some point - work must get done.

YET- is there a way to get the work done while finding time to stop and smell the flowers?

Is there a way to complete the necessary tasks, while keeping a slower pace that allows for . . . sit-down dinners, meaningful conversations, date nights, writing letters or notes, catching up or maintaining relationships with old friends . . . the things that are truly important in this life.

The other night my son asked me to lay with him. I turned to tell him I had a lot to do and then stopped. I plopped down on his bed and we chatted for five minutes. Five minutes. It was only five minutes- IN MY WHOLE DAY. And I was going to say I didn't have time (like I usually do).

There are people in this world who don't have the luxury to see their loved ones; separated by broken relationships, work or even war.

How lucky am I? Not only does my kid have a comfy bed to sleep in, but there's room enough to offer a spot to his mama.

Take time today. Smell a flower. Watch a cloud until you can form it into a magical creature. Talk to a friend or a co-worker or a family member (and actually engage in the conversation). Sit a little longer to savor your lunch or dinner. Let the dishes sit to finish a thought or a story. Get a workout in. Schedule a haircut or massage. Read a good book. Finish a crossword puzzle.

The rush of life will continue. But, you have the power to control your rush. The work must still get done- and it will. Let your life be enjoyable in the meantime!

 #summergratitude Take Time #doit

Don't let the rush of life let life pass you by #smellflowers

Work & deadlines will always be #peoplewont

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Just Keep Swimming

 

 

For those of you who have seen the movie, Finding Nemo, you can probably hear Dorie the fish repeating her famous saying.

 

"Just ... Keep .... Swimming. Just ... Keep ... Swimming. Just ... Keep .... Swimming."

 

Sometimes that's all we can do- just keep going.

 

And, we must.

 

There are times in life we feel in control and good about our place on earth. There are other times we struggle to know our purpose, our place and our future.

 

It's okay.

 

As we move through our days of summer, we must do what we do best and showcase our talents. We must keep on keeping- knowing that we can push our limitations to the max. We must not quit- even when life seems to be pushing us down.

 

We must 'just keep swimming'!

 

The #summergratitude series was started with the idea that if we focus on what's good, the bad seems further away. I hoped that if I was more grateful, I'd live life a little more fully; appreciating the very gifts I sometimes take for granted.

 

Hopefully, as the summer is winding down, you (& I ) can take time to remember; to focus on the positive and be left with memories of love.

 

Surely it's not all roses. Of course it wasn't perfect. Find the silver linings. Celebrate successes (as small as they may be)!

 

Starting something new? Don't be afraid to swim slow and test out the water. Give your insecurities a break; it will get easier.

 

Struggling with a relationship? It's okay to put yourself in time-out. Let yourself enjoy some quiet thinking, reflecting on what you love most about the person you are struggling with.

 

Life getting you down? Sometimes it feels like when your down, someone comes by to give you a kick. But, maybe it's a hand someone is trying give you. When life's nuances get the best of you- find good in the little things that are going right in your life.

 

Happy Monday to you all. Much love, prayers & support to those struggling (as small or big as the struggles are)! Let's all remember . . .

 

Just keep swimming . . . just keep swimming . . . just keep swimming . . . just keep swimming!

 

If you happen to be afloat at this point- throw your life raft to some going under :)

 

 

#summergratitude Keep On Swimming #youcandoit

Don't give up #evenwhenlifeisgettingyoudown

 Once you're afloat #throwyourraft #liftsomeoneup

 



Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Is It Bad To Wonder . . .

I know. I know.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side. I must count my blessings. I need to appreciate my life for what it is right at this moment!

I know.

BUT . . . is it bad to sometimes wonder?

My wonders are almost too silly to mention- but, here I go.

I wonder what it would be like to have my house be clean, from top to bottom, ALL at the same time (and for longer than 30 seconds).

I wonder what it would feel like to organize that closet I've been meaning to organize since last year.

I wonder how good it would feel to get caught up on my kids' schoolbooks from the last three years.

