The Beginning is Always Today

It's hard to imagine that I set out on the start of my blogging adventure almost four years ago.  Focused on a joy for writing and entering into a new instructional coaching role, I sought ways to reflect within my new role as well as share my reflections with others. Change can be scary, yet also full of possibilities and excitement.  

My thought process with this blog being maybe - just maybe - I could connect with others who could relate to my experiences, and we could be in the trenches of life together, regardless of how many miles separated us. While this process has required a level of vulnerability to share writing with a global audience, it has also served as means of growth and new found relationships with some kind and compassionate individuals. We are part of a writing community and connect through our words and shared stories. 

With a fresh, updated look (and name!) to this blog, I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the days ahead.  I have been fortunate to share some posts recently through the Collaborate.Lead.Coach and TeachBoost community. I sincerely thank them for the opportunity to share my reflections on their blogs.  

Thank you for being part of my journey, 

Lauren 

Day 31: Time Flies When You’re Having Fun #SOL18

Time flies when you’re having fun. This is applicable in many ways this evening. One, whenever I’m on a break from school, the days run together, especially when you add in a beach getaway. I’m OK with that- means relaxation is in full effect (and we are really out of routine- haha). Two, it means that I honestly can’t believe the month of March has come and gone just like that- which means this year’s Slice of Life Challenge has come to an end. I’ve written daily for the past month, and it feels amazing. Writing has become part of life again, and it feels good to have a feeling like I was just getting started rather than thank goodness this is over. This journey is FAR from over, and yet, year two of this challenge comes to a close for this writer. Yes, I will say the same thing I said thirty one days ago- I am a writer. Thank you to this community for the opportunity to lay my writing out on the table, no matter what my mindset may have been that day. This community stretches, uplifts, and grows its writers. Thank you for being part of my story. I look forward to year three next year with new ideas and endless possibilities.

Day 30: Slow #SOL18

When I went to pick my one word for the 2018 year, I went back and forth for some time as I decided what that word should be for myself. When I ended on “slow”, I knew this word would keep me grounded, yet also provide challenge. Slow gives us the grace to pause and take in the small moments all around us. I tend to go, go, go; however, slow gives that reminder to pump the brakes every once in awhile. This spring break has meant revisiting my word of slow. Everything is slowed when you are on vacation. I’ve read lots, played with my kiddos, and spent dual time between the beach and pool. It’s been nice to just embrace slow. I need these gentle nudges as I continue to balance moments of slow in a world full of busy.

Day 29: This is Bliss #SOL18

It’s not every day where you can spend eight straight hours at a beach with a cloudless sky, perfect temperature, and a calm breeze. Add in four overjoyed children and a good read, and it makes a day that is purely bliss. We played and swam right up until we said our final goodnight to the sun. This is bliss. There were so many moments today where I had to stop and just take in the moment. We all may sleep a little more soundly tonight, yet how it was worth it to be in this blissful day today. 

,

Day 28: Kodak Moments #sol18

That commercial still rings through my head. Those Kodak moments. It's funny how a picture can quickly turn into a memory maker as well as a tradition. I’ve shared my love for sunrises and sunsets, so it’s no surprise that I would take pictures of my children in front of a beautiful background of vibrant pinks and oranges. I randomly snapped a picture of them standing at the water’s edge staring at the sunset several years ago. The next year, I did the same. It quickly became one of my favorite pictures to capture when we were at the beach. I not only see the beauty from a sunset, but I also get to enjoy seeing my littles continue to grow into not so littles. This picture tugs at my heart strings for so many reasons. I love having this time with them and look forward to sharing our memories someday that are spurred through our family photos. Thankful for my children and thankful for a chance to sit in awe of nature’s beauty. This is my Kodak moment.

Day 27: Hello Old Friend #SOL18

It’s not every day that I’m greeted enthusiastically by my children at 4:30am, but this morning was Tuesday of spring break and Tuesday meant it was travel day! I wish they were this eager to get up on school days.  Although the first day is always a long day due to travel, we made it back to our home away from home in Florida. Of course, there was some obligatory swimming once we settled in this afternoon. I’m sure this trip will fuel some of my future slices as we begin to near the end of the slice of life challenge. Until then, it’s time to sign off for now and get some sleep. Ready to hit the beach tomorrow.

