Having just a moment of serenity, a moment to pause, to stop and take a breath during the excitement and craziness of the day-to-day adventures of raising two young very bright, inquisitive and enthusiastic children is so important to keep my mind calm and healthy.
As the mother to two very busy young daughters almost 8 and 6, I
know how precious 5 minutes of peace is to me. It wasn't that long ago,
when a 10 minute shower was a luxury.
While the crazy moments don't last forever, I have also come to realize the precious moments won't last forever either.
Making Time to Enjoy the Rainbows
The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow
but the rainbow may not wait...
Patricia Clafford
When I pause to reflect, I realize just how quickly the time has passed and is passing with my girls. I want to slow down the precious moments--take time for the rainbows, because my children won't wait. I want to focus on treasuring the moments with daughters rather than counting the moments until they fall asleep. I want to find ways of nourishing their bodies and nurturing their spirits.
My daughter's unexpected NICU hospitalization caused me to reassess my future plans. Spending precious moments with my girls has been a major incentive for going on hiatus from clinical practice.
Being More Present in the Moment
As part of my own on going coping strategies, as a part-time single parent, I am working to shift my focus--to recognize the everyday blessings, to be grateful for my two intelligent, healthy, compassionate daughters and the many life lessons they are teaching me--about love, patience, calmness, inner strength and understanding. Most of all my girls teach me the joy of the moment.
I have consciously raised my own awareness to be more present in the moment, to incorporate mindful parenting, to cope better with the difficult moments, but even more so to stop for the rainbows--to notice and imprint the special, joyful moments in my memories.
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness.
If you are attentive you will see it.
Kirsti A. Dyer MD, MS, FT, CWS is a respected physician, an expert in life challenges, loss, grief and bereavement, professional health educator, professor, lecturer and author. She teaches Nutrition and Wellness to College students, encouraging stress management and enhancing well being. She is also the Parent of a very healthy NICU Survivor.
Dr. Dyer created and has maintained Journey of Hearts, a website for anyone who has ever experienced a loss. She is the author of For Those Who Hold the Littlest Hands, an eBook written to provide information, encouragement and support for NICU parents.
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Having just a moment of serenity, a moment to pause, to stop and take a breath during the excitement and craziness of the day-to-day adventures of raising two young very bright, inquisitive and enthusiastic children is so important to keep my mind calm and healthy.
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