Learning is so important to our souls. Not only does it challenge us on a daily basis, but often, the intentionality and focus on reflecting what we have learned in previous seasons also bring to light important growth in our own selves that we may not otherwise recognize. In my day job, I reflect and talk about learning a lot... and honestly, through mommy reviews, recommendations, and such, I am always learning about something on the blog here as well. So today I wanted to join Emily P. Freeman in noting the things I've been learning every season, and today I'm sharing my winter 2018 collection with you!
At the end of each season, one of my favorite authors, Emily P. Freeman, and other women gather together to link up, reflect back, and share what we learned in that season. It’s a wonderful practice that I have been doing for years that’s helped me reflect, process, and transition into the next season of life and weather. I know this season is nearing a end for us in so many ways as Lillie joins our crew, and I am forever thankful that I am able to do this as I attempt for more nourishment in the new year for myself and my family.
1. A Little Bit of "Me" Time is Good for My Soul
I am not necessarily one to take "me" time; however, as I worked through my Powersheets during my 2018 prep work, I quickly realized how depleted and worn out I was. In the midst of leading, learning, mommy-ing, wife-ing, and everything else, I have been prioritizing housework and busyness over my soul. It hasn't been perfect, but I am attempting to say "no" more to allow for extra margin in our home (especially as we prepare for baby Lillie to arrive) and spending one afternoon a week on things that I want to do. It truly makes a huge difference the weeks that I am able to prioritize this time.
2. Just Because You Say Santa is Cool, Doesn't Always Mean You Want to Sit on His Lap
Santa, or "ho-ho" as we call him, was all the rage in December. We waved at him. We colored pictures of him. We watched videos on TV and YouTube about him. We ate breakfast for dinner at a local restaurant with him. Our PJs made us look like him and we were obsessed... until we went to sit on his lap. Complete. Melt. Down. Although I hate to say that I got an ultimate kick out of this, who as a parent doesn't love these memories too? We initially thought we traumatized him. Doesn't Ollie look pretty much traumatized? But weeks later, we still are dressing as "ho-ho" and admire him... just from afar.
3. Heartburn is Stupid
I'm not sure how to even elaborate on this more. I feel like a broken record. With four more weeks to go in our pregnancy, I have no idea what is triggering my heartburn and what is not. If it is a specific time of day or a specific position of me or certain way Lillie is laying. There is honestly just no rhyme or reason to it. I have been living off of this wonderful (disgustingly tasting) drink from Maty's that has been helping tons, but I'm ready to be done with this part of our pregnancy for sure.
4. It is Okay to Spend Major American Events at Home with the Family
We attend a church that presses the importance of community. We love it and the community support that it provides; however, from it, we have found that our personalities and sometimes just our far of missing out leaves us with more events with friends than our little family can handle. We end up filling our calendar too full, feel like we are obligated to attend everything, and in our head, make it into a gospel requirement when really it is far from it. We are working on this balance and nurturing ourselves as a whole, and ended up with nothing to do for the Super Bowl.
While all of our friends were eating buffalo chicken dip and brownies in the shape of footballs, we were able to find ourselves alone with no invites even to say "no" to. And we embraced it wholeheartedly. It may sound funny, but we laid low. We didn't say a thing to anyone and enjoyed sitting in the present as a family of three. We had a living room picnic, made chicken fajita nachos from leftovers and random things in the refrigerator, and sang to Justin Timberlake. And we enjoyed the rest. We did not allow ourselves to feel like we were missing out on time in community and we did not make it public that we spent the evening alone. It was so so so nice.
5. Sunshine is the Key to Happiness in the Midst of Winter
It doesn't matter how you find sunshine but you need to. Winters are so dreary and terrible for our energy levels. Vitamin D has such a connection to our overall happiness. So we made the attempts every day we got from Mother Nature to be outside in the sun, even if it was frigid cold. I am also super thankful for my company's yearly holiday party that put us in sunny California for a few days mid-January.
