Our family has loved worldwide travel for over 30 years. We travel as individuals and multi-generational family units; but most often we travel with kids.
2020 changed the world a bit which means these days now find us closer to home. We are seekers of moments and dream chasers; lovers of wild spaces and good food.
Background
I am a gifted overachiever who functions most efficiently with lists. I have daily lists and plenty of long term goals that require research, planning and multi-step execution.
Although many of my lists are on paper my mind is like a catalog of rotating files. Always adding, evaluating, sorting and redirecting information to make my next moment more productive than the last.
I am so thankful for a strategic mind. Yet, this consciousness must be tempered. Because even while “relaxing” I am subconsciously building my next move. I have trouble allowing myself to be fully present in any moment because I am already planning the next.
My friends suggest meditation as a way to center my mind. So I do what any Type A person would: I listen to (part of) a few podcasts and speed read several books on the subject. I walk away with a series of questions, “Exactly how long do I need to sit here in silence before this meditation thing works? What feeling should I be going for? Is there a way to speed up this process?”
Oh my, what a piece of work I am.
The Realization
Children make life more complicated, more disorganized and infinitely more amazing. Yet my two Littles are the most incredible part of my life. In the process of learning to communicate with each other I began to realize their superpower: the ability to be present in a single experience.
“Come on kids, we are hiking to the waterfall and we are going to have fun.” becomes “Mama, you missed it! You HAVE to come back here and see this spiderweb! Every single part is sparkling in the sunlight!! Have you ever seen something so beautiful?!”
Over time my Littles begin the arduous process of teaching me how to slow down, be present and come alive in every moment. These wise teachers always have a reason to dance. Spontaneous song is a given. Puddles are for splashing. Fun is squishy mud and laughter.
Thankfully this over-committed, Type A human is finally being rescued from herself.
The Moment
Have you ever experienced a moment where every single detail is permanently etched into your being? For me that moment occurred around the time my son was two years old. He and I were walking the dog one evening after work. At this age my son took his own walks. Of course, this means he didn’t walk with me…the dog and I walked quickly in the direction my son was running and we hoped for the best.
On this night, the sun was low in the sky which caused light to filter through the trees and dance around us. A cool breeze carried the smell of Fall as leaves crunched under our feet. Tonight, instead of running ahead, my son slipped his tiny hand into mine. “Love you”, he squeezed my arm and held on for the entire walk. As I looked down at his smiling face I felt energy fly through my body.
In this moment I was keenly aware of every detail. This is what it feels like to be present and alive!!
How many experiences like this have I missed because I was so busy checking off lists, volunteering, working and being my driven Type A self? Something needed to change or I was going to lose myself and the people that mattered most. So I unleashed my strategic mind on a single goal. How could we foster intentional living and cultivate the art of being present?
What we found focuses on authenticity and the continual pursuit of a single question: What makes us feel most alive?
We have become seekers of moments and dream chasers. Lovers of wild spaces and good food. To learn more, follow our adventures on Instagram or check out our blog.
Thanks for taking time to visit us today :-)
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