Day 26: Reset and Recharge #SOL18

We are t-minus under 24 hours until we set off for our home away from home - otherwise known as our happy place.  We are looking forward to the salty air, sunshine, sand, and warm weather.  The kids are looking forward to endless swimming, collecting shells, building sandcastles, and pretending they are mermaids.  I am looking forward to family time, beautiful sunsets, reading, running on the beach, and enjoying the bountiful sunshine. While I will still continue my daily writing through the Slice of Life Challenge, I am taking some time to go off the grid.

We all reset and recharge in different ways, yet regardless of how we do it, it is important to be mindful of taking time when it is needed. It does not mean you always have to jet off to a beach, but rather, taking some time to do things you enjoy and will help you reset to move forward.  So while I will take today to pack seemingly endless amounts of underwear and clothes, there are also books, moments of quiet reflection, and endless memory making that await in the days ahead.

What helps YOU recharge? 

Day 25: Let the Sun Shine #SOL18

Let The Sun Shine 

"Winter" wonderland all around, 

Left your mark with the snow-covered ground. 

Time for boots, hats, and gloves, 

Attempting to embrace the same excitement as my little loves. 

Falling, swirling, snow kept falling, 

At least it was good snow for snowballing. 

Finally, the snow came to an end, 

The shoveling and salting soon began to transcend. 

Goodnight snow, goodnight ice, 

Hoping to wake up to something nice.

Morning brings much of the same scenery,

With little hints of some greenery. 

Morning gives way to afternoon light,

Something warm, shiny, and bright. 

The sun has returned to greet the spring, 

Snow disappearing is a marvelous thing. 

Goodbye snow, goodbye ice, 

It is time for flowers, grass, and to knock on wood twice. ;) 

 

Day 24: Indiana Spring is Like a Box of Chocolates #SOL18

Today, the forecast is calling for 5-8 inches of snow. You have to appreciate an Indiana spring - it's like a box of chocolates...you just never know what you are going to get. As the snow is beginning to fall and my children are asking to pull out their snow pants and boots, I go to make my morning cup of coffee in our morning room.

As the Keurig warms up, I stare out the window and take a moment to just look at the outside world. There, beyond the tree line, is the start of a beautiful sunrise. The pinks, oranges, and yellows yield an array of color and beauty.  It's one of our favorite family views from our home.  We can always get a sneak peek at the sun awakening for the day.

Now, my first cup of coffee is nearly gone and the glimpses of color have given way to a new landscape of snowflakes and white.  So while my children are looking forward to a snow day, I'll sit here just a little longer, make a second cup of coffee, and appreciate these moments of mindfulness brought to you by this Indiana spring.

Day 23: Relax, Rest, Recharge #SOL18

The halls have emptied.
The last bus has pulled away.
The classroom doors are closed.
The lights are off.
The school is silent.
Relax

No alarms to be set.
Fresh coffee in a cup and not a travel mug.
Leisurely breakfast still in PJs.
Morning cartoons and reading.
The house is calm.
Rest 

Books to be read.
Writing to be done.
Time to play.
Time to travel.
Time to just "be".
Recharge

Relax, rest, and recharge...spring break is here.

Day 22: And Then There was Ten #SOL18

As I type my slice tonight, it’s hard to believe there are only ten posts left (including today) in this year’s Slice of Life Challenge. Time flies when you are writing. Funny how even on the most challenging days, I’ve been able to stick with my commitment to write. I may start more with a task completion mindset, yet once I start, I find comfort through the words and settle into writing for enjoyment. Isn’t this is what it’s all about? Stretching and growing in ways never thought possible. So while writing from my phone isn’t ideal, it’s still writing and still leads toward the end goal of a month of consecutive writing. This challenge hasn’t seen all the sides of a writer within me...yet. 

Day 21: Verbal Sunshine #SOL18

As I trudged through the snow covered ground (again...in March...but I digress) and into my school this morning, you could tell it was just making everyone feel very blah.  Everyone is over the snow, ready for some spring weather, and time to recharge after this long stretch of time within the school year.  Totally understandable, yet my hope is that we use this time to celebrate and uplift each other as we go through the ebb and flow of the year together.  

Via QuoteFancy

The more we spread the positive, the louder the positive becomes to others and ourselves.  We can spread our own form of sunshine through compliments, encouragement, and support.  This is the time when we, as colleagues, need each other the most.  Give a compliment to a colleague. Give a compliment to a family member. Give a compliment to a friend. Give a compliment to a stranger. Compliment and see how it feels to give someone their daily dose of verbal sunshine. 

