The Christmas season is here!! I, for one, could not be any less prepared...and to be perfectly honest, I am totally ok with however this Christmas rolls out. Christmas can be such a mixed bag of emotions for many. As much as we want to soak up all the goodness of the holidays, it sometimes provokes other feels for many of us. I hope you are able to find some joy Christmas. And I hope that you share your joy with others. We never know what someone else is going through. Your light might be exactly what they are needing. Much Love, Always
Relationships are complicated. Knowing how the people you love, interpret how you show your love for them is an incredibly helpful tool. It is also helpful for your spouse to know what fills your cup. Some people love gift, or kind words. I really appreciate a good hug. Yes, there are good and bad hugs. But my absolute favorite is the gift of time with the people I love. Whether it is a birthday or just an average day, I am grateful for the time I get to share with them. What is your love language? And don't be surprised if they evolve and change over time. Lots of Love, Always Chris
Inevitably life will have moments that wear us down. That challenge us and sometimes force us to deal with a variety of feelings we have kept bottled up. This was me recently, and instead of leaning on people, exercising and taking care of myself... I did the complete opposite. I wallowed in my sadness alone. Counterproductive and made an already sad time even harder. So here I am, vulnerably admitting that I needed to kick myself in the pants and remind myself that I have an incredible community around me and I would want them to reach out if ever I could help them, so why on earth would I feel I need to tackle this moment alone. Sometimes we have to feel the lows to fully appreciate and enjoy the highs. And sometimes...we need to remind ourselves that it is ok to ask for help. Much Love Always, Chris
In the midst of life chaos and the reality of never truly feeling like I have my feet under me.... I spend brief moments picturing myself, convertible top down in my 1965 powder pink mustang (to be clear, this car doesn't exist... yet). But hey, dare to dream. What do your dreams look like? I have realistic and tangible goals. I also have a tangled web of intricate thoughts and aspirations... we will see how it all plays out. In the meantime, I am blasting "Free Fallin" by Tom Petty and I am visualizing so many exciting experiences that are just a little bit further down the road.
While we are at it, lets cut everyone around us some slack too. Remind yourself that you are doing your best. And if somedays you are having a tough go, surround yourself with people who will gladly (and often unknowingly) be there to lift you up. Life is short, make the most of every moment, seek every opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of the world around you. Laugh, hug, share, embrace life... and all of the ups and downs that make it beautiful. Lots of Love, Chris
New Seasons mean: new sports, new changes, new schools, new chaos. Finding ways to scrape together my scrambled brain. Discovering new challenges and how to help my kiddos as they navigate this season of change as well.
WOW! Time flies when you are exhausted! haha Summer was a blur of incredible memories, time with family & friends and total disregard for the clock! We lived our best lives and embraced the sunshine and time with people we love. Now it's time for school, routine and I think I struggle with it way more than the kids. Its ok to have your own style to parenting, and its ok to not be completely organized the first day of school.... I am shocked and amazed that I didn't cry at drop offs. I think it was too chaotic for that. ;) Doesn't mean I wasn't feeling all the feels.
Do you have an internal monologue rolling in your mind? Apparently some of us do, and some don't. Love stuff like this and all the tiny features that make us who we are. Finding ways to forgive ourselves, give grace & truly embrace our quirky characteristics that make us, US. You are strong, beautiful, and perfect exactly how you are. 💗
Midway through the Summer and we are finding our groove! ;) Once we embraced a new and forever changing routine, combined with embracing boredom and a little creative thinking... we are learning to appreciate having all this time together. Well most of the time, anyway. Creating opportunities for the kids to make a little spending money (and a way for us to turn mess makers, into mini helpers) has significantly improved the summertime vibes. Looking forward to soaking in the homestretch of summer... it goes by way too fast!!
Special Guest *Hudson Conversation Starter- Family Game Better Together- Kids Edition
We all come together from various backgrounds and experience. Life rarely plays out exactly how we plan it. I believe we all have a purpose and a story worth sharing. I am SO excited in the following weeks to have people I am so grateful to call friends on the podcast. Prior to doing that, I thought it might be helpful to start by sharing part of my story. I hope that life offers you every you everything you can dream of. But when it doesn't, if it feels hard and heavy. Please always know you are never alone. And that, in time, life will get better again. Sending Love, Always 💗
Summer makes us all feel a bit more Vulnerable & Exposed.... Why do we get hair where we don't want/ need it?! And Full Disclosure.... Socks or No Socks at OBGYN?! Getting up close & personal. ;)
Life is busy, that is an inevitable truth. Making time for the people we love is an irreplaceable gift.
Slowly realizing the importance of being in the moment. No matter how exhausted, the time will pass us by either way. Might as well enjoy it as much as possible.
My Seven Truths: 1. Comfy Undies make or Break your day 2. Exercise is Medicine 3. Random Acts of Kindness will make a Huge impact for You & Others 4. Getting Older doesn't have to Suck 5. Being Vulnerable will Change your Relationships 6. The Scariest Leaps of Faith are Generally the Best And when all else fails..... 7. Sweatpants make everything Better!
Adventures in Motherhood. My Quotable Kid by Chronicle Books
Welcome to Meet Me By The River! Looking forward to connecting, sharing and learning together.