Parenting is a place to learn to grow as a person. Seriously. : ) Even now, when I’m caregiving, rather than parenting, I experience examples of this type of growth. It always takes me off guard because I would like to think that in almost 75 years, I had gotten this growth thing handled. Silly, because learning and personal growth are a lifetime endeavor.

Today I am being vulnerable and sharing one of these growth moments. I hope it brings a smile to your face and puts you in a thoughtful position about how you teach and communicate with your children. Join me as I share the importance of allowing ourselves to learn without berating ourselves and that when we do - when we error we can also restore.

Recently, I read an entry from Feb. 2023 that contained information I thought would be useful to some of you. It isn’t new. I’ve written on, the power of story, the importance of perspective, and the value of controlling our thoughts often. But when you attach powerful ideas to an event, they become more relatable and easier to institute into one’s life.

In February 2023, I was taking an Emotional Resilience class. At the same time, I was endeavoring to come to terms with time because my story wasn’t helpful and I knew it. Coming to terms with time is something I have been working on for years and I bet some of you are in that boat with me.

After class, at home, I reread the lesson. As I did, I had major insights. I knew they would help me with my negative story about time and I would move closer to becoming friends with time.

The lesson in my Emotional Resilience class was ‘Managing Stress and Anxiety’. The foundation principle was – Use time wisely. This lesson was for me! LOL

Join me today as I share portions of that Feb. 2023 journal entry and the crux of becoming friends with time. : )

In October I asked myself this question - “How can I strengthen my relationship with each grandchild and great-grandchild despite age, technology, or distance.” There are impediments of time, finances, the ability to travel, different lifestyles, and beliefs, kids who are adults or teens, and technology, which often gets in the way of real connection.

Recently a friend mentioned that her son, Curtis, said - “When you only send cards and not letters, I can’t reread them.” What, this from a grown man who uses all the available tech? He wants letters from his mom so he can reread them!

How can we let the people we love most know they are thought about, loved, and cared for even if they are miles away? How can we consistently say, you are in my thoughts, you matter to me? Join me as I share what I have done in the past, plan to implement now, and what I am returning to. It will help you answer this important question for yourself.