The Beautiful You

As I was entering the public library I ran into one of the parents from my son's school.  Before saying hello her response was "what are you all dressed up for?".  Mind you I had just freshly showered and changed into clean clothes (a regular practice for me) so I probably had that shinny new penny look about me.

I started to think what an odd question to ask.  Although I really think the parent had another thing in mind when asking but that is another posting.  While I did not answer her question, I know that for most there has to be a reason to "dress up". I was not in anything fancy (although my blouse did have ruffles) yet the comment was made.  For many mothers with young children, brushing your hair or putting on lip gloss before going out is a big step.

I am hear to tell you the frumpy mom look is soooo last centry.  For real.  No seriously.

Think of how you feel when you walk pass a mirror and see a vibrant reflection of you.  If you could high five yourself  you would.  So why the stained t-shirt and run down shoes?  There is no valor in going without a shower and not combing your hair.  This is not for anyone but you.  If your mate or someone on the street likes what you have done that is just extra.  Stop whinning that you don't have time or it takes to much effort and start reminding yourself that you are worth the time and the effort.

Beyond the fact that you are worth the effort is the message we send to the world and to our children.  This is not a shallow posting about what everyone else says is the "in thing".  Self care is one of the healthiest things we can pass on to our children.  Especially now as there are more and more messages that are not necessarily healthy in their approach to how we care for ourselves in the midst of daily living.  We are our children's first teacher in all facets of life...including how we care for our selves.

Today is a very good day to begin to honor yourself and the beautiful packaging God gave you!

Coloring in the Lines

The other day while driving my niece instructed her 3 year old cousin to be sure to stay within the lines while coloring.  I ALMOST CAME TO A SCREECHING HALT!!  What kind of madness was this 8 year peddling?   Who was she working for?  What system had she bought into?  Okay, clearly I needed to calm down.  My sweet niece meant no harm.  She is merely a victim of her environment and I am always the mother who rocks the establishment!  While I encouraged her to allow my little one to color wherever she wanted I couldn't help but wonder why is coloring in the lines a sign of success and competence?

On an academic level do we teach coloring in the lines as a means of eye/hand coordination or is it teach about boundaries?  Artsitically the black lines are the outline of the picture and allow the colors to stand out even more - but this still does not help me understand why it is so important to color within the lines!

Coloring itself is a relaxing and freeing activitiy and everyone should enjoy it on their own level (especially adults).  Many times as parents under the guise of showing our children the "right" way,  we often block the creative process or find it difficult to accept their art work just as it is.  Inside or outside of the lines, the important thing is to participate and enjoy the creative process!!!

Perfectionism

You know that list of fantastic ideas, projects and goals that you have written and re-written?  IT IS TIME TO GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO DO THEM!

Most women naturally punish themselves by waiting for the perfect day before starting new ventures.  My perfect day would include a completely organized and clean home, which includes laundry cleaned, folded and put away,  all emails and phone calls answered,  a full tank of gas in a freshly cleaned  (inside and out) car  and enough money to do all the home repairs that are currently waiting in queue.  And these things (along with a few others) are the "reasons" I have not found a way towards composting for the organic garden I say I want or starting the small group with other friends who agree we need to support each other and so forth.

You get the picture - right?  My reality is that the above mentioned may or may not take place but waiting for the perfect day only ensures that I am never going to do the things I say I really want to do.  Perfectionism gives me a false sense of reality and blocks my ability to function in a healthy manor.  Let go of perfectionism!   What has it gotten you so far?

I am giving myself permission (and time) to begin fully living life and at least making a step towards that list of things I say I want in my life.  All I have to do is take the first step.  No need to forecast about the what ifs!

Are you down?  Are you in?  Are you ready?


Okay, then say this with me - "Today, I have all I need to begin doing ______________(fill in the blank).  I will release the notion of perfection in order to live a life that honors what I value!  Say it three times out loud so that you begin to believe what you are saying!!! As a matter of fact repeat it each day and anytime you need a gentle reminder of the life you want to live.  And I'll see you on the other side!