This first episode focuses on our host Megan and Laura's most shocking aspects entering into suburban hood. You'll find their systems and advice shared below along with any much read, listens or buys you need to survive the burbs.
Megan's Self Discovery Guide
When I was about 9 months into postpartum after my first son I had this weird, somewhat familiar, "itch" that I needed to scratch. I confused it with baby blues because I did struggle emotionally but it was different than just an emotional struggle if I felt like I needed to create movement in my life. Change something up but wasn't able to do that with a newborn. So I felt trapped.
That is when I decided to investigate WHY I was feeling this way and if it had occurred before. If it had, maybe I would have some insight into how I could help myself. Being that I had loads of coaching and therapy throughout myself I had a better understanding of my behavioral responses and intuition. This is a road map for anyone needing to discover why you feel the way you feel and if there are patterns in your behavior that you could give light to for change or comfort in the process that is taking place.
Step One: On a daily basis what emotions am I feeling that are causing negative changes to my behavior? Document this for at least two weeks. If you want an exercise to do that will help you understand an event or response watch this video called FEMA. It was life changing for me.
Step Two: Sit with this information. Allow yourself to be an investigator. Turn over every rock. Trust your intuition/gut feelings and listen to what the universe is telling you. This is one of the hardest things to do for us as parents. Siting requires a strategic time, patience and the ability to just be. Choose a window to look out of and get lost in your own thoughts, feelings and reactions you have had throughout the weeks behind you.
Step Three: Put the wheels in motion. Whether you sat with your discovery for two weeks or 2 days. Take the information you gathered and start creating options, plans and solutions for the things that have been weighing on you. Maybe it's the choice to read more because you need more mental stimulation and education. Maybe you aren't going to allow the mom guilt to override your own health and wellness. Or maybe you and your partner need to have an uncomfortable conversation you have been putting off because of fear. Do it NOW. Don't wait. You are worth every minute of care and consideration. You were once a child under the care of another. What would that little person tell you to do? Better yet, what would that fearless,18 year old self tell you to do?
Laura's Family Scheduling Tips
Scheduling that helps parents stay on track and keep their sanity.
(I would add as many details to this as to time it will take, exact structure of convo, what to consider and what it looks like)
Scheduling seems like one of those things that is self-explanatory, doesn’t it? Despite that, many of us- me included!- feel forgetful, distraught and at times, deranged, when it comes to keeping life and all its moving parts organized. After countless fights with my spouse about who was supposed to pick up the kids or drive carpool, he and I carved out an hour to figure out how we could do it better. And now I’m wondering why we didn’t set that time aside sooner! It would have saved us a lot of heartache. So if you feel like life is in a tailspin, this post is for you!
My husband is 100% digital, but I prefer living in the Stone Age with a paper calendar. I think it is because I am a visual learner and the act of writing it down and seeing it in color somehow cements things in my mind. This isn’t to say I don’t use my iCal, because I certainly do. But there is just something about it I don’t LOVE. So in an effort to compromise, the Hubs and I came up with a color-coded shared iCal system with alerts.
Here’s where we landed: When we create a family obligation in our calendar (whether it is a school event, sport practice/game or having friends over for dinner), it is in a separate color. This indicates to BOTH of us that it will create a possible obligation for ONE of us. Meaning, he and I need to discuss who is Uber for that activity. Then we each have our own colors to indicate when we are busy with something personal (a work meeting, a friend’s birthday lunch, a doctor appointment, etc). You can see the color blocks and know immediately who needs to be where and if there are any time conflicts.
After that, I take time to update my paper calendar with the most important of those things (I usually leave work off my paper calendar since that is ever-changing). Seeing the whole month ahead is a tremendous help. Below, you will find a few items that keep us on track. As well as, the chairs that will keep you comfy while watching hours of sporting events.
Laura's Must Haves For Calendar Planning and Little League Whatever Watching:
AT-A-GLANCE 2022-2023 Desk Calendar, Monthly Academic Desk Pad, 21-3/4" x 17" | |
ESAKURA Gelly Roll Moonlight Gel Pens - Bold Point Ink Pen for Journaling, Art, or Drawing - Assorted Bright Ink - Bold Line - 10 Pack | |
GCI Outdoor SunShade Rocker Collapsible Rocking Chair & Outdoor Camping Chair With Canopy, Neptune Blue. | |
Kelsyus Original Foldable Canopy Chair for Camping, Tailgates, and Outdoor Events, Grey/Light Blue | |
Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal (90 Days) (Inner World) | |
Kelsyus Original Foldable Canopy Chair for Camping, Tailgates, and Outdoor Events, Grey/Light Blue |
Comments