Time For Heartfelt Holidays......

Greetings Dear Readers! Today I continue to share with you my thoughts and ideas for creating Heartfelt Holidays.

We started with taking time to envision the Holiday Season we want to create. Be certain to put in place the steps to get there. Decide what is a priority and what can you let go. On the sentimental side I offer......

November is about Thanksgiving! We can express our gratitude in a variety of ways, knowing that it touches the lives of others and serves as a reminder to ourselves of how Blessed we are. Give these few a try.

Note of Thanks to a family member! What a pleasant surprise for them to find a note on their pillow, in their car or randomly text to them. Perhaps saying that you are "grateful for the smiles and energy they bring to the family" or "Thanks for bringing out the recycle bins and picking up the Bunny poop. It helps a lot".

Write a Thank You note to a former teacher, employer or friend, that has touched your Life at some point and made a difference for you. Perhaps a note to a teacher who has your child as a student now.  Acknowledge and recognize what specifically they are doing to enhance your child's education.

STICKY NOTES! Leave them in the mail box for the mailman,  and  on your outgoing trash bins  ~ although now that they are picked up remotely by a truck here, with the driver inside, it could be a bit trickier. Instead make a large sign that simply says "THANK YOU!" they'll get the message. If space allows you could say "Thanks for helping keep me clean".

Kudos to you! I have had great fun giving out individual Kudos snack bars with a note attached that says "Kudos to you for all that you do". I have given them to teachers, crossing guards, doctor's office staff. You name it, if I'm grateful of the actions of someone who helps me, I let them know.

The possibilities and joy it brings is priceless! And in keeping with recognizing what we are grateful for I must say:

Thank you Dear Readers for coming back for more! More Than Mom Thoughts was a venture I took three years ago this past October. I took the leap and jumped in without my floaties to give this whole "blogging world" a try. I am glad I did, and because of all of you I have realized the water is real nice.  To you I share a heartfelt Thank You for all the support  and encouragement and most of all for being on this journey with me. I am learning so much!!!

Gratefully Yours,
Maria
My very first blog post can be found by clicking Remembering to breath............

Encouraging Jumping..........

Previously in my blog posts I have referred to "jumping in without my floaties." Describing times of something new, something overwhelming or something that is totally out of my comfort zone. For me  my "Connect With Your Life" public speaking talk this past week was that exact scenario. Bit of a racing heart...questioning many outcomes.....tossing around "what the heck am I doing?".....and jumping in just the same. Well, I just have to offer this piece of advice...GO FOR IT! The scary, overwhelming, questionable moments are so worth the outcome of what you are left with.....a sense of accomplishment!

Taking the chance provides such insight and reassurance of what you are capable of. Now I'm not saying it always happens with the greatest of ease or without glitches...but just remember, it's the bigger picture that holds value and rings true in the end....you believing in you!

Today dear readers, I encourage you to give some thought to selecting your own goal...your own "jumping in without your floaties" moment. Organize your thoughts...see what you need to do to, make it happen...and GO FOR IT! Over thinking, excessive questioning, and avoidance because of fear can have its own place. However, for today store them on a shelf....climb the steps....get on that board.......and jump!

Illustration courtesy of 
http://www.lovethywall.com/parisienne-mer-1926-la-vie-parisienne-print-leonnec.html

Yikes....it's happening...My next "jumping in without my floaties." Speaking in public! What I want to share just feels so important to me, as does no longer wanting to be held back by my fears. Such baby steps I am taking....but taking them I am! Additional information is available here at the Seekonk Public Library link. Once on the page, just click on the the 21st on the calendar in the upper right corner. Registration is not required.

Bring a friend and join in the fun!

Remembering to breath

  As simple as it may sound, breathing is something only of recent, I have made a dedicated effort to do. Perhaps it is the "lack of" breathing that has been so enlightening. More on that later.......

 I remind myself at this moment to take a breath as I embark on the blogging world! It is something I have thought about for months, but never had the time to look into. OK I found the whole idea intimidating, overwhelming and yes the self imposed pressure (common thread for me) I was creating resulted in my not MAKING the time to learn more about blogging.

 This past week I decided to "jump in without my floaties". This will be a work in progress. My mind is whirling with thoughts and ideas of things I would like to write about. I'm thinking Mommy tips, school /parent involvement, acts of kindness, "glass is half full" way of living. I/It will develop as I go. There will be stumbling blocks and mistakes along the way I'm sure (hopefully not too embarrassing)....but I'm ready to learn from my mistakes.

 With our two teenage sons becoming more independent all the time, my role as Mom is being redefined (pang... that's not easy) It is a rebirth of sorts for me, of my interests and how I choose to spend some of my time.....and that's where the confusion & possibilities come in..... and ....breath!