I did not do this alone.
I’m an independent woman. Fiercely independent. Some days that quality has saved my life. Other days it’s sabotaged it. And it relates to my journey of health and well being–I did not do this alone.
“Do you believe the search for identity is an important job for your teenager?”
This was a question posed to me recently in a small group setting among other parents of teens. The knee jerk response to this question varied among the crowd. And there were a lot of “yes, but” and “that depends” in each statement that followed. It seems like a basic question with an obvious answer, until you have to put it into practice. As kids mature into the teen years the job of a parent goes from guard to guide.
It’s Down Syndrome Awareness month. A time of year that has landed on me differently each of the seventeen years it’s mattered in my life. Currently my social media feed is flooded with posts of perspective, gratitude, education and the most adorable kids with Down Syndrome and their families. As it should be.
Sitting in stillness has never been my strength. If I’m honest, I considered slowing down was for lazy people. As a women of faith I’m not sure how I rationalized ignoring the command of Psalm 46:10.
My husband and I signed up for an eight-week challenge. The goal was to create the habit of fitness while reeling in the nutrition to lose body fat percentage. The day we signed on the dotted line and had our initial body fat weigh in I asked my husband, “What’s your goal?” His answer, “To win.” “Me, too!” I replied. And that was it.
Eight years ago i was invited to be a guest in a room. I was compelled by desperation and desire. Desperate for a worthy income generating vehicle. And a desire to make an impact in others that would create legacy in my home and for the Kingdom.
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” ~Babe Ruth
I actually played softball most of my elementary school life. I even (sometimes) made the all-star team depending on which neighborhood kids were able to join the league that year. I was the 5th batter, and if you know, you know. But my coach was my best friend’s dad, and he loved me. He thought I could do it, and therefore I did.
Have you ever sat with that feeling of “Who am I to do this?” Or maybe it’s “How am I going to do this?” Either way it can leave you feeling a little like an imposter. This is not your cue to stop. This is your cue to lean in. If you haven’t had a tiny hint of the question, “Can I really do this?” then you might not have scratched the surface of what you are capable of and the GOOD that’s about to come.
Parenting teens feels like there is a daily life altering decision being made. It’s not like deciding smashed peas or sweet potatoes for lunch. These decisions seem like they have the potential to shift the entire trajectory of their future.
Parenting teens feels like there is a daily life altering decision being made. It’s not like deciding smashed peas or sweet potatoes for lunch. These decisions seem like they have the potential to shift the entire trajectory of their future.
