The Big Reframe

Yesterday was a stressful day at work. I let it get the better of me and my typically optimistic attitude.  As I reflected last night, it occurred to me that although today will probably not be any less stressful, I could choose to find the positive in it and I can always choose my perspective.

That thought gave me great hope.

It also re-engaged my fortitude and with that lens, I thought about the day again.  Here is yesterday through my rose colored glasses:

• My stress was caused by bureaucracy, not tragedy.
• Although stressed, I was still styling in my animal print top.
• Our philosophy of doing what is good for kids and families is good for our community.  The rest is details.
• My need to always do everything perfectly drives myself and those around me crazy.  I need to get over my bad self.
• And, finally, most importantly, I work with amazing people who care about me and supported me in my slightly crazed, somewhat teary state.

After reviewing that list, what is not to love about that day?

The ability to reframe... an everyday blessing to me.

Blank and Sturdy

Today I bought a tri-fold cardboard for a presentation I need to do.   I must have looked at 5 different kinds and ended up paying $2 more for the extra sturdy version.  It is something special- all blank and rigid with two neat folds and made from recycled cardboard.  I carried it carefully to my car so as not to ding the corners.

 I have to admit it. I was giddy. 

I actually had a little "coming to Jesus" with myself in the parking lot to reign in my overwhelming desire to run like a wild lady back into Staples.  I really wanted that  giant assortment of multi-colored slim Sharpies and some rubber cement. 

 My mind raced all the way to school thinking of the clever and unusual things I could put on that board for my presentation.  Oh, the possibilities!!!

I was thinking, "Tri-fold cardboard, an everyday miracle!"

But then I realized, it wasn't the cardboard.  It was the potential making me smile. 
That blank slate, the unfettered line, the whole world in a tri-fold! 

P.S- I set up the tri-fold on my kitchen table for inspiration. It is adjustable and not easy to knock down- just the way I like my potential. :)



 

Plant Magnetism

  I know that tomorrow is Valentine's Day and you are probably thinking that I should write some super sweet love story with kissing and stuff. (I have some of those, but to share today would be too cliche). :)


  I visited a magnificent tree this weekend.   I was drawn off the trail to its roots.  I craned my neck to see its top and put my cheek against its living suit.

  It is an old tree;  probably escaped the loggers of the late 1800's through some exciting twist of fate or natural magic.  It has that aura of improbability about it. 

  It is a wrinkly tree with deep rivets in its bark.  When I put my fingers into the folds, there was a smoothness at its core.  Fascinating.


That tree has stood there through generations of human foolishness and grew tall and round and wise.  It understands the present of the present with its snowflakes or summer sun.

I fell in love with that tree on Saturday in a little knoll on a little trail in central Pennsylvania. 

I would have stayed all day to watch the snow accumulate on its branches and bask in its stately peace, but eventually it whispered to me,
"Get along child, you have some growing to do."

Finding my foot... on the floor

I am not known for my grace or coordination.  In fact, in some circles, I am infamous for the opposite.  I used to mind it a lot; always back line in dance class, falling up the stairs, never hitting a basket with a ball, etc.  But, as I have grown older/wiser, I have come to love my clumsy self (because really what else is there to do?)

So, I celebrate little victories over my body that rejects motor planning like it is its job.  And I enjoy the awkward adventure when victory eludes me.

Today, I found my foot on the floor.

It wasn't pretty, as my friend would say watching me.  Oh no, it was not pretty.  But I did it.  Five times on each side to be exact (not exactly exact, but pretty darn close) and if we are counting it that way I should really say I found both feet on the floor.  That would be a double "atta girl"!

I found my foot with my hand on the opposite side of my body while looking at my other hand that was pointed to the sky and with slightly bended knees and no peaking.  Wow, it even sounds complicated to write it!

Tonight I have a happy heart because I found my feet and I have friends who encourage me even when I can't find them.  

"A little more to the left MacLuckie."
"No, your other left."

:)Luckie me.

Adult Children

Maternal pleasure is felt often in parenting.  That quiet moment when your baby grasps your hand tightly, the first words, reading a book before bed, etc. The list could go on forever and is very personal for each mom and child.  ( Now that I think about it, chronicling that list for an hour would probably end with a grateful heart. I'm going to put that on my "to dos")

Today I am celebrating a distinct maternal pleasure however.

This week I spent time individually (and somewhat briefly) with each of my children.  They are in that phase of life that sociologists are now calling extended adolescence for this generation. However, as we talked I realized that they have left adolescence behind.

They are headed down their grown up roads.


I know, as a mom, I should feel sadness as my baby birds leave the nest.  But, although I miss them both everyday, mostly what I feel is joy at who they have become and what I see for them looking down their grown up roads.


My wee little babes have become individuals with character and dedication.  It is fun to hang out with them and discuss books, life, relationships and yes, on occasion, even politics.  (My son, my son a Republican!  He must get that from his father.)


Having adult children that you would pick to hang out with even if they weren't your kids- a blessing one thousand times over. 

One grateful and happy momma going to work with a smile on her face.