A good friend of mine recently shared this feel-good video and it was something that made me smile …
You see I desperately try not to steal my kids’ sunshine, their spirit, their juice, their rainbow of colors that brings them to life. I try to keep my neurotic parenting to a minimum as I’d like my kids to have some sense of awesomeness still radiate like the sun on ocean waves. As a parent I’ve seen this happen and in truth I did it myself a when they were younger, and I caught myself feeling crappy and ugly for it as I saw the immediate brightness dim itself a bit.
It was just water.
Jumping in puddles. What kid doesn’t want to do that? I was so worried about the car seats and rugs getting soaked that I forgot it’s just water. Mr. Clean Erasers work like magic and the moldy smell would eventually go away if I just aired it out. I totally let the air out of the balloon.
That was me.
I deflated the little spirits when they were 6 and 3. The crazy mom just trying to get through the day, the “getting through” part was what I was missing. I was all about keeping on schedule so breakdowns wouldn’t happen later on. I was just trying to get through it, when I should have been present. Parent fail. Big time.
But I learned.
The person that helped me turn the corner was someone I hadn’t even met. Randy. I remembered Randy Pausch and his Last Lecture … and I remembered splashing in puddles was definitely worth it. Remembering Randy Pausch and his message helped me shift gears. Galoshes and raincoats were in full effect, and I was happy to see the energy and light come back.
I promised myself I wouldn’t steal their sunshine after that and to the best of my recollection I haven’t. I’ve done other crazy mom things, for sure, but that … that is promise I kept.
This touching short film, Alike, was another reminder of that, a reminder of what I could lose if I’m not paying attention, what I could lose if I try to mute their vibe, what I could lose if I forget they need encouragement even if I don’t have it. It also reminded me of what someone else can lose because of me.
It was a good reminder … and I was grateful.
Buen Camino my friends!
The Wish Factor 
I LOVED this film! It had such a great message. We all need to share those moments!
It was!! I’ve been watching it like once a week since I first saw it. I had the kids watch it too. They really liked it! I’ve been checking out these documentaries too. I might have to do a write-up on them. Hey! I hope you had a GOOD Thanksgiving!!
Thank you! I did! Hope you made some great memories too!
Cali,
Failure is simply another way of understanding ourselves. You done good, mama. And I’ll have to check out that film, thanks! 🙂
Thanks for the pep 🙂 sometimes failing doesn’t always feel that way but I’m glad when buddies remind me that it is and this helps shift my perspective. Thanks my friend:) Hoping you had a good Thanksgiving and had all the positive vibes hanging out in your neck of the woods. Have a great one!