Obviously, I like to write. But journaling is so much more than a hobby. When I write stuff down, I feel ten times lighter and I feel like I can recall things clearer. This helps when I am mad, sad, happy- all of the things. Lately, I’ve been moment after moment of “oh my, this isn’t going to last forever” and I’m so scared I will forget it all. Here are a few prompts I am giving myself to cherish the moment and remember the little things as they come (and go). You may realize I love lists, too…
Three things your toddler is obsessed with saying right now
My daughter loves to say “love you” but only in a monster voice and it is the funniest/cutest thing in the world to me. Now whenever I tell my husband that I love him, I use a monster voice. I wonder how long this will last.
What did you do in your alone time today?
I have a tendency to waste extra time that I have. Looking back on my day and taking inventory of my time helps me to cherish the moments I have alone, and to spend them better in the future.
What is your anthem in this season?
Do not ask me why, but I feel the song Daylight by Harry Styles is so so fun to dance around the kitchen to. I know it is a romantic song but I just love saying to my daughter “if I was a blue bird, I would fly to ya”. She thinks it’s a fun moment too (if I can assume from her giggles).
Five ways you connected with your child this week
along the same lines…
List a few ways you connected with your spouse this week
even better,
List a few ways you connected with yourself this week
— whether that was playing your own music to sing with your kid, or reading a book you enjoy during nap time, or sticking to a schedule that helps your day run smoother, or making your favorite food for dinner. I personally don’t feel that being kid free is necessary for getting in touch with myself and filling my own cup (but a solo pedicure can definitely help).
What is your current bedtime routine?
Mt daughter is only two and I feel like we have already gone through so many bedtime routines. First, it was just me putting her to bed. Then, just my husband. Then we took turns for a bit. Lately, we’ve all been in the big bed, read a story, then I carry her to her bed. Eventually, I am sure she will go to her bed all by herself.
List 10 things you are grateful for
I never thought gratefulness lists could be as significant as they are. Doing one everyday genuinely recalibrated my brain. The more specific you can be, the better.
What is your current prayer for your child?
I pray my daughter maintains her strong will her whole life and that she knows when to be gentle. I pray that she is always surrounded by love and she has discernment in choosing good influences.
If I could keep my head on straight, I would love to fill a journal with musings of motherhood and little treasures we find together. Unfortunately, I lose journals halfway through or just completely forget they exist. Hopefully, I stumble across them again one day, halfway filled, with little tokens of the joys of my life sprinkled through them.
