My husband and I looked at several different destinations over the course of the past year and finally ended up choosing Boston. This may sound like an odd choice in November, but it was perfect! We landed there because we found a fantastic flight deal from Chicago and just ran with it. We ate (a lot), walked all over the city, and hit up a few pubs to relax and enjoy the music. It was a quick trip, but filled with so much sightseeing, eating (did I mention that?!), and uninterrupted time together that it was well worth it. Three quiet dinners in a row was amazing!
The kids all survived (even though a tornado literally passed behind our house while we were away!) and, if I'm being honest, may have enjoyed their time away from us just as much as we did from them. My husband and I don't get away enough alone, but have vowed to try to make a quick getaway work for our anniversary each year from now on. Picking a place to explore together and taking it in is so worth the time and the money.
I returned refreshed and feeling significantly less stagnant. I feel a little more calm and motivated to work on this not-so-little unit called my family. I've read time and time again that the mother in the household sets the tone. Most days, I am not setting a very good one, as the chaos of the morning before school routine usually gets the best of me.
However, on this dreary Monday morning I got my troops out the door with little "loud voice" usage. I even had time on our short trip to school to give them a little challenge. I asked them to seek out a kid in their class they wouldn't typically talk to, tell them good morning, and ask how their weekend was.
I asked them if there were any kids who may be lonely because other kids don't include them or are mean to them. I was so pleased when my kids didn't think there was anyone in their class like that-I hope that it is true. We talked about how there are many kids who experience this on a daily basis and discussed how they might feel. Sad is what came to their minds. We talked about their responsibilities at school: to be kind to others, to listen to their teacher, and do their best.
I dropped my kiddos off at school and left with a full heart. That simple, meaningful conversation left me filled with so much joy. Boy, have I been missing out on those stressful mornings before school. Today may have just been the lesson that I needed.
Spending a few minutes talking with my precious brood before I send them out into this uncertain world is important. I want to build my kids up and encourage them to do the same for their peers. If lessons like I shared with them this morning are the last thing they hear before walking through the doors of the school, it may just make it easier for them to take action.
We live in an unstable, scary world right now, but we cannot let fear overcome our lives. What we can do is take care of our corner of the world and it starts with the people living within the walls of our homes. We can raise children who choose kindness over cruelty, empathy over indifference, and go out of their way to seek out the lonely and mistreated.
It took some time away to refuel the tank, but I'm back with a vengeance and ready to nurture and guide my family. I am committed to leading by example rather than standing behind empty words.
I hope you are, too. Mamas, let's join together and do our share to raise a generation of thoughtful, kind, and compassionate kids. Let us seek out the lonely and oppressed. Let us set a positive tone for our families and when we feel like we just can't give anymore, may we be kind to ourselves and find the time to refuel.
Running on empty simply isn't good for anyone.
I love this song. Each time I hear it on the radio, it strikes a chord within me, and I wanted to share it with you! Enjoy!
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