Bend, Bounce and Spin

Things That Went Right Today:

1) Going to see "Hoodwinked" tonight with the kids.
2) Mani/ pedi later!
3) Love the new goodwill drop off boxes all over town. So much more convenient than calling them and waiting for them to pick up.

I'm trying to convey some life lessens to my children that I believe will help them throughout their lives. So for the past several months we've had a family motto posted on the wall of our kitchen:

Bend, Bounce and Spin

BEND: When the wind blows and the rains come, it is not always the tallest trees or those with the largest trunks that stand. The trees that survive the storms are those that are able to bend, absorb the impact and sway through it. Flexibility is an important trait for people too. So much of what happens to us in this life is beyond our control. While holding fast to our core principles, we need to learn to bend when necessary - to adjust to new realities as they come along and make course corrections as needed. Life is an adventure...keep swaying and you won't break.

BOUNCE: Sometimes, no matter what we do, things will happen in our lives that will knock us down for a time. The trick is in always striving to bounce back when that happens. On the trampoline, putting all of our energy into getting a good bounce can send us soaring higher than we've ever been before. It can be a little scary sometimes, but so much more fun than sitting in a heap on the ground. So when life brings you down, put some muscle into bouncing back - these are the times to FLY!

SPIN: Whatever your circumstance, there is almost always a way to put a positive spin on it if you try. Rainy day? The moisture is feeding the flowers so they will bloom brighter tomorrow. Illness or loss? You are learning compassion for others. Unexpected move? A new adventure. The other day in the car I was feeling frustrated and griping that I was so busy that day running a ton of errands when I had other things I felt I ought to be doing instead. But then I thought...no Laura...turn that thought around - you are lucky to have such an active vibrant life surrounded by so many people you love. This keeps you busy, but would you rather be bored? Nope - sure wouldn't. Suddenly I felt blessed rather than overwhelmed, just by taking that moment to turn the thought around and see the situation in a new way. Sometimes you have to reach a little to find the silver lining, but with practice you get better at it.  It's always there if you train your mind and heart to see it!