“If we want stability in our family, society, nation, and the world, we need to create stability in individual human beings.” – Sadhguru
This weekend I:
- Walked a half marathon (27k steps over 2 ½ days)
- Celebrated the achievements of this youngest generation of scientists and explorers (took my kids to a 5 year old birthday party and set up marble tracks, cheered for kids figuring out how to slide fast and slow, )
- Practiced medicine (2 boo-boos, and tummy ache)
- Work to help prevent disease and disorganization (did 5 loads of laundry, supervised young hands wiping down counters and sinks, changed the sheets, mowed the lawn, organized a utility closet, and did at least 1000 dishes)
- Exercised hearts and minds (played 2 games of family soccer, reenacted light saber scenes, played Chinese checkers, read a half a dozen books aloud, and told a dozen stories, played at least a dozen rounds of keep away with Cooper the dog)
- Fed the hungry (prepared seven meals, a bazillion snacks, five meals for the dog, three meals for the cat)
- Coached positive techniques for conflict resolution and expressing healthy boundaries (settled at least a half dozen power struggles and fits of big emotion)
No, I’m not aiming to do a victory lap here (for one thing I’m too tired 🙂 ). But my weekend reminds me that:
- We don’t give caretakers nearly enough credit for the amount of energy and skill it takes to keep other beings alive.
- I’m a much better parent because I work. The dozen things I need to get done at work on Monday seem like child’s play… compared to a weekend of playing with children.
- Kids and pets reflect the care they get…and so do caregivers. None of it is possible unless caregivers fill up their tank.
Happy Monday, everyone!
Surprised By Joy 