"We will recover, The worst is over, now." Natasha Bedingfield, Recover

A Wise friend recently asked me " If I were to tell you Elissa that out of the next 50 years left of your life, the most difficult period is over. The twins are going to turn 4, you will go back to work in the Fall and you and Dan can finally get back to being...You and Dan".
First thought...PFF!
Second thought...Not only are you childless but you are a man and besides you have no idea how difficult this twin thing is...
Third thought...Hmm...Actually starting to think about what he said instead of just dismissing it as a good friend trying to cheer me up...

Then...BANG.

It hit me...Wait a minute...What if this childless man friend of mine is...Right?

WHACK. Another thought: What if this Wise childless man is able to see the whole picture because he is NOT in it? Because he is not overtired, anxious, frustrated and isolated he is able to see what the REAL picture is and not be fooled by the Foggy goggles we end up wearing day after day when we are in the throws of it all?

BABOUM. Time to reflect. Not wallow or overanalyse, time to reflect.

I now have 3 mornings to myself. OMMMMMMM....PRESCHOOLLLLLL. Instead of keeping on running and running, not only is it okay to take time for myself on these mornings but I NEED TO. NOBODY can feel fulfilled when they constantly feel they are running on empty.Laundry, cleaning, even school work can be done later in the day as opposed to working out and meditating.

Dan and I have found a wonderful reliable and very sweet babysitter. In the words of Mr.Wise Friend " You need to go out with your husband. Cut out what you can so you can do this."

Dan and I have agreed that although we LOVE spending our week-ends the 4 of us, right now is time to nurture the boys the best we can and that is to spend as much one on one time we can have.

This is what it comes down to: When you have been threading water in what seems like cold and furious waters, your mind and your body need to re-adjust to the new calm waters that arise.

Take a breath. Reflect on the NOW and what you want for the future. Don't panic. Give yurself credit for ALL that you have done.

Namaste,

Elissa

P.S. This entry is dedicated to Mr.Wise Friend whom I hope I can be his Mrs.Wise Friend when the time comes...xox

Le Bucket List circa 2011

"A Journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step"
- Lao-Tze Tao Te Ching

Here we go...

1. Establish a bedtime routine and stick to it. Sleep is essential which could explain why the last 4 years have been difficult...Average sleep : 4-6 hours per night. Goal: 8 hours.

2. Drink 8 glasses of water per day. Hydration is key for overall health which is my ultimate Goal: Overall Health.

3. Practice Bikram Yoga 3 times a week. Relaxation and Toxin detox...ESSENTIAL.

4. Journal, Journal, Journal....Or Blog, Blog, Blog?

5. Weekly date night with Big Daddy. You get the point.

6. Weekly mommy escape: coffee shop, meeting some friends or going for a walk in the woods...Must make this ONE a priority.

7. Embrace quality time with the boys over whether or not the Quantity is enough. It is.

8. Graduate from JSC...Yaye!

9. Honnor MYSELF by interacting with people that love, respect and care for me and my family. No more DRAMA. If the shoe fits, Bue Bye.

10. Jump out of a plane. Seriously!

A bientot,

xoxo

New Year...New You?

What is it about the 1st of the year that inspires us to become better? Some vow to become healthier and fitter,for others this is the year they will be rich and of course the single ladies and gentlemen wish to find the..One.
Every single year when everyone straps their party hats on, grabs a drink and begins "The Countdown", I find myself hit with a wave of nostalgia that last year's imprints have left on me...My head and my heart.
This is the year I will...
Only this year is different.
I have decided this year will not only be a Resolution waiting to happen but rather a Journey...My Journey.
Instead of focusing on a number, a time or a specific event, my Journey includes taking the time every day to nourish my body, my mind and my soul.
It occured to me recently that I am either way too honnest about how hard Motherhood is kicking my ass, others might be sugar coding it because of society's expectations or Eureka: I need to pamper that kicked ass every day because it is my ass and my husband and my boys (and myself) deserve a well taken care ass so I can give back...Without feeling kicked.
2011 will be as memorable as 2003, 2004 and 2007: Life Changing.
I wish all of you a Very Happy New Year but most of all a Very Happy New You!
A bientot,
xoxox