Thanks goodness it’s Friday. For some reason this week felt really long. It could have been because Jack was sick & teething and as a result was super clingy, fussy and not napping – that can make the days feel long.
Even though this week was long I learned a lot – little tidbits that touched many different areas of my life:
Like most people, my “to do” lists each day are long, and to make sure I get everything done, and don’t forget anything I keep multiple lists on my iPhone. I rely on those lists – without them I’m lost. On “The Social” the other day, I saw an interview with blogger and author, Rachel Macy Stafford. Her new book, “Hands Free Life: Nine Habits for Overcoming Distraction, Living Better, and Loving More” inspired me to pick designated times of the day to put my iPhone and lists down and be present. For example, when I’m playing with Jack, avoid thinking about what I have to do next, slow down and enjoy the moments.
As a nutritionist my job is more than just providing healthy choices and recipes; it also requires me to provide my clients with strategies to help them change their habits. A popular phrase in the industry is “everything in moderation.” I read an interesting article that talks about the danger of a simple phrase like that being used to fix a much more complicated problem.
Writing is a creative outlet for me, and it can be challenging to try and be 100% unique. I saw an interview with Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of cultural phenomenon, “Eat, Pray, Love.” She was talking about her new book: “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear.” One thing she said stood out to me. She said, everyone goes to Italy to enjoy the food, and everyone goes to Bali because it’s beautiful. There was nothing unique about that, but the reason her story was so popular was because it was authentic. The best way to be creative is to be authentic.
I went to an awesome workshop last night called “Setting Consequences” with Certified Canadian Family Educator, Betsy Mann. Jack is getting to that age where I need to have some discipline strategies under my belt. The workshop was 2 hours long, and she had my full attention the entire time. She provided so many useful strategies, but one thing that really stood out to me was the way she ended the workshop. She drew a picture of a chair with a straight back (no lazy-boys when you’re a parent – you have to be upright and engaged all the time) and four legs. The four legs represented the four major pillars of parenthood: commitment, knowledge, strategies and energy. Energy stood out to me the most. Figure out what it is you need that provides you with energy and make it a priority. Maybe it’s a Saturday yoga class, a bath at the end of the day, regular pedicures – whatever it is, make sure it happens because we can’t do our job properly if we don’t have the energy.
On the same train of thought, I’ve been to a lot of new play groups in the last couple weeks in an effort to get to know other parents in the neighbourhood and to provide Jack with some fun activities. One thing that I couldn’t help but notice is that a lot of the parents have seemed to completely prioritize their kids and forget about themselves. I’m not trying to be a snob, but I’m talking about the basics here, like running a brush through your hair. It made me realize that even though I’m a mom, and Jack is one the most important things in my life, it’s also important that I don’t lose who I am. I like to work out, I love fashion, and putting on some make-up in the morning. It’s important to make time for the things that make you feel like you and like a human – as Betsy Mann said – prioritize the things that give you energy.
I have to go – Jack is up and only slept an hour (it’s going to be a long afternoon). Heading out now to pick up some fresh pasta and red wine – a couple things that give me energy 😉 Have a great weekend!
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