Day 20: Count Your Blessings #SOL18

Short and sweet for today's slice, yet I find myself feeling extremely grateful for the blessings surrounding us . It's crazy how in one moment everything can change.  This evening, as I was driving to pick up my youngest kiddos from school, someone pulled out in front of me which almost ended unfavorably. However, I was lucky and able to think quickly to react. Although I was shaken up, it was a powerful reminder about appreciating the blessings that are all around us.  

Day 19 : Tag You're It #SOL18

Tag, you're it. I get this text or voicemail often from one of my closest friends who lives out of state.  If it's not that, it may be the random, middle of the day meme or quote that makes me laugh. We've been through so much the last eighteen years to the point where we truly "get" each other.  Between the two of us, we have seven darling, yet active children that keep both of us on the go (as I'm sure you can imagine).  If I'm in the car, I'll call her.  If she's in the car, she'll call me.  More often than not, we usually end up playing a classic game of phone tag.  Our voicemails and texts can get pretty creative depending on how long it takes one of us to pick up.  You can usually hear a child or two in the background as we give the latest updates of our day to the silence of the voicemail.

This evening, as I drove in the car, I dialed that familiar number and my day was made as I heard my friend's voice on the other end. We don't miss a beat as we continue to talk through the normal evening busyness. We say our goodbyes as she's off to take her oldest to hockey practice and dinner preparations are needed in our household, yet next time we will pick up right where we left off. Tag, you're it. 

Day 18: Tonight's Six Word Memoir #SOL18

Six words. A simple yet powerful way to communicate meaning to others. Tonight's six word memoir can apply personally or professionally. We are all on a journey - we have to learn to trust the process that leads us toward endless possibilities.

L.Smith (2018) 

Day 17: Creativity One Leprechaun at a Time #SOL18

The childhood innocence of creativity is something I wish we continued to foster and sustain into adulthood.  To adults, St. Patrick's Day means a myriad of things (depending on your social preferences), yet to children, it means gold, rainbows, and leprechauns. Add a sprinkle of creativity, and this day becomes a favorite among the ranks of holiday fun.

This morning, as I slept, my children had something up their sleeves.  I had planned a breakfast of Lucky Charms and green milk, but that's about as creative as this momma was getting this year.  Little to my knowledge, my children were fostering their creativity one leprechaun at a time. As I walked downstairs in search of my coffee cup, I looked down and noticed individual toilet paper squares on the stairs left like bread crumbs. Walking into the kitchen, my children greeted me with excitement about the leprechaun visiting. I glanced at my husband who was looking back at me as if this was my doing. Nope!  I was guided to a note taped to the microwave. Still nothing to do with me.  My children proceeded to share about how the house was covered in toilet paper from that silly leprechaun. At this point, a straight face was harder to keep as I listened intently.

So while St. Patrick's Day can mean lots of things to lots of people, I know my children were immersed in a morning filled with creativity, leprechauns,...and toilet paper clean up crew. (And no, it truly wasn't me).

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! 

Day 16: New Style - Before That #SOL18

Trying out a new style of writing tonight called "Before that" thanks to the influence of a fellow slicer.

Before That...

Currently... Curled up on the couch in my favorite sweats with a blanket watching basketball on TV (love March Madness!)

Before that... Kissed four littles goodnight and tucked them in tight. 

Before that... Read four bedtime books to four PJ clad kiddos. 

Before that... Curled up with four pillows, four blankets, and four snuggly kiddos for movie night. 

Before that... It was pizza night - told you it was a family favorite! 

Before that... Bikes and playing with neighbors in the sunshine (that was still a little chilly).

Before that... Wrapping up and finishing those last emails for the day. 

Before that... Collaboration and planning with one of my coaching colleagues. 

Before that... Coaching conversations with some of my amazing colleagues. 

Before that... Enjoyed some snacks from lounge ("goodie table" day -haha). 

Before that... Visited lots of classrooms and enjoyed seeing lots of powerful learning and smiles from students 

Before that... Decided that a second cup of coffee was needed for today. 

Before that... Drove to school with the fourth little and caught a couple minutes of one of my favorite songs (win!)

Before that... Kissed three littles goodbye as they headed off to preschool and a before school club.

Before that... Made four rounds of waffles with peanut butter for hungry bellies.

Before that... Savored the goodness of each sip of my much needed cup of coffee. 

Before that... Realized in fact it was Friday, and it was time to get ready for the day. 

Before that... Had a moment where I swear it was Saturday and couldn't remember why I had set my alarm. 

