Friday, July 27, 2012

All I Really Need to Know I Learned Before My Kids Went to Kindergarten

I let this blog go for over a year. Seems my head fell off for a while, but I've re-attached it and am excited to get back to hearing myself talk.
The girls are 2 years and 9 months old (give or take).Since I last checked in here, our household has celebrated 6 birthdays. What a difference this time has made!

The last 18 months have been a time for learning: learning about myself, my children, my life, my past, my future. But most important, I've been learning about the present. And I want to share  some of the things I have learned.
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I've learned that children are the carriers of joy. They see the world as it truly is; the way we have forgotten it should be. We can learn so much by adopting their lens to view everything: the good, the bad, the terrifying, the remarkable.

I've learned that the too-often-used-as-a-Facebook-status-quotation is true: People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I've learned we never really know who's whom. So enjoy them and learn from them while they are here.

I've learned that three 2-year-olds with the stomach flu really IS my biggest nightmare.

I've learned that cultivating relationships is a daily process. It requires conscious, selfless, dedicated effort. And while a truly symbiotic relationship is worth the work, it is decidedly a two-way street.

I've learned that my emotional resources are valuable and finite. I will not waste them on those who do not appreciate them.

I've learned that triplets + carnival = inevitable financial ruin.

I've learned that there is a fine, fine line between selfishness and self-preservation. I've learned that I don't walk it well.

I've learned that forgiveness is vital. If it is requested, do it willingly and quickly and without condition. If it is not requested, do it willingly and quickly, but be no one's fool. Move on from those who take your forgiveness for granted.

I've learned sleep is like money. The more you have the more you need.

I've learned that the human heart's capacity to love is truly limitless. So is it's capacity for pain. Adjusting the way we love to avoid the pain leaves us numb. It's no way to live.

I've learned there's truly nothing a two-year-old girl won't try to put in her nose, or mouth, or vagina....

I've learned that the more company you have, the more likely that girl is to try the latter orifice.

I've learned that crying in front of your partner is bonding. Crying in front of your kids is cathartic. Crying in front of your friends defines who your friends are.

I've learned that a child unabashedly laughing her head off is the best mood-improver in the world. That and Damn You Auto-Correct.

I've learned that living in the moment is harder than it sounds. And it's the only way to secure memories. So, I am learning to live wholeheartedly in this moment.
And this.
And this.




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