Variety of "big" things...

In my last post, I talked about how I want to fill my summer with big things.  "Big" meaning important things, memorable moments, fun outings, etc.  So I get home and there's a box on my doorstep.  Expecting my new pair of running shoes, I knew what was in the box.  As I prepared to open the package, I looked down at the box and noticed that it read, "1 big pair".  Ha!  Really? 

So there's my first "big" thing!

Now onto other matters...
Today's big thing?  Today's big thing is a milestone.  This morning I dropped off my youngest child for her last day of elementary school.  Wow.  Now it's on to middle school - but first we're going to have some FUN! 
I hadn't thought much about this being her last day until I drove up to the school.  As I stopped the car, she leaned up to give me a hug - just like every other day.  She's always done this.  She doesn't get out of the car without hugging me.  Even when she's late.  Even when she's mad.  Even when she doesn't feel good.  Even when her friends are looking.  She's just that kind of kid. 

I realize that even if that hugging stopped tomorrow,  I would be a fortunate mom to have held onto that for so long.  Next year is middle school.  Things could be different.  I guess I'll have to wait and see, but I can tell you this:  I will not be the one to stop the hugging.  I will hold on for as long as I can - even if it causes some embarrassment.  It's worth it.  She's going to need those hugs more than ever next year. 
And so will I.

I did try out that one big pair this morning when I returned home to get in my morning run.  They felt great on my feet, so I think I'll keep them.  They were a great way to start my collection of big things! 

What big thing will today hold?  I have no idea.  I kind of like it that way...  :-)

Every day things...

No matter who you are, where you go or what you do, there are things you have to take care of every day.  I guess that's why it is so easy to get caught up in the stuff of life and not accomplish the "big" things. 
The question is, "What are the big things?".  That's what I've been asking myself.  The answer I have come up with is this:  The big things are not necessarily big events, accomplishments, recognitions, trips, etc.  The big things are those things that bring joy to life and make wonderful memories with those you love. The big things are those things that make a difference in people's lives - a simple act of kindness, sharing a meal with someone, doing a craft with a child, sharing your gifts - whatever they are - with the world.  Big things are those things you look back on and say, "Wow!  I'm glad I did that."

I am planning a summer of big things.  I don't know what they will be...yet, but I am thinking about it.  We have a busy summer ahead.  I have one child going to Spain for a few weeks, one going to Pennsylvania and one to music camp.  We have a guest from Spain coming to visit, as well as one coming to visit from Pennsylvania.  We are trying to plan a trip to the beach, as well as a couple of trips to visit our training teams. 

I plan to enjoy every minute of these visits and trips that I can.  I know the summer flies by quickly and I want to pack every minute of it with as much as I can.  We'll see what happens!

What "big" things are you planning?

So that didn't last long....

I committed to blog every day and didn't do it.  I guess it's not a priority.  I realized that today as I came in from the gym, ready to tackle the day and was completely overwhelmed with everything that needed doing.

Have you ever had one of those days where you have so much to do that it's difficult to start?  I know you have - I think we all have.  It's just a part of living, I guess.

When you have one of those days, what do you do?  Does it work?  If not, I have a few suggestions for you:

1. Make a list.  Write down everything that you need to accomplish.  Just dump your brain and put it all down on paper.

2. Prioritize. Decide what comes first.  Determine those tasks that must be accomplished before the sun goes down.  Follow that list with the less critical things.  Give deadlines if you have to.

3. Mark complaining off of your list.  What good is it going to do?  None.  No one likes to listen to complaining and it seems to feed off of itself - the more we complain, the more we complain, so stop it!  All you can do is get busy and get things done.

4. Don't fret if you don't finish.  Adopt the Scarlett attitude - "after all, tomorrow is another day".  Just carry it over and tackle it tomorrow.

5. Forget Superwoman.  No such person.  She does not exist.  We all have our limitations.  Do your best, do it well and move on.

I've had one of those days for the past 6 months (or more) - can you tell?  This is how I survive.  I don't do it perfectly and sometimes I get overwhelmed.  When I do, I am learning to step back and make choices.  Take what absolutely has to finished "today" and do it.  When I do that, I can breathe again and get on with my day.

Now onto marking one more thing off of that list.....