I know, I know. It’s similar to my January mantra, focus. When the mantra chooses you, though, you learn to roll with it.
Although I have to confess, last month’s mantra was a complete bust. As in the only days I woke up early were the days Ryan woke up early and wouldn’t go back to sleep. I was tremendously unproductive with every March morning but two or three.
I’m disappointed in myself.
However, I’m not going to beat myself up over it. I mentioned this before: between too many potty accidents, a handful of bad dreams/night terrors, and the painful acquisition of all four canines, my kids kept me on high nighttime alert all month. I’m not one of those people who can get away with less than 8 hours of sleep on the regular. I inevitably crash. Frankly it’s miraculous that I’ve been able to function as well as I have for the last, oh, six years.
So I’m setting aside my lofty ideal of waking up first to enjoy some alone time before the day begins. Maybe in a few months I’ll revisit it. For now, I will move forward.
In April I’ll remind myself to listen.
I consider myself a pretty good listener already.
When I give only half my attention to whatever they’re telling me, I miss the good stuff. Mila’s funny turns of phrase. Margot’s story about how her imaginary friend Anna Julie Marchband met her husband. The subtle differences in Ryan’s attempts to say new words. (What sounds like dada can mean anything from “want that” to “outside” to “nap time” depending on his inflection.)
And I don’t just want to listen to my kids. By listening to the subtext of a friends’ words, I can be more mindful of their needs. Putting down my phone to hear David tell me about work shows him I value + respect what he has to say. Listening to my body helps me eat better, stretch + move enough, and know when it’s time to rest.
Just in the last week I’ve had a few moments of pure inspiration that I would have missed if I wasn’t truly listening. I want to keep hearing those creative whispers, noticing the nudges to do this or that. It’s exciting.
So if any of you need someone to talk to, for at least the next month I’ll be all ears.
Hugs!
xox