Daily Archives: 16 May 2012

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Motherhood: What no one prepared me for

As I’m sitting here in Target, my thirteen year old, Rebecca is trying on her first bikini and all I can think is “Wow. No one prepared me for this.”
 
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Tonight Rebecca graduates from middle school. I know what you are thinking, “Big deal, it’s just 8th grade.” Insert exaggerated eye roll. And I would be lying if I probably thought the same thing last year, when it wasn’t my child.

But now. Now I’m sitting here with a flood of emotions that no one prepared me for.

You see I felt somewhat prepared for breastfeeding, crib types, diapers, and CPR. I felt prepared for childcare options, Gymboree classes, and the importance of reading to Rebecca before she was born. I read What to Expect When You are Expecting 3 times and devoured every child magazine article in the grocery store aisle and library.

But no one prepared me for the sheer joy and heartache that comes with parenting or approaching milestones that mark that the end of your child being in your home is quickly approaching.
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The 4 Biggest Myths About Life Lists

I read a post recently about creating life lists. In the comments section, some of the commenters were giving reasons why they were resistant to writing their own. A lot of their arguments centered on the four biggest myths about life lists.
 

Myth #1. Life lists create more work and busyness.

After writing my life list, I started cutting out a lot of activities that were consuming my days.  Before I had a list, I took on commitments without considering some of the other things I wanted to accomplish or enjoy.  There were things that I enjoyed or that made me feel productive that just took more time than I had to give.  I didn’t realize all the adventure I was giving up until I wrote my desires down. The list gave me a way, a reason if you will, to minimize my commitments and the power to say NO without excuses or apologies.  I gave up being a Girl Scout Leader and a room mom and I stopped working full time for the first time in 17 years.   Essentially my life list has given me a road map. Now I can more easily prioritize what I want to do and accomplish before I just thoughtlessly add a new activity or project. And I have replaced some of the good things in my life like Girl Scout leading with a different good thing, like a cupcake fundraiser for a child with cancer.
 

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  • 52 Cupcakes

  • Project Life

  • 39 Before I am 39

  • Jeff's Story