Thankful Thursday: Yoga and Kids

This week I really had to struggle to find things to be thankful for.  I have had A LOT on my mind, and I feel it all came crashing in on me this morning when I had my first ocular migraine since I was 25, which may or may not have coincided with getting married that year.  So yes, I did my best to shut that down (the migraine, not the wedding) so I could plow through my to do list.  And in retrospect, if I had to do plan that wedding over again, I would seriously consider eloping.  But in the spirit of focusing on thankfulness, I will save that for another post.

This week I am thankful for yoga.  Red Lotus Yoga is one of my most favorite places in the whole entire world.  I know I have said it before here, here, and here , but I always leave recharged and more positive.  This week I was able to make to yoga TWICE!  The main message was to think about how we could apply what we learn about our edge on the mat to life off the mat, especially around the holidays.  The same breath we use to work through a difficult pose can be applied to a difficult personal situation.  I really needed to be reminded of this, especially when it is so easy for me to get wrapped up in drama.  Thank you, Red Lotus, for offering me respite during the holiday season.

I am also thankful for my kids.  Lately, I feel that I am just pushing through to the next thing, the next task, and the next item on the never-ending to do list.  Today I had two special moments that made me pause and be thankful for the magic hidden in everyday moments.

Here is a picture of Marie.  She was so proud to dress up like an author.  When I took this photo of her, she said, “Are you taking this photo so when I become an author at my first book signing, you will show this to me?”

I was struck by the confidence of her voice, void of any doubt and full of certainty.  I was inspired how she is so sure of herself without any sense of cockiness.  It made me question why I feel the need to temper my dreams and accomplishments.

I am also thankful for Thomas.  Here is a photo of us after lunch, cuddling on the couch as I read him his Lego catalog.  He kept on making sure I was covered on the blanket because he didn’t want me to be cold.  At lunch, he said I never have to ask for a taste of his macaroni and cheese because I can just have it.

He has the biggest heart of anyone I know, and I am so thankful for that.

What are you feeling thankful for today? 

Gift of Presence

Today is my birthday.  I usually love my birthday.  Love. It.  I revel in the celebration.  I eat tons of cake and ice cream and junky carbs as I can.

This year is a little different.  It’s been a difficult six months.  I’ve been closely examining my personalboundaries in regards to bullying.  I’ve been working hard on accepting myself and honoring my limits.  I’ve been putting a lot of effort into creating the best version of myself so I can be good to others.

It’s exhausting, really.

And needless to say, it has not been easy.  I know that one of my gifts from the Babes is the new No Doubt CD.  (Thanks for the not-so-obvious hint, Thomas)!  I am super excited to open it later tonight, but I have to say that my kids have already given me the best gift that has transformed me in each and every way.

The gift of presence. 

I am so incredibly thankful for this gift of living in the moment.  They take this awesome gift for granted because they are constantly living in the moment.  But as a planner, living in the moment has been a challenge.  It means taking the time to be quiet and value what is happening right here, right now.  And because of this, I not only see the beauty of the moment, but I feel it in a way I never had experienced before.

When Thomas wants to cuddle on the couch with me and watch Doc McStuffins or when Marie wants to hold my hand as we walk to the bus stop, I quiet that voice that says laundry needs to get done or we need to hurry before the bus comes.  All these little moments add up to one, big life and I don’t want them to slip away.

But even more than that, living in the moment with my kids has given me strength to protect my priorities with great intensity.  This is not easy, and it’s not like I live in this Zen state all the time (who does with a three year old?), but I can say that my joyful moments are more joyful.

I am thankful to these little teachers for inspiring me to create the life I’ve always wanted.

I can’t say that I *love* the idea of the smile lines that seem a little deeper around my eyes, but I can say with great certainty that I love the sense of strength I get from my gift of presence.

What do you like most about your birthday?