Just Be

At the beginning of 2013, I joined in on Ali Edwards One Little Word Challenge.  My word was ‘present’, as in BE PRESENT.  I am guilty of spending large quantities of time with my girls, but not much quality time.  Be it my never ending to-do list or just my ADD, I find it difficult to just ‘be.’

I’ve worked really hard so far this year on changing that.  On being present with my girls.  Paying closer attention to them.  In spite of that, an article I read the other day stepped on every toe I have.  Go read it now:  The Day I Stopped Saying ‘Hurry Up’.

If I had a nickel for every time I said “hurry up” just this week, I’d be a very rich woman.  Sometimes, this simply can’t be avoided.  We HAVE to be at school/work at an exact time.  Church services, birthday parties, and ball games require us to adhere to a specific time as well.  But what I can do, and will do, is try to take advantage of all the other time we have and not rush it.  I can relax on my personal schedule.  Running errands, reading stories, and bedtime routines are things that don’t have to be rushed.  I can simply choose to stay home more, and enjoy my girls while they are little.  Stop rushing their (and my) life away.

I promise to snuggle a little longer, give away as many bedtime kisses as are wanted, and let them spend time just being.