I wonder how fun it would be to spend days ordering, sorting and arranging pictures of our family (forget the scrapbooks I used to do- I'm just hoping for the Shutterfly photo drop-in book).

I wonder how great my bathroom would smell and look if I could actually clean it (it's always last on the list and never gets the attention I REALLY want to give it).

The last few days I've been fighting a summer cold. We are currently packing for a vacation up to a lake in Northern Minnesota. And, I think I'm a little out of sorts about going back to work a week after we get back from vacation.

If I take a moment to put that all together, I'm smart enough to realize that my 'I wonders' are coming from a lack of control in other areas in my life.

Even if I had days of uninterrupted time to clean, organize and do family pictures- it wouldn't make me any happier. For a few moments I would feel in control; in charge and proud. But, life would continue and the same things would need to be done all over again in not too long.

So, it is bad to wonder?

YES!

The very things that I'm wondering about completing would require that my life wasn't full of kids, toys, crafts, activities, etc. The very things that make my life meaningful would be gone- and then who would I do all those things for anyway?

I must remind my 'control-freak' self that the grass ISN'T greener on that other side. I must make myself count my many blessings. I must take time to appreciate what is good in my life; not focus on the things that are out of my control at this time. I must stop wondering and just start living.

We got a new magnet pad yesterday from my big sister. She told my oldest daughter that it was for 'to-do lists', because everyone has lists. I couldn't agree more! But, for now, I'm going to forget the lists and take my daughter's advice! "Oh Yay! Life!"

#summergratitude Be careful what you wish for #lovethelifeyouhave

To-Do lists are overrated #thelistscanwait

Stop wondering & start living!

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

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#summergratitude: Let Loose :)

When does our life go from making muscle-man arms for a 'mom photo' to just saying a boring old, "cheese"?

At what point in life do we HAVE to grow up?

Who decides what is appropriate for what age?

Shouldn't life be about letting loose and having fun?

Now, I know that life requires a certain amount of responsibility and 'acting your age'. BUT, should this interfere with the enjoyment and blessings that are offered to us each and every day?

Last night our family ventured off to our last swim meet for the season. Finals ended a little late and our 4:30 dinner had long warn off by the time we were headed home at 9:00.

Our pit stop was anything but healthy. However, it sure was entertaining. And, our family definitely 'let loose'!

McDonald's got quite a show. My husband started belting out the songs playing over the sound system. It's probably a good thing there weren't too many people trying to enjoy a burger.

My son almost looked embarrassed, "DAAAAAAD." He indicated that his father should stop acting like a four-year-old.

My husbands' response was anything but mature. "Oh, am I embarrassing you? You just wait. This is nothing compared to the embarrassment you caused me at the swim meet. I'm just getting started." Then he let off an evil laugh with an obnoxious smirk.

Everyone burst out laughing.

Our meal wasn't the healthiest. Our kids probably should have been in bed. Our behavior was a little over the top. BUT, I have to admit that we let loose, lived a little and loved our time together. A great way to end our night and celebrate some individual success of our children.

At some point we all need to live life in a balance between acting responsibly to complete life 'requirements' and having fun living life joyfully. The difficulty is finding that balance.

Each stage of life has amazing opportunities, yet daunting challenges. As we navigate through life and through the ages, we must help each other find the necessary balance to live an enjoyable life.

Today, let's challenge each other to . . .

Let loose. Laugh (not just a chuckle, but a big old belly laugh). Appreciate small moments. Notice glimmers of hope. Love. Reach out to someone struggling.

Best wishes as you let loose and head into the wonderful weekend. Don't be afraid to get a little silly.

#summergratitude Life requires a certain amount of responsibility,

 but don't forget to #live #love #besilly #havefun #seeblessings

Let Loose!

 

Enjoy the journey you have been blessed with, love the people in your life, smile :) and remember, 'It's Okay'.  
 

Visit www.itsokaybooks.com to learn more!

 

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