July 30, 2015

Sentimental Summer


Lately, I have been a big ball of emotions. Blame it on the post pregnancy hormones, sleep deprivation or reading too much stuff online that creates many internal dialogs. Whatever the reason, I'm sharing my thoughts on how I'm choosing to cherish my sentimental summer.
  1. Be present.
    This is my most challenging task. I'm often the one grabbing the camera to film or snap a photo. I want to "remember" the moment through a photo or video. Ironically, I end up missing the point of being in the moment. Recently, Baby B started socially smiling. The first time it happened, I became obsessed with making sure my camera was nearby. Like his father, Baby B didn't want to be in front of the camera. He would sense the camera, and perhaps my obsession, and stop being the adorable, smiley baby. When I reminded myself to just let things be, I appreciated all the smiles that came soon after. Maybe I don't have the "perfect" photo to share/post, but my heart is full and my memories remain.
  2. Cease comparing.
    Why do we do this to ourselves? Whether I'm on Instagram, Snapchat or other form of social media, I fall victim to the comparison game. It's horrible isn't it? This isn't the first time I've made mention of this wretched game, but somehow the game always creeps back. Now, with a baby, I end up comparing milestones. My thoughts generally go like this: "why isn't my baby doing that?...shoudn't Baby B be doing that by now?...how come this isn't happening for my family?" As my husband always says, everyone and every baby is different. So why am I should-ing all over myself?
  3. Be kind...to myself.
    I'm my worst critic. While I'm the first to remind my friends how wonderful they are, I'm somehow cruel when it comes to myself. I can list a whole bunch of reasons of why I think I'm terrible at something, but I stumble over words to describe myself in a positive light. With motherhood especially, I can be especially harsh with myself. Since I have no previous experience to compare myself to, I automatically assume that if something doesn't happen as I read it to be for others online then the reason it's not happening is because of me. That needs to stop. This coincides with my #2 above and how I should stop should-ing all over myself.
  4. Unplug.
    With so many people plugged into the online world, somehow unplugging seems revolutionary. Stepping away from the computer, my phone, the TV and tablets is wonderfully refreshing. There was a time when so much of this technology was not available and all of those people survived.
  5. Go with the flow.
    Although I don't care to admit this, I am definitely a person who likes a routine and knowing what will happen next. I used to think of myself as a carefree type but as I've gotten older, I realize I stress over the lack of control I may have over situations I'll encounter. There are certain occasions where this doesn't apply (hello, vacations and weekends with no plans), but when it comes to big decisions and life moments, I could be considered Type A. Yet again, having a baby means I can't rely on knowing what will happen next. Because there is no such thing. Things can change instantly and whatever I thought should be, won't be. Learning to go with the flow means I can enjoy the process more and stress less. I can appreciate surprises and the joy of discovering unexpected results. 
With this thought in mind, how are you all choosing to cherish your sentimental summer?
 

14 comments:

  1. hey nancy! don't be hard on yourself. this is an adjustment period for you and your family. it takes a little time (allow yourself that time). my grandmother always told me boy babies are a little slower, so don't beat yourself up hahaha (when they do catch on, he will be busier than a bee). take things ONE day at a time. do what's best for YOUR family! everyone's family is different. that's what makes you so beautiful! you're unique! you're different! you're not like everyone else!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  2. Love love love everything you had to say here! I so relate to you on that first point; I, too, want to "remember" and have all these photos so I don't forget; yet in the midst of trying not to forget, I've already lost the moment itself. Such a good reminder to just put down the phone/camera sometimes and be present!

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  3. Ugh the comparing is the hardest for me, especially with social media and seeing everyone's perfect photos, but it is nice trying to work on not caring haha!

    xx,
    Susie

    www.SequinsandStrawberries.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are great to live by. I always try to remember to be kind to myself which can sometimes be hard because of the things that we unconsciously say to ourselves but practice makes perfect.
    XoXo from South Africa

    www.girlcandress.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wonderful advice. I think we could all use a little bit of this! Thank you for sharing.

    Latest Post - How To Dress For Summer in San Francisco: Wear A Trench

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  6. UGH - I feel you so much on these points...especially the one about comparison. Why do we all do that to ourselves?

    Jackie
    Something About That

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  7. Love everything about this post! All good reminders for everyone. I'm finding that I have not been appreciating the summer enough and it freaked me out a bit when I realized that August is around the corner. Thank you for reminding me to stop and enjoy the moment!

    www.elleisforlove.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are great words to live by Nancy. I am truly my own worst critic and always comparing myself to others. Take care of yourself my friend!

    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

    Would love for you to stop by & join TBT Fashion link up.

    ReplyDelete
  9. such a wonderful post and I feel you with these points. same here

    www.thefashionfraction.com

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  10. I can so relate to #3. Oy. I am the first to put myself down even in conversations with people. I am trying not to do it because I feel horrible when people take it as an invitation to put me down as well. Take care Nancy and have a good weekend!

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  11. These are all such helpful, therapeutic sentiments! Being mindful and going with the flow can be so helpful, but can definitely take practice! And when my niece started smiling it was such a magical thing :)

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  12. Very useful post for everybody! I just hope you will feel better! Maybe needs some shopping to heal! ;)

    Take care and keep in touch!
    Please stop by every Wednesday for Color and Grace Fashion link up! :)

    Grace
    http://colorandgrace.com 

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  13. It is okay to "listen" to our emotions sometimes :) I tend to be more emotional than I'd like to be and I understand how you must be feeling like. I think #3 is so important, love and kindness begin from ourselves to ourselves. Another thing I found in common is the routine thing, it makes me feel safe knowing what's gonna happen next.
    I hope you feel better soon and keep enjoying of the precious time with your baby. Tahnks for sharing this! :)
    xx

    http://www.stylebydeb.com

    ReplyDelete

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