Confession: One of my favorite things to read is Tim Ferris’s “Five Bullet Friday” newsletter, in which he writes a list of things that he’s pondering, enjoying, or really excited about.
I started some version of that for myself months ago – just a private entry in my journal with a quick recap of what’s been on my mind and things I’d like to remember. Books I enjoyed. TED Talks that rocked my world. Quotes I found to be interesting, blogs I just discovered, a recipe that I fell in love with. As a family, we also check in with each other every day to ask 3 simple questions.
What I am grateful for?
What am I excited about?
What do I want to get better at?
And then I thought, “Well, hey, if I enjoy reading someone else’s musings and listening to my family’s thoughts, then maybe somebody might enjoy reading mine? Maybe it might inspire a similar conversation with your families?”
So I thought I’d try something new, dig in deep and share my inner ramblings with you all.
What’s On My Mind – August 2019 Musings
Blogging is a bit odd, in that I often feel like I’m writing an intimate letter and baring my soul – for a group of strangers. So don’t be a stranger, and maybe leave me a comment below?
Word I’m Currently Pondering: Community
August signifies the unofficial end of summer and start of the school season. One word that keeps floating around in my mind this month is community.
Google Dictionary defines community as: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
And this month has been chalk full of feelings of fellowship. With the start of school, I’ve met new people in the neighborhood at our bus stop, and I gotta tell you – my neighbors are the coolest!
Other ways my community has grown:
- I found the “bad moms” version of my local town’s mom’s group on Facebook. It’s been insanely fun sharing memes and meeting sarcastic, funny, and welcoming local moms.
- I joined a local “business owner moms” Facebook group. Besides finding fellowship with other local business owners, I’ve also found my tribe. These women are passionate and excited about growing themselves and their businesses, and have created a safe space to provide support, ask questions, share your fears, and encourage each other.
What I’m Grateful For This Month:
This month has been hectic. My life in general, is hectic. I work full time. I own a business with my husband. I have another business I’m trying to get off the ground. Then there’s this blog. I have a six year old who has a full schedule of activities and play dates. We have a dog who loves attention. We have personal fitness goals that we are determined to meet, and oh yeah, we travel pretty much every weekend. It doesn’t leave a ton of down time, but it’s the life we want.
And the only way it doesn’t fall apart is because I have so much support. I am grateful for my village. For a husband that pulls equal weight and can see what needs to be done and jumps right in.
Some weeks that means laundry and dinner. Other weeks it might mean picking up groceries or cleaning the kitchen. Maybe it means making an appointment for the doctor or scheduling the car for general maintenance.
I’m also grateful for grandparents who convince us that date nights are important, and our marriage is worth protecting. For never calling it a “favor” to watch our little one, or even “babysitting.”
To them, it’s just hanging out with family.
What I’m Excited About This Month:
We are taking my grandparents (in their mid-nineties) on their FIRST EVER cruise! They are beyond excited and I can’t wait. Our little one loves being in the water, but is generally fearful and clingy unless daddy is holding her (see my #momfail for reasons why) which means she can never go on the fun slides on the ship.
And she’s been really excited about doing that on this trip, but also terrified. I had hoped that Goldfish Swim School would help her a bit, but I’ve been shocked at how far she’s come in ONLY 4 classes.
My little girl, who refused to let go of daddy in the water can now happily jump in, float on her back, blow bubbles, and even swim a bit by herself.
In only 4 classes! We have 3 weeks to go before the cruise, but I’m so excited to see her go down that slide. If you have a timid little one – I can’t think of a better option to get them comfortable in the water. You can also check out this list of 8 reasons why Goldfish Swim School’s jump start clinics help young swimmers.
What I’ve Been Trying To Get Better About This Month:
I’ve been trying to focus on my family’s health. Physical and mental health. We’ve been spending more time outdoors, being active. We’ve been spending more time around a dinner table, screen-free. I’ve been trying to focus on mental health hacks that are appropriate for a 6 year old to understand. Like fostering a growth mindset.
I’ve been trying to consciously add “yet” to all my self-talk about the things I can’t do. Anyone else struggle with constantly focusing on all the things you can’t do?
I can’t run a mile in under 10 minutes yet. I haven’t figured out how to keep a spotless home yet. I don’t know how to go to sleep at a reasonable hour yet.
Also, I may have watched this TED Talk like 3x. It’s a good reminder.
Books I read:
Political Tribes – Group Instinct and the Fate of Nations
Biased – Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice that Shapes What We See, Think and Do
Recent Purchase I’m Excited About:
I loved this chalkboard meal planner so much that I bought two of them. It’s been super helpful having a meal plan in place in advance, and it’s curbed how much we eat out. It’s also super cute. Win/Win.