I can’t believe I am already writing the February recap but I can’t say I am surprised as I knew this short month would fly by. I love taking this opportunity every month to reflect back on how I am applying my word for 2023, Intention, and what lessons I learned along the way. Here is a recap of some of the reminders I am holding onto as I embrace chapter 3 of 2023.
Be Spontaneous
February was a mix of plans that had been on the calendar for months and some open weekends too. I always love the balance of that but, sometimes, it means those open weekends can feel wasted or unfulfilling and we only walk away remembering the big moments. From hikes with my son, walks with my closest friends, impromptu family lunches and shopping days with my girl, I really tried to get out and make the most of the time we had.
Don’t Look Too Far Ahead
As we start to look at life after high school for my daughter, it is a time filled with so many mixed emotions and questions, but I have to remind myself that I still have a year and a half. It means that while we want to prepare her for the next phase of life, I want to stay deeply rooted in enjoying the here and now and not wishing it away anytime soon.
Focus on the Good
The world and all of the news outlets will always focus on the negative stories over the positive. It can be easy to translate this into our everyday lives too. With a few issues that hit close to home at my daughter’s school and a work lesson that reminded me that not all people are good, it forced me to stop and remember that we can’t let the actions of others make us jaded or think the worst of people. It’s hard sometimes but if we all let ourselves assume the worst, I fear the people we would become as a result.
Make the Best of Altered Plans
We were so blessed to have family from New Mexico come to visit us and allow us the chance to see them twice in two months. As the weekend approached, so did the storm of the century:) While we initially were disappointed that our beautiful California weather didn’t shine through, we made the best of the time and did not let it ruin our plans or keep from creating memories.
Pure Joy is the Best Gift a Mother Can Receive
As a mom, one of the greatest gifts you can get is seeing pure joy on your child’s face. These are the moments you bottle up and hold onto so you can look back and remember that feeling for a lifetime. If you are a parent of a teenager, these moments definitely don’t come as often but when they do, don’t let them pass you by too quickly.
Life is never perfect and neither is mine. Both my kids were sick almost 3 weeks out of the month but I am grateful they were minor issues that they can recover from. I also took steps to be more diligent about my health appointments. I still have a milestone appointment I am dreading but determined to get done before my birthday. Kicking off March remembering that life will always throw you some curve balls but it’s how you balance them that makes all the difference. What are you taking with you from February?