Who knew I needed preteen perspective?

June 3, 2013

A group of 11-year old boys gave me perspective this weekend without even realizing it.

They arrived expecting to win a baseball game, but instead lost. They jogged across the infield to shake the opposition’s hands.

They did something that many adults, including myself, struggle to do. After failing to achieve a desired goal, THEY MOVED ON.

Defeated one moment, laughing the next.

wiffle ball rocks

Little brothers and sisters got in on some wiffle ball action after the game.

I catch myself allowing external forces to affect my mood. I know I have the power to control my level of happiness, but boy is it easy to blame outside influences versus questioning myself.

Any of these scenarios resonate with you too?

I would have worked out had it not been for that meeting. (Guess what? No such constraints exist at the break of dawn.)

I ate a crappy lunch because it was fast and easy. (Also because I chose not to go to the grocery store to pick up healthier options.)

It’s hard to find time to write. (Especially when you factor in Facebook and Hulu surfing – neither of which help with writing.)

It’s time to stop dumping on excuses.

Dump your drama someplace else.

Dump your drama someplace else.

Here are a couple reminders for all of us to stop, reflect, and make the most out of this beautiful adventure we call life.

Incidentally, both made me cry today (yep, I’m a certifiable sap).

LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING THIS

Created by Heidi Woodard

In Awareness, Inspiration, Kids, Reflection , , , , , , ,
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My pride for you

May 26, 2013

(Dedicated to the not-so-little men in my life.)

I see you try your hardest. I see you shine even when things don’t go your way. When your character is truly tested.

It’s easy to be a leader when everything comes easily. The true test is how you react to adversity.

You didn’t ask to have an overly competitive mom. A mom who doesn’t sugar coat. A mom who will tell you all the ways you can improve.

You say you know how proud I am of you, but do you really?

Yes I am proud of your physical abilities, but I am absolutely floored by your mental toughness.

You won’t always make the right decisions; in fact, you will make some pretty bad ones. But you will know when you’re wrong.

That’s all I can ask for.

To have the capacity to realize those moments when you should stop in your tracks and flip a 180.

This crazy life is much like the games you play.

There will be winners, losers, cheaters, heroes, and those who are content to sit on the sidelines watching the action unfold.

You will be admired by some, and will watch others hoping to glean a bit of their wisdom and talent.

Be humble in all you do. Because greatness is but a fleeting memory.

Reinvent yourself. Surprise not only the people you are trying to impress, but also those you may never know are watching you.

Trophies will tarnish.

My pride for you will not.

I assumed the days of summer would be a special chapter in your young lives. What I didn’t anticipate was how meaningful this time would be for me and your dad too.

Thanks for letting us come along for the ride.

Created by Heidi Woodard

In Kids, Love, Reflection , , , , , , , , , ,
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Why I normally shy away from controversy

May 22, 2013

I’ve been blogging for momaha.com – a local parenting site that is owned and operated by Omaha’s major newspaper, The Omaha World-Herald – for over three years. Throughout it all, I can count on one hand how many times I’ve purposely tackled something controversial.

I don’t like arguing with people. In fact, nine times out of 10, I’d prefer to sit back and read other people’s rants and arguments while watching the drama unfold from the sidelines.

But the story about rich Manhattan moms renting disabled people to cut in lines at Disney World reeled me in. Originally reported by the NY Post, and subsequently picked up by major news outlets across the country, the allegations are pretty deplorable.

Disney World is conducting their own investigation and, last I knew, the company has not released an official statement.

While the majority of readers enjoyed my take on the situation, I got slammed a little by others who didn’t think I did a thorough enough investigation before I flew off the handle. Well, here’s a newsflash: I am a blogger who gets paid (thankfully because so many others do not) for sharing my stories and opinions. I read the NY Post article, and then follow-up articles published on CNN and Yahoo!

That, to me, was a trifecta of reputable sources. 🙂

I thought maternalmedia readers would get a kick out of listening to me and fellow blogger, Melissa Cruickshank, talk about this unfolding story. This radio podcast took place last Thursday, May 16, Enjoy!

Oh, and here’s a good post from a blogger who loves Disney World. She believes the allegations are total BS.

Created by Heidi Woodard

In Crazy, Radio , , , , , , ,
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