Before that... The alarm sounded and out of my dream I awoke. 

Day 15: Time for Rest and Reflection #SOL18

Tonight, my mind is full, yet in the utmost, positive way. It feels full of ideas, inspirations, and next steps.  However, in an effort to keep my mind from getting to a feeling of too "stuffed", I need time for rest and reflection. This week has been so powerful and impactful, and my mind is yearning for some time to reflect on all that has happened.  A chance to reflect and clear out all of those thoughts to provide room for new possibilities. Reflection is something our minds crave. For tonight, I first choose rest. A tired mind struggles to support any form of meaningful reflection. However, tomorrow, endless possibilities await in the realm of reflection.   

Day 14 : What's Your Jam? #SOL18

Music is my jam. Nothing can soothe, motivate, or influence like the power of music.  Music can magically match any mood, yet can change with a flip of switch...literally.  Music is always on in our car.  Depending on my tiny passengers, this music typically ranges all the way from The Wheels on the Bus to Kidz Bop.  However, when I experience those rare moments of being in the car by myself, I confess that more often than not, the volume gets turned up a little louder than it should and it's time to jam to whatever style suits my mood.  Sorry (not sorry) to those who may have witnessed a car concert at a red light or two.  Try it - you might surprise yourself just how fun it is to jam out the next time you are in the car. 

Day 13: On the Road to a New Habit #SOL18

Often times, we strive to break bad habits. We have a desire to quit doing something unfavorable because we want to be better or see improvement.  However, what does it mean to build new habits that lead us toward positive change?

Writing has always been a habit that I enjoy, yet I find myself sifting through writing waves like a roller coaster.  Some months, I feel like I'm on my A-game and knock out several blog posts. Other months, I find myself in a writing rut. The desire is there, but the balance and prioritizing of time is nonexistent.  Suddenly, my good habit becomes a habit that I have break in order to get back to it.

Via Twitter- David Kusek

The Slice of Life Challenge always finds me viewing my writing in an upswing.  The challenge of writing for a month straight always seems initially far-fetched, yet having completed it last year, I know it's possible and was an effort toward a new habit of writing more consistently. Here, I find myself again, ready to tackle this month long challenge.  Each day, I'm finding that I look forward to sitting down in front of the computer and writing my daily post.  Even on the crazy busy days, I somehow find the time to write, even if it's just fifteen minutes.  I have made it a priority and am making a conscious effort to make the time I need.  I'm determined to continue this writing habit. While it may not be daily after this month, I'm on the road to building a new habit...again. :) 

Day 12: The Excitement of New #SOL18

The excitement of new. Tonight, I watched excitement through the eyes of my four-year-old daughter. She was starting something new, and it might as well have been Christmas morning.  Her blue eyes sparkled as she asked, "How many more minutes, mommy?"  

As we pulled into the parking lot, the grin stretched from ear to ear. She knew what was about to take place in her little world.  As I opened the door to the building, she was literally hopping through the door, overflowing with an infectious happiness.  That cheesy smile didn't leave her sweet face all evening. She was in her happy place.  She babbled on and on about her something new the whole way home, and this time asked, "How many more minutes until next time?"  The excitement of new. 

Day 11: Gather Around the Table #SOL18

Sundays. Some people refer to it as Sunday Funday, while others prefer to call it a day of rest or worship.  Regardless of what it's called, I love Sundays.

During the week, we may go six different directions, yet still do our best to gather around the table for dinner as a family. Some nights this may mean a simple dinner of grilled cheese, but at least we are together.  When Sunday comes, there is not a rushing in the door from evening practices. There is not a rush to make dinner, so homework and bedtime can soon follow.  There is a slowness in time and pause from the hustle and bustle. There is just us, and thus, means us together as a family.  A time to gather around the table, talk together, and prepare for the week ahead. Tomorrow, we will return to our week where we will continue to do our best to come together as a family in between the multiple directions, but for today, as I look around at the faces around the table, I will remember one of the many reasons why I love Sundays. 

Day 10: Show Me the Pizza - Cinquain #SOL18

As family of six, one can imagine that there are normally six varying opinions on what we should eat for dinner.  However, there is always a consensus when it comes to pizza in our household.  Tonight was pizza night with three of our four littles, so let's serve up today's slice with a short and sweet cinquain poem.

Dinner

Cheesy, crispy

Slicing, munching, crunching 

Delicious meal satisfying all

